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William Dalrymple (historian)
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| Native name | Zlatarska ulica (Bosnian) |
|---|---|
| Former name(s) | Veliki Kujundžiluk, Predimare |
| Length | 0.15 km (0.093 mi) |
| Location | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Coordinates | 43°51′34.09″N 18°25′46.41″E / 43.8594694°N 18.4295583°E |
| North | Mula Mustafe Bašeskije Street |
| South | Zelenih Beretki Street |
Zlatarska Street (Bosnian: Zlatarska ulica; Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic: Златарска улица), meaning "Goldsmiths' Street") is a historic street located in the Baščaršija district of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Officially named Gazi Husrev-begova Street, it is colloquially known as Zlatarska due to its long-standing association with goldsmiths and jewelry artisans. The street runs from Zelenih Beretki Street in the south to Mula Mustafe Bašeskije Street in the north, forming a central artery in Sarajevo's old bazaar.[1]
History
Zlatarska Street traces its origins to the early 16th century, during the Ottoman period, when it was part of Gazi Husrev Bey's endowment (waqf).[2] The street was historically divided into two sections: Veliki Kujundžiluk, named after the goldsmiths who worked there, and Predimare, also known as Imaret Čaršija, named after the public kitchen (imaret) that provided free meals to travelers and the poor.[3] In 1931, these sections were unified under the name Gazi Husrev-begova Street, honoring the Ottoman governor who significantly contributed to Sarajevo's development.[4]
Goldsmithing tradition
The street's nickname, Zlatarska, reflects its historical and ongoing association with goldsmiths and jewelers. During the Ottoman era, artisans of the same trade were organized into guilds and often worked in designated areas. Zlatarska Street became the hub for goldsmiths, a tradition that continues today. The street is lined with shops specializing in handcrafted gold and silver jewelry, maintaining techniques passed down through generations.[5]
Landmarks
Zlatarska Street is home to several notable landmarks:
- Gazi Husrev-begov bezistan: A covered market built in 1555 as part of Gazi Husrev Bey's endowment. The bezistan runs parallel to Zlatarska Street and is connected via an eastern entrance. It was historically used for trading groceries and textiles and remains a vibrant marketplace today.[6]
- Slatko Ćoše (Sweet Corner): Located at the intersection of Zlatarska, Ferhadija, and Sarači streets, this area is known for its traditional sweet shops and is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.[7]
Cultural significance
Zlatarska Street is not only a center for traditional crafts but also a symbol of Sarajevo's multicultural heritage. The coexistence of various religious and ethnic communities in the area is reflected in the street's diverse architecture and cultural institutions. The preservation of goldsmithing practices serves as a testament to the city's commitment to maintaining its historical identity amidst modernization.
See also
References
- ^ Handžić, Ahmed S. (1975). O urbanizaciji Sarajeva (in Bosnian). Orijentalni institut. ISBN 978-9958-648-11-6.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ "Baščaršija i njene ulice". Muzej Sarajeva (in Bosnian). Retrieved 2025-04-16.
- ^ "Baščaršija i njene ulice". Muzej Sarajeva (in Bosnian). Retrieved 2025-04-16.
- ^ "Gazi Husrev-Begova". Destination Sarajevo. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
- ^ "Goldsmiths". Baščaršija.ba. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
- ^ "Gazi Husrev-begov bezistan". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
- ^ "Gazi Husrev-Begova". Destination Sarajevo. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
