What makes Sarajevo so very interesting for him is the fact that it’s the only city in the world where the Orient and central Europe come face to face.
- If you stand on Slatko ćoše you can literally, with one look, take in two different civilizations, Karahasan asserts. He continues by saying that what also makes Sarajevo interesting is its rich history and the specific humor of Sarajevans.
One place in Sarajevo that featured prominently in his life was Vijećnica, which is where he spent his youth, where he fell in love, studied and came into contact with books which would shape his life.
Other important places include the courtyard of the Emperor’s Mosque, wherein one can find peace, and the small square in front of Dibek Bar-Café, which he says looks like something otherworldly, even though it’s right in the center of town.
During his free time he enjoys going for a stroll and recommends one of three different routes. The first runs from Alifakovac to Kozija ćuprija (Goat Bridge), then from Dariva back into town. The second follows Wilson’s Promenade to the pedestrian bridge in Otoka; and the third one starts in Gorica then runs over the hills to the west, across Mejtaš, Bjelave, Sedrenik, Ravne Bakije and Vratnik, and then back into Baščaršija through Kovači.
Dževad usually drinks his daily coffee at Concept Bar-Café in Baščaršija, which he recommends for the excellent home-made tea. Tunel Bar-Café near Sebilj is another special place, but he says that you can’t go wrong in choosing any of the cafés along Ferhadija, where you can sit and watch the passersby.
As for cultural activities, he enjoys theater the most, and believes that Sarajevo really does have an outstanding theater scene.
For a quiet evening out, he recommends Aeroplan Restaurant in Baščaršija, which offers traditional BiH specialties, as well as Morića Han. If you’d like to take in a view with your lunch, then he recommends Park Prinčeva. Since he’s not a big fan of ćevapi, he prefers Hadžibajrić Aščinica.
He considers Alipaša’s Mosque and the National Museum of BiH the loveliest buildings in Sarajevo, and then there are the traditional Bosnian houses, which can be seen by taking a walk up Alifakovac St.
He says that the most beautiful view of town can be enjoyed from the very peak you might be looking at!
In closing, Karahasan says:
- Sarajevo is like a kaleidoscope – from whatever perspective you look at it, it gives a new and beautiful picture.
