Kovači Street
Kovači Street in Sarajevo's Old Town | |
| Native name | Ulica Kovači (Bosnian) |
|---|---|
| Length | 300 m (980 ft) |
| Location | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Postal code | 71000 |
| South end | Muslihudin Čekrekčija Mosque |
| North end | Kovači Plateau |
| Other | |
| Known for | Historic Ottoman-era street, coppersmiths, bohemian cafés, Kovači Martyrs' Cemetery |
Kovači Street (Bosnian: Ulica Kovači; Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic: Улица Ковачи) is a historic cobblestone street located in Baščaršija, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Renowned for its Ottoman-era heritage, artisanal workshops, and vibrant café culture, the street serves as a significant cultural and historical artery within the city.
History
The name "Kovači" is derived from the Bosnian word for blacksmiths, reflecting the street's historical association with metalworking trades. During the Ottoman period, Kovači Street was home to numerous artisans, including blacksmiths and stonecutters who crafted stećci (medieval tombstones) and early Muslim grave markers known as nišani. The street's proximity to the Hreša quarry, a source of stone for these markers, underscores its historical significance in Sarajevo's funerary art traditions.[1]
In the 19th century, following devastating fires in Baščaršija, some metalworkers relocated their workshops to Kovači Street to mitigate fire risks associated with densely packed wooden structures. This migration further cemented the street's reputation as a hub for skilled craftsmanship.[2]
Cultural significance
Kovači Street is lined with traditional Ottoman-style buildings, many of which house artisanal shops specializing in copperware and other handicrafts. The rhythmic sounds of coppersmiths at work contribute to the street's authentic ambiance, offering visitors a sensory experience of Sarajevo's rich cultural heritage.[1]
At the northern terminus of the street lies the Kovači Martyrs' Cemetery, the final resting place for many defenders of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, including Alija Izetbegović, the first president of independent Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tourism and accessibility
Kovači Street's is located in Sarajevo's Old Town. The street also serves as a gateway to nearby landmarks, including the Yellow Fortress and White Fortress, which offer panoramic views of the city.[1]
Gallery
-
Džirlo Tea House.
-
Birtija
-
Metalworks store in Kovači Street.
-
Copperworks store in Kovači Street.
-
Džirlo Tea House.
-
Ministry of Ćejf, Kovači Street.
-
Roasters
-
Kovači Street, May 2022.
References