Baščaršija is an old Sarajevo market-place (bazaar), and lso historical and cultural center of the city. It was built in the 15th century, when the entire city was founded by Isa Beg Isakovic . Baščaršija word comes from the word "baš" which in Turkish means "main", so Baščaršija means "main bazaar". Due to the large fire in the 19 century, today's Baščaršija is twice smaller than it once was. Baščaršija is located on the north bank of the river Miljacka, in the municipality of Stari Grad, Sarajevo. There are several important historical buildings On Baščaršija, such as Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque and "Sahat-kula". Today is Baščaršija main tourist attractions of the city of Sarajevo with numerous attractive shops.

The word "Baš-čaršija" literarily means "main marketplace" and designates the area of market square around the fountain called „sebilj“, and later this name spread on the whole nowadays Old Sarajevo's marketplace. It is formed in the middle of XV century. The market-place was built on the model of an Arabian „suk“, a line of spacious lots linked by a complex of a number of entangled little streets. In use from 1896. Here you can taste, smell and feel the real islamic-scented Sarajevo. With a little trading skill you can take home real bargains.

Great atmosphere for summer evenings, relaxing walks, having a traditional turkish coffee in Morica-han, or if you're hungry you shouldn't miss excellet and tasty "cevapi".. there are also small places with traditional sweets and cakes, such as baklava, tufahije... to refresh yourself drink some "boza"... you can also buy something to remember your visit to Sarajevo, as there are a lot of souvenir-shops where you can find tradional hand-worked souvenirs.

Baščaršija is a place in Sarajevo where you can really "feel changing" from western culture to rich muslim culture - and back to 15th century. Narrow streets, mosques, bazaars with gold/silver/coppersmithers, and plenty of small family-run restaurants. And just few minutes walk one can move to Sarajavo's Austrian-Hungary and Jugo-style parts.

You can't travel to Sarajevo without visiting Bascarsija, the old part of town. Especially if you are looking for a bargain in gold, silver or diamonds. If you don't want jewellery, just have a coffee or a cevapi at a streetside cafe/cevabdzinica and enjoy the view (Bosnian beauties - summertime naturally best).