The Original Sarajevo Quality project has been underway for several years now and has been realized by the Zone of Improved Business (ZUP Baščaršija). They first analyzed the situation and then conducted a study on crafts and craft products, as well as the regulations needed for establishing and managing the process of obtaining and maintaining geographical indications.
In the process, the Original Sarajevo Quality seal was created in order to guarantee a certain level of product quality for Sarajevo visitors and other customers. The best indicator of true “Sarajevo quality” is the traditional and authentic manner in which a particular product is made.
There are currently 17 artisans from Sarajevo who have obtained certificates of authenticity for their products and other authentic Sarajevo products are in the process of receiving their certification.
The first group of crafts, trades and products which can display the Original Sarajevo Quality seals include: Sarajevo filigree, slipper making, savat engraving; the beverages, boza and salep and goldsmithing.
We recommend that you purchase products that bear the Original Sarajevo Quality seal. We’ve provided a list of such products and artisan shops below:
Filigree
Filigree artisans usually use silver or gold wire to produce richly-decorated ornamental jewelry, as well as everyday items. For centuries, Sarajevo filigree artists, most of whom are specialized and highly-skilled goldsmiths (kujundžije), have been making belenzuke and halhale (types of bracelets), brooches, pafte (belt clasps), purses, pipes, cigarette holders …, all of which are famous far and wide.
SARAJEVO FILIGREE ARTISTS:
Midhat Bećar, Gazi Husrev-begova 30
Muhsin Halvo, Gazi Husrev-begova 47
Nihad Halvo, Gazi Husrev-begova 47
Mensur Bektić, Kazazi 10
Slippers
During the Ottoman period, Sarajevo slipper makers belonged to the boot maker guild, and throughout the ages they have been producing leather slippers (today’s selection includes “eco” leather), khuffs (leather socks worn both in the home and outside), nanule (wooden bath slippers), usaračene (leather reinforced) moccasins and Aladdin slippers. In addition to leather, these master slipper makers would make use of silk, sequins, sterling silver, pearls, tinsel, beads….
SARAJEVO SLIPPER MAKER:
Ahmed Kalajdžisalihović, Sarači 15
Copperware/Savat
Kazandžije (coppersmiths) who take their name from the word, kazan (a large copper kettle), produce kitchenware and other items made from copper, such as džezve, table, sahani, ibrici, demirlije, copper engravings…. The master coppersmiths from Sarajevo employ various techniques when decorating different copper items, with the most authentic being savat, a special method used in metal engraving.
SARAJEVO COPPERSMITHS:
Muhamed Huseinović, Kazandžiluk 18
Ismet Huseinović, Kazandžiluk 18
Nermina Alić, Kovači 19
Edin Kazaz, Kovači 29
Goldsmiths
Goldsmiths (who were known as kujundžije during the Ottoman period) make items from noble metals, as well as gold and silver jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches, charms…. Sarajevo goldsmiths are known far and wide for their incredible skill and most of them have shops on Gazi Husrev Bey Street, which is known locally as Zlatarska Street.
SARAJEVO GOLDSMITHS:
Mensur Zlatar, Mali Kujundžiluk 5
Muhamed Ferušić, Kujundžiluk 5
Nermina Begović, Gazi Husrev-begova 45
Fahrudin Sofić, Gazi Husrev-begova 53
Fuad Kasumagić, Gazi Husrev-begova 57
Senad and Sead Sofić, Gazi Husrev-begova 39
Boza
Boza is a refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains (corn or wheat) and many believe that, in addition to being an energizing drink, it also has medicinal properties. Up until the 20th century, one could encounter bozadžije (boza sellers) on the streets of Sarajevo, but today this authentic Sarajevo drink can be found in just a few places around town.
SARAJEVO BOZA PRODUCER:
Dženan Nezirović, Sarači 1
Salep
Salep is a warm, non-alcoholic drink that is usually drunk on cold winter days. It is made from the roots of wild orchids that have been washed, cooked, dried and ground into a powder. This powder is then mixed with water and “cooked” until it forms a thick and rather slimy liquid, which is usually served with a dusting of cinnamon.
SARAJEVO SALEP PRODUCER:
Snježana Nezirović, Ferhadija 41
