Saraevo

Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in the Sarajevo valley, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, and centered around the Miljacka River. The city has a rich and complex history, marked by its diverse cultural influences and its role as a crossroads of civilizations.

Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century and subsequently became an important administrative, commercial, and cultural center within the Ottoman Empire. The Austro-Hungarian Empire annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908, leading to significant infrastructure development and modernization in Sarajevo. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo in 1914 triggered World War I.

During the 20th century, Sarajevo was part of Yugoslavia, serving as the capital of the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. The Bosnian War (1992-1995) saw Sarajevo subjected to the longest siege in modern warfare, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.

Today, Sarajevo is a rapidly developing city undergoing reconstruction and modernization. It remains a significant cultural and economic center in the Balkans, known for its religious diversity, its historical landmarks, and its vibrant arts scene. The city's architecture reflects a blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern styles. Key landmarks include Baščaršija (the old Ottoman bazaar), the Latin Bridge, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and the Sarajevo War Tunnel.