Architecture of Bosnia & Herzegovina

Stone Houses in Mostar
The first major architectural style to enter Bosnia
& Herzegovina came in the 1400 and 1500s with the Ottoman
Turks. The Ottomans introduced Islam to the people and much of the architecture
that developed was Mosque architecture similar to the Ottoman style. Later, in the
1800s and 1900s the country was also strongly influenced by the
Austria-Hungarians.
During the period under Ottoman rule, the people integrated various styles into
the Turkish style creating something that cannot be entirely
classified. Many of the building materials used were local as stone work held much
sway, while many of the architects in the region were inspired by both the Ottomans
and the Renaissance, which was developing in Italy at the
time. In addition to these influences, many of the people living in
Bosnia & Herzegovina were Croats or
Serbs, creating a Catholic and Christian Orthodox influence. Some of
the best examples from this time period are in Mostar's old town and Sarajevo,
in addition to the Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge in Visegrad (1570s).