Today was an important day - not only did I get 12 hours of sleep but I met my hosts - Dina and Amina - from the Islamic Studies Faculty. Both gave me a warm and hospitable welcome. We sat down to Bosnian coffee and juice in the light-filled (and warm) atrium. I was impressed at their level of comfort in the warm air since they both cover themselves as many observant Muslim women do. The building was mostly empty except for a few professors here and there, Minka - who works in the restaurant on the lower level, and a few sparse students. The building feels ancient but restored, and beautiful - the walls and woodwork intricately decorated with patterns and clean marble floors. There is a large open hall at the main entrance, with a fountain and prayer room. Men and women pray together but separately (the fountain provides a division. My office will be on the second floor. Green potted plants are tucked between the balconies that overlook that central atrium.
Amina then showed me around Bascarsija - where to eat ('If there are a lot of people there, that's a good sign, if not, don't go in"), where to buy groceries... we passed the main Dzamija (mosque). Many people were in the square, visiting each other, praying outside the mosque on prayer rugs, enjoying the fountain outside the doors... The mosque was built by Gazi Jsrev-begova and he and his wife are buried there in a mausoleum.
Amina also took me inside the Sarajevska Vijecnica the old National Library that burned to the ground during the war and was just reopened in July for visitors again. It is an astonishing place - the ceiling made of stained glass flowers and patterns. The walls, arches, and woodwork ornately detailed. Amina said the Vienna Symphony played a concert in the atrium for the opening. Classical music played on speakers in the atrium hushed the voices of all of us visiting. You can read more here: http://www.vijecnica.ba/
2 Comments
Yer seester
9/20/2014 01:27:04 pm
Becca, this is amazing! I am so excited to continue reading about your awesome adventures. Sending you much love!!
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Rob Kahn
9/21/2014 01:49:43 pm
Rebecca, Thanks for sharing. What an ordeal getting to your new home. But you still had enough energy to take a great picture. Keep em coming! All the best!
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AuthorI'm Sarajevo bound for ten months. Keep in touch and read about my experiences here. Archives
July 2015
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