Categories: Local Craftsmanship

Mostar

There are over thirty different crafts associations in Mostar, some of which have existed ever since 1762, such as, for example, those of the bakers (ekmekdžije), the tailors (terzije), the cobblers (baškmadžije), the leather workers (čurćije), the weavers (ćebedžije), the goldsmiths (kujundžije), the locksmiths (timurdžije), the tanners (tabadžije), the barbers (beberi), and the builders (dundžeri).

An intensive development of crafts in the city came with the the Ottoman rule and the transformation from a medieval fort to an urban center. The artisan work of the people of Mostar was valued across the entire empire; the filigree works of goldsmiths and silversmiths, and products made from copper and leather especially stood out. How important crafts were for Mostar is proven by the fact that certain parts of the city still bear names derived from crafts, such as Kujundžiluk (Silversmith) or Tabhana (Tannery). The characteristic craft products give an additional value to the touristic potential, making it more attractive and diverse. An old craft tradition, whose roots date from the Ottoman period, is represented through the many shops in the streets of Mostar in which artworks made out of copper, leather, wool, wood are sold. They give an additional value to attractiveness of entire area. The purchase of one of these craft works means taking a fragment and souvenirs of this beautiful city back home.