This is a traditional Bosnian house which is characteristic of the Ottoman period of architectural construction in Bosnia - Herzegovina. Of course, it certainly differs from the Turkish building style or indeed the surrounding ones in BH, due to the nature of the geography and traditions of where it is built. It is made from natural materials such as wood and stone, while the whole concept includes a building with a beautiful inner garden and wooden entrance gate.

Hidden in the hills of Sarajevo, there is a beautiful small, tiny Bosnian house, looking like one you might find in your story books.

It has stood there for more than one hundred years. It truly represents a monumental heritage. Traditional Bosnian houses are famous for having roses and water fountains in their gardens which gives the garden a life of its own. In this garden you can breathe in the scent of the cherry tree, nut or apple trees. Although in need of some renovation, such treasures can rarely be found now in our surrounding area and country. This house is situated on Pasha Hill in Sedrenik amongst the hills of Sarajevo, near Vijecnica.

On visiting this place, you realise how modestly families in Bosnia - Herzegovina lived. Sustainable surroundings of fruits, such as walnuts and cherries in the garden, were so important. It certainly adds to the food production system now and supports a sustainable system for living at this time of climate change and the Covid-19 crisis.

What is interesting to note is that when buildings were constructed previously, the view and healthy environment was very important.  

This particular traditional house was built approximately 150 years ago, above the Sarajevo valley, in the same sea line as the Clinic for Lung Diseases. This shows how important clean air (measured in this area as no fog), was for the builders and families at that time. The fog and pollution settles in the Sarajevo valley; the clean air and sunrays shine above it.

All images courtesy of Emina Čamdžic