OLD CRAFTS – THE LIVING ATELIERS OF SARAJEVO

Traditional craftsmanship is becoming increasingly rare, yet a small number of dedicated artisans continue to preserve the spirit, heritage, and recognizable character of Sarajevo, the largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In earlier times, craftsmanship was highly respected, and families who preserved trade traditions held a place of honor on Sarajevo’s cobblestone streets. Today, however, only a handful of artisans remain, struggling to survive amid industrial production and mass-market replicas imported from abroad. Despite these challenges, their workshops still safeguard the atmosphere of past centuries, while every handmade item bears the mark of centuries-old skill, patience, and knowledge.

Sarajevo, a city of cultural encounters and long-standing tradition, is strongly promoting its rich craft heritage through the campaign “Old Crafts – The Living Ateliers of Sarajevo.” The project aims to preserve, modernly valorize, and integrate traditional crafts into the cultural and tourism offer, recognizing them as a vital part of the city’s intangible cultural heritage and the broader identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The main goal of the project is the revitalization, preservation, and promotion of old crafts as one of the most valuable forms of intangible cultural heritage of the citizens living along the banks of the Miljacka River. Through this mission, the initiative strengthens cultural identity, safeguards artisanal knowledge, and encourages its transfer to future generations.

Project promotion began in September at the Sarajevo Tourism Fair, where craftsmen and their workshops were presented as authentic “living ateliers.”

Visitors had the opportunity to explore a wide range of traditional skills and learn about their relevance to contemporary tourism and cultural offerings. Strong interest from both domestic and international visitors confirmed the relevance and value of this concept. Particular attention was drawn to Ms. Nermina Alić, the only female coppersmith in Sarajevo, whose presence challenged long-standing stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated craft. Alongside her, coppersmith Edin Kazaz and filigree master Midhat Bećari also presented their work.

Following the fair, activities continued across the streets of Sarajevo through promotional stands and live craft demonstrations. Numerous traditional trades that form the backbone of Sarajevo’s artisanal heritage were showcased, including goldsmiths and filigree makers, coppersmiths, glassmakers, blacksmiths, watchmakers, jewel engravers, pottery makers, and other crafts that collectively preserve the continuity of craftsmanship in Sarajevo and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A special segment of the project focuses on the production of short documentary videos featuring artisans and their crafts. These films document working processes, personal stories of master craftsmen, and the authentic atmosphere of traditional workshops. They serve as modern promotional and educational tools, as well as a permanent digital archive of intangible cultural heritage.

The concept of “living ateliers” emphasizes that craft workshops are not merely points of sale, but spaces for interaction, education, and direct experience of tradition. In this way, Baščaršija is affirmed as an open cultural and tourism space, while old crafts are systematically integrated into the cultural and tourism offer of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The core idea of the project is to position traditional crafts as a recognizable and vital component of the future cultural identity of the Federation of BiH—not only as remnants of the past, but as active resources of contemporary society.

By linking craftsmanship with tourism, culture, and education, the project contributes to sustainable development and the strengthening of local communities.

Promotional activities were carried out until the New Year 2025, enriching Sarajevo’s winter tourism offer. Due to exceptionally positive reactions from the public and artisans alike, the project continues in 2026 with year-round promotion of traditional crafts, aiming for their long-term inclusion in cultural and tourism strategies of the Federation of BiH.

The realization of the project has been supported by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Canton Sarajevo, and the Ministry of Economy of Canton Sarajevo, further confirming its importance for cultural development, tourism growth, and the preservation of traditional values.

The project “Old Crafts – The Living Ateliers of Sarajevo” clearly demonstrates that traditional crafts remain a living value and a foundation of the future cultural identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina—present, visible, and active in the very space where they were born.