Information
Landmark: Mostar Old BazaarCity: Mostar
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Continent: Europe
Mostar Old Bazaar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe
Overview
In Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Old Bazaar-locals call it Kujundžiluk-winds through cobbled lanes and stands as one of the city’s most captivating, history-soaked quarters.Just steps from the iconic Stari Most, this lively marketplace invites you to wander cobbled lanes, breathe in the scent of fresh bread, and immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant culture, traditions, and craftsmanship.Highlights of Mostar’s Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk), where cobblestone lanes echo with the sound of merchants calling.The Old Bazaar, dating back to the 16th-century Ottoman era, once thrived as Mostar’s bustling heart, where merchants traded spices, metals, and stories in the narrow, lively streets of Kujundžiluk.Today, its cobblestone lanes wind past small stone buildings and Ottoman-style shops with wooden shutters that creak in the breeze, their charm blending seamlessly with views of the Neretva River and the Old Bridge.Inside artisan workshops, copper plates gleam under careful hammering, rugs spill bursts of color from doorway racks, and shelves display bright Bosnian ceramics alongside paintings of the city’s skyline.Visitors can watch craftsmen at work using age-old methods, join in the friendly ritual of bargaining, and end the day savoring rich Bosnian coffee or grilled ćevapi at one of the many cafés lining the market.You can sip strong Bosnian coffee poured from a copper džezva, nibble on baklava or soft, cinnamon‑spiced tufahija, and dig into smoky ćevapi or tender sogan‑dolma hot off the grill.Many cafés set their tables outdoors, where you can watch the Old Bridge glow in the sun above the green sweep of the Neretva.Kujundžiluk blends East and West, its stalls and arches reflecting Ottoman grace, Austro‑Hungarian detail, and Herzegovinian warmth.The air buzzes with chatter, the strum of street musicians, and the scent of roasting meat.Spring and summer bring the biggest crowds, when visitors from around the world fill the bazaar’s narrow lanes.In the early morning or as the sun dips low, the place feels quieter, almost private.The narrow cobbled lanes of Kujundžiluk, cool beneath your shoes, are best wandered on foot.Slip on comfortable shoes for the uneven stone paths, just a short stroll from the Old Bridge, so it’s easy to add to your tour of Mostar’s historic heart.Nearby, you’ll find the Old Bridge itself-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque with sweeping city views from its minaret, and the Turkish House, an Ottoman-era home filled with carved wood and embroidered cushions.The Old Bazaar isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a vibrant slice of history where the atmosphere of the Ottoman era still lingers in the air.Whether you’re hunting for a hand-carved trinket, soaking in the lively street music, or just wandering its cobbled lane, Kujundžiluk pulls you in and reflects the heart of Mostar’s rich heritage.
