Sarajevo

Sarajevo
Name	Sarajevo
Coordinates	43, 51, 23, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Subdivision type1	Entity
Subdivision name1	Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Subdivision type2	Canton
Subdivision name2	Sarajevo Canton
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Benjamina Karić
Area total km2	141.5
Population total	275,524
Population as of	2013 census
Population density km2	auto

Sarajevo. It is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity and the Sarajevo Canton. The city is a historic and cultural hub, known for its religious and ethnic diversity, having been influenced by centuries of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule. Its complex history includes its pivotal role in the events leading to World War I and the protracted Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War in the 1990s.

History

The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with significant development beginning under the Ottoman Empire after its conquest in the 15th century, when it was established as a major administrative center. The city gained global infamy in 1914 when the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip of Young Bosnia triggered the outbreak of World War I. Following the war, it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The city hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, showcasing its modern development before being subjected to the devastating Siege of Sarajevo by the Army of Republika Srpska during the Bosnian War, a conflict following the breakup of Yugoslavia. Post-war reconstruction has been guided by the Dayton Agreement, which established the current political structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Geography

The city is nestled within the Sarajevo valley, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and situated along the Miljacka river. Notable geographic features include the nearby mountain Trebević, which was a venue for the 1984 Winter Olympics, and Igman. The city's topography significantly influences its climate, resulting in cold winters with abundant snowfall and warm summers. The urban layout distinctly reflects its historical periods, with the old Ottoman-era quarter of Baščaršija contrasting with the Central European architecture found in the Marijin Dvor area, developed during the Austro-Hungarian period.

Demographics

According to the 2013 census, the city proper has a population of over 275,000, while the broader metropolitan area exceeds 555,000 residents. The city is administratively part of the Sarajevo Canton within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Historically a multi-ethnic city, its demographic composition was dramatically altered by the Bosnian War. Today, the majority of inhabitants are Bosniaks, with significant communities of Serbs, Croats, and others. Major religious affiliations include Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Judaism, reflecting a long tradition of coexistence.

Culture

Often called the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its religious diversity, the city is renowned for its unique cultural heritage. Key landmarks include the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, and the Ashkenazi Synagogue. The city hosts prestigious cultural events such as the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Sarajevo Winter Festival. Its culinary tradition is a famed blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, with dishes like ćevapi and burek. The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Sarajevo Haggadah are testaments to its rich historical tapestry.

Economy

The city is the financial and administrative heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, housing the headquarters of major institutions like the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina and numerous corporate offices. Key economic sectors include tourism, services, manufacturing, and information technology. The post-war period has seen significant foreign investment and development, with companies such as Siemens and Volkswagen having a presence. Major industrial zones are located in suburbs like Ilidža and Vogošća, while the city's airport, Sarajevo International Airport, facilitates international trade and connectivity.

Administration

The city functions as the capital of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Sarajevo Canton. It is governed by a city council and a mayor, currently Benjamina Karić. The city is divided into four municipalities: Centar, Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo, and Stari Grad. These municipalities manage local services within the framework established by the Dayton Agreement. Important state institutions, including the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, are located in the city.

Category:Capitals in Europe Category:Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina Category:Populated places in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina