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Hamdije Kreševljakovića Street

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Hamdije Kreševljakovića Street
Native nameUlica Hamdije Kreševljakovića (Bosnian)
Former name(s)Tabašnica, Terezija, Hadžagin sokak, Merhemića sokak, Dobrovoljačka
NamesakeHamdija Kreševljaković
LocationSarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Postal code71000
Construction
Inaugurationearly 16th century
Other
Known forSarajevo Synagogue, Dobrovoljačka incident

Hamdije Kreševljakovića Street (Bosnian: Ulica Hamdije Kreševljakovića; Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic: Улица Хамдије Крешевљаковића) is a historic street located on the left bank of the Miljacka River in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It extends from Skenderija to the Austria Square (Trg Austrije). The street is notable for its rich history, architectural landmarks, and as the site of the 1992 Dobrovoljačka incident during the Bosnian War.[1]

History

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The origins of Hamdije Kreševljakovića Street date back to the early 16th century, when it traversed through three mahallas (neighborhoods). During the Ottoman period, the segment from Skenderija to Čobanija was known as Tabašnica, named after the tanners (tabaci) who operated workshops along the Miljacka River. The portion from Čobanija to Austria Square was called Terezija, deriving its name from a water reservoir in the At Mejdan park. At times, this section was also referred to as Hadžagin sokak, named after a local municipal courier, and the area near Austria Square was known as Merhemića sokak, after the prominent Merhemić family who resided there.[2]

In 1878, the entire thoroughfare from the Vrbanja Bridge to Austria Square was named Terezija. By 1931, it was divided into two sections: the part from Vrbanja to Skenderija retained the name Terezija, while the remaining portion was renamed Dobrovoljačka ulica, in honor of the Yugoslav volunteer division formed during World War I by prisoners and defectors from the Austro-Hungarian army.[3]

Following the Bosnian War, the street was renamed to honor Hamdija Kreševljaković, a renowned Bosnian historian and cultural figure.[4]

Dobrovoljačka Incident

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On 3 May 1992, during the early stages of the Siege of Sarajevo, Hamdije Kreševljakovića Street (then known as Dobrovoljačka Street) was the site of a significant military engagement. Members of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) and associated militias attacked a convoy of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) that was withdrawing from the city under a negotiated agreement.[5] The attack was reportedly in retaliation for the JNA's detention of Bosnian President Alija Izetbegović the previous day.[6]

The ambush resulted in the deaths of several JNA soldiers and civilians, with numerous others wounded or captured. The incident has remained a contentious and politically sensitive topic in the region, leading to various legal proceedings and investigations over the years.

Landmarks

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  • Austria Square: A prominent public square marking the eastern terminus of the street, known for its historical significance and proximity to various cultural institutions.
  • Skenderija: Situated near the western end of the street, Skenderija is a cultural and sports complex that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events.
  • Meeting Point Cinema: Located near the eastern end of Hamdije Kreševljakovića Street, is a renowned art-house cinema and cultural venue that serves as the hub of the Sarajevo Film Festival and a gathering place for cinephiles, artists, and intellectuals throughout the year.[8]
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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Mackic, Erna. "Serbian Probe into JNA Deaths Alarms Bosnians". Balkan Investigative Reporting Network.
  2. ^ "Hamdije Kreševljakovića". Destination Sarajevo. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
  3. ^ "Hamdije Kreševljakovića". Destination Sarajevo. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
  4. ^ "Hamdija Kreševljaković: 65. godišnjica smrti utemeljitelja savremene historiografije BiH". Avaz.ba. 2023-08-15. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
  5. ^ "Sarajevo court charges Bosniak ex-leaders with war crimes". Al Jazeera. 27 April 2022.
  6. ^ Tausan, Marija (12 July 2022). "Wartime Bosniak Leader Pleads Innocent to Attack on Yugoslav Troops". Balkan Insight.
  7. ^ "Sarajevo Synagogue". Retrieved 17 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Meeting Point Cinema" (in Bosnian). 9 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
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