Mostar straddles the banks of the Neretva River. It was established by the Ottoman Turks in the late 15th century and is a place where the cultures of the Middle East and Europe mingled. Although many structures have been repaired since the Balkan Wars, we could still observe bombed-out buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage city is divided between the Muslim community around the bridge and the Croat community to the west.

The centerpiece and city icon is its 𝙊𝙡𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚, an arched bridge commissioned by an Ottoman Sultan in 1557, and a masterpiece of Ottoman Turkish architecture. The bridge and the old city were both destroyed during the Balkan wars, rebuilt in 2004 and represent a symbol of reconciliation and continued peace for the region.

Mostar is named after the former bridge keepers, mostari, who guarded the bridge in medieval times. Today, instead of bridge keepers, the attraction is divers (who will dive after they receive enough money!) It is a long scary dive…but we did not give the money to see it!

Both sides of the bridge are filled with cobbled bazaars filled with the usual selection of tourist trinkets! We enjoyed walking around the streets but no purchases!

We also enjoyed a great lunch at the restaurant Sadrvan.

We were presented with many options…a delicious blend of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman (Turkish) influences. It was flavorful but not overly spicy, with an emphasis on grilled meats, fresh vegetables, bread, and dairy.

We learned names for each of these foods…but they just did not stick with me!