Baščaršija, Ottoman bazaar district in Stari Grad, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Baščaršija is a historic market district with stone-paved streets, hundreds of small shops, traditional restaurants, and old buildings featuring wooden facades and red-tiled roofs. The tightly arranged structures and their handcrafted details create a cohesive architectural character spanning different periods.
Founded in 1462 by Isa-Beg Ishaković as a trading center, the district developed into a major commercial hub during Ottoman rule. Most of the buildings visible today date from that era or were reconstructed during subsequent occupations.
Each street here takes its name from a traditional craft such as coppersmithing, leatherwork, or carpet weaving that once dominated the area. Today, visitors can still observe artisans practicing these skills in their small shops along the lanes.
The district is most active during daylight hours and is best explored on foot, as the narrow lanes have limited vehicle access. Both local currency and euros are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, and the terrain is relatively flat and easy to walk through.
The Sebilj, a wooden fountain from 1913, sits in the central square and attracts thousands of pigeons daily fed by visitors. This fountain is far more than a water source - it serves as a gathering spot and one of the most photographed symbols of the area.
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