…500 years old shopping mall…
Bezistans are historic covered markets that thrived in cities with bustling trade during the Ottoman Empire. These markets were known for selling luxurious goods and textiles. Sarajevo was once home to three bezistans, and two have survived to this day. There were also bezistans in Banja Luka and Travnik.
Gazi Husrev-beg Bezistan, one of the preserved bezistans in Sarajevo, still serves its purpose today in a modern way. It was built by Gazi Husrev-beg, a prominent 16th-century benefactor who left a lasting mark on the city with many monumental structures during Sarajevo’s golden age.
Constructed between 1537 and 1557, this bezistan stands out with its unique rectangular shape, measuring 106 meters in length and approximately 19.5 meters in width.
Built from stone and featuring a barrel-vaulted roof, it was crafted with the help of Dubrovnik artisans, known for their exceptional skills.
Inside, you’ll find shops lining both sides of the market, while additional shops on the outside face what is now Gazi Husrev-beg Street.
The bezistan once neighbored Tašlihan, an inn that has since been reduced to ruins, but its remnants can still be seen.
Nestled in the heart of Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s vibrant bazaar district, Gazi Husrev-beg Bezistan is located just 50 meters west of the iconic Begova Mosque and the Clock Tower.
