Through history, many of these structures were built with a significant design. In Sarajevo, all these bridges share the same symbolic – Connection, friendship and mutual life. Many of these structures were in present for a long period of time. Some of them are dating from the Ottoman period of rule all the way back in the mid 15th century.
On river Miljacka which is the skeleton core of the capital of Bosnia spreading for around 35 km. River Miljacka has 2 springs, one is at Pale the other one is in Kadino village, while both of them are merging in village Dovlici. Then continue to pass through Sarajevo on the way towards the river Bosnia and later on merges in it.
Bridges are symbolizing a will to overcome an obstacle. Which is in most situations to cross on another side of the riverbank. Through history, these bridges were important for the development of the community which resides in the capital of Bosnia.
It is unknown how the river Miljacka received her name, mostly because people would refer to her as the favorite one. It was named lieblichen (ger. for favorite one) by German traveling writer Heinrich Renner. On the river Miljacka, there are around 20 bridges constructed. Every one of them is having a significance of its own.
In this article, we are going to introduce you with the most significant ones. You would be able to visit most of them in Sarajevo city center.
Goat's Bridge - Kozja Cuprija
The oldest bridge in capital of Bosnia is known to the local community by the name Kozja Cuprija or Goat’s Bridge. It is the first bridge construction in Sarajevo site which was used back in the time of Ottoman rule. The bridge was connecting Sarajevo with the old road to Istanbul, which would be taking you to the eastern part of the Ottoman Empire.
The name was given according to the legend. When one poor shepherd noticed that his goats are spending too much time in bushes near the river. One day he decided to explore the bushes, while one of the goats would be guiding him to a pot of gold. With that amount of gold, he was able to educate himself and became a respectable person in Ottoman Sarajevo. According to legend, he returned a few years later, for one reason and that is to construct the bridge. Accordingly, he built the bridge on the same spot where goats guided him to the pot of gold which would be changing his destiny.
Still, today is considered that the bridge was constructed as a part of a new road connection through Bosnia. Goat’s Bridge is part of 4 bridges that were constructed during that action. Alongside with Old Bridge in Mostar, Arslanagica bridge near Trebinje and Bridge on the Drina near Visegrad.
Emperor’s Bridge was constructed in the 15th century by the 1st governor and founder of Sarajevo Isa – Beg Isakovic. The first bridge was located right in front of the entrance to the Emperor’s Mosque. But that bridge was collapsed in 1619 due to the flood of river Miljacka. After that event, there was a stone bridge constructed by Hajji Husein-aga Haračić. Which reconstructed in 1792, due to the damage done by flooded Miljacka.
Latin Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in Sarajevo mostly to its closeness to the historical assassination site. Which occurred right across the street. From that site young fellow, Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in 1914.
The first mentioning of the bridge was in 1541. The first wooden bridge was constructed by saddler Husein, which was later on taken by the flood. A new stone bridge was constructed by Ali – Ajni Bey in 1565. Name of the bridge was given according to the neighborhood on another side of the riverbank. In which merchant colony from Dubrovnik resided, known by the name Latinluk. Today’s neighborhood of Bistrik.
Cumurija bridge or Coal Bridge was constructed in by Hajji Hasan in 1556. The name was given after smoke of the coal of the shops which were in the surroundings. Like most of the bridges in Sarajevo, this one as well was reconstructed in 1886. with iron materials.
These were only a few of the most significant bridges in Sarajevo. While others, you would be able to find them on your own as you would be passing by through Sarajevo.