Logavina Street

Logavina Street (Bosnian: Logavina ulica; Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic: Логавина улица) is a historic street located in the Stari Grad (Old Town) municipality of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for its multicultural heritage, Ottoman-era architecture, and significant role during the Siege of Sarajevo, the street has become a symbol of the city's resilience and diversity.^[1]

Logavina Street traces its origins to the Ottoman period, when it was part of a small street known as Logavin Sokak, extending up to Vrbanjuša.^[2] The street was named after the prominent Logavina family, which contributed several scholars to Sarajevo's intellectual life.^[3]

In 1931, Logavina was merged with Vrbanjuša, Budakovića, and other adjacent roads to form a single street named Abdulaha-efendije Kaukčije. Despite the official renaming, the original name "Logavina" persisted in common usage.^[3]

During the Bosnian War (1992–1995), Logavina Street gained international attention as a microcosm of Sarajevo's diverse population. The street was home to Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs who lived together in relative harmony, even as the city endured the longest siege in modern history. Journalist Barbara Demick chronicled the lives of Logavina's residents in her book Logavina Street: Life and Death in a Sarajevo Neighborhood, providing a poignant account of daily life during the conflict.^[4][5]

Logavina Street is emblematic of Sarajevo's multicultural fabric. For centuries, it has been a residential area where people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds coexisted. The street's architecture reflects Ottoman influences, with narrow passages and traditional Bosnian houses.^[6]

The acclaimed War Childhood Museum, located at 30–32 Logavina Street, stands as a testament to the experiences of children during wartime. The museum's collection includes personal belongings and video testimonies, offering valuable insights into the unique experiences of children who lived through the Bosnian War.^[7]

These venues contribute to the street's lively atmosphere, making it a focal point for Sarajevo's social and cultural life.^[8]

Logavina Street is also home to one of Sarajevo’s oldest police stations, originally established in 1881 and located near the junction with Mehmed Paša Sokolović Street. The station, officially known as the Police Administration Stari Grad (’‘Policijska uprava Stari Grad’’), operates under the Ministry of Interior of the Sarajevo Canton. It serves the Old Town Municipality, handling local administrative, public safety, and traffic-related matters.^[9][10]

Logavina Street's central location in Sarajevo's Old Town makes it easily accessible to visitors exploring the city's historical sites. Its pedestrian-friendly layout allows for leisurely strolls, with opportunities to engage with local artisans and experience traditional Bosnian hospitality. The street also serves as a gateway to nearby landmarks, including the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the Baščaršija bazaar.