Regarded as friendly, warm, and outgoing, Bosnians enjoy merak(a relaxed pace of living). Bosnia, officially known as Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a rich and diverse architectural heritage. Juraj Neidhardt described Bosnia as, The point is that Bosnian man has his style. He makes his pottery, space, and city, according to himself, in a human scale, he is not a mystic, but a realist and that is the source of all this realistic architecture, which is at the same time comfortable, humble, and democratic. All roofs and doors of these houses are almost the same, we could call them homes for anyone, all of them in the human scale, all almost grown out of the land, all the decoration brought from their construction and structure – architecture built of the natural and the local.
Cultural Influence
Bosnia has a complex cultural history due to its location at the crossroads of different civilizations. The architecture of Bosnia reflects a blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences. The Ottoman Empire had a significant impact on Bosnia, introducing elements such as mosques, hammams (Turkish baths), and bazaars. Additionally, traditional Bosnian architecture, characterized by wooden houses with stone foundations and distinct roof shapes, showcases the indigenous cultural heritage. A typical Bosnian house from the 17th century had five main elements: a fence that separated private and public spaces facing the street, a courtyard usually landscaped with pebble or flat stone pattern for easier maintenance, an outdoor fountain (Šadrvan) for hygienic purposes.Hajat was a semi public space where families would get together located at lower level whereas the Divanhan was an upper level semi private space used for relaxation and enjoyment. The Austro-Hungarian rule brought a neoclassical and Moorish Revival architectural style, visible in public buildings and mansions.
Social Influence
The social dynamics of Bosnia, including its multi-ethnic and multi-religious composition, have influenced architectural styles and spatial arrangements. Cities like Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka exhibit a diverse range of religious buildings, including mosques, Orthodox churches, Catholic cathedrals, and synagogues. The architecture of these religious structures represents the coexistence and intermingling of different communities throughout history. Dusan Grabrijan, an architectural theoretician, defined the primary organization of typical Bosnian cities as defined by five authentic components as a set of unwritten laws. The surrounding hills define the form of the city, the main road is the spine, “Čarsija” is the heart, vegetation is the lungs, and the river is the spirit. River was the main element that led to the development of urban life. This is the reason why the Stari Most – the longest single-span arch stone bridge in the world at the time it was constructed in 1566 came into existence. This bridge in Mostar, Herzegovina had a meaning more profound than exhibiting power. It illustrated the connection between Eastern and Western civilization. Social interactions and community values have also influenced the design of public spaces, marketplaces, and residential neighborhoods.
Political Influence
The political history of Bosnia has had a profound impact on its architecture. Most of the miltary fortresses in Bosnia and Herzegovina were built between the 12th and 15th centuries even though they date from the era of Roman rule. These structures were built out of rough-cut stone on hills overlooking a river, route, or town. The period of Austro-Hungarian rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries resulted in the construction of administrative buildings, city squares, and infrastructure projects. The scars of the Bosnian War (1992-1995) are visible in the post-war reconstruction efforts, where buildings and neighborhoods damaged during the conflict were rebuilt. Where the Oslobodjenje Towers stood initially before the war, the Avaz towers have now been built as new headquarters for Avaz, the popular Bosnian newspaper company.It has a striking height of 142 m with a 30 m high antenna making the total height of 172 meters. The glass twisting facade is another striking feature. Many war-ravaged buildings now stand alongside contemporary architectural designs, reflecting the resilience and recovery of the country.
Demographics
Bosnia has a diverse demographic makeup, consisting of Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims), Serbs, and Croats, along with smaller minority groups. Each group has contributed to the architectural landscape based on their cultural preferences and religious traditions. The architectural styles of mosques, churches, and houses reflect the cultural identity and practices of these different ethnic and religious communities. The demographic shifts and migrations over the years have also influenced urban development and spatial planning in Bosnia.
Modernization
Modernization has influenced Bosnian architecture through the adoption of contemporary building materials, construction techniques, and architectural trends. In urban areas, modernist and contemporary architectural styles are visible in commercial buildings, shopping centers, and high-rise structures. However, the modernization process has not completely erased the traditional architectural elements. Many architects strive to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modern design principles, resulting in a fusion of traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
In summary, the architecture of Bosnia is a reflection of the cultural, social, political, demographic, and modernization dynamics that have shaped the country’s history. The diverse influences and interplay between traditional and contemporary elements create a unique architectural landscape, representing the rich heritage and ongoing evolution of Bosnia.
References
Citations for websites,online articles:
Architecture of Bosnia and Herzegovina[online]Available at : https://en.wikipedia.org/
Architecture from Bosnia and Herzegovina[online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/
Architecture of Bosnia and Herzegovina[online]Available at: https://www.hisour.com/architecture-of-bosnia-and-herzegovina-31630/
The relationship of architecture and politics throughout the history of Bosnia [Online]Available at: https://tristotrojka.org/the-relationship-of-architecture-and-politics-throughout-the-history-of-bh/
Citations for images/photographs – Print or Online:
1_Svrzo’s house_islamicarchitecturalheritage.com
2_Stari grad city hall_Wikimedia
3_Stari Most_wonderguide.com
4_St Luke Tower_Wikipedia
5_Avaz Twist Tower_Researchgate
6_Sacred Heart Cathedral_saatchiart.com
7_Gazi Husrev-bey mosque_Kasadoo
