The Despić house, the oldest part of which dates from the 17th century, belonged to a wealthy merchant family and it depicts the lifestyle of a Serbian Orthodox family in Sarajevo. The house was built in several stages, originally with Bosnian-Oriental elements, later acquiring the features of European architecture through modifications and additions. 

Fur merchants (ćurčija) by trade, the Despić family owned shops in the nearby Veliki ćurčiluk street, and belonged to the Sarajevo elite. The Despić house is considered to be a precursor to modern theatre in Sarajevo, since the first theatre performances were organized in the drawing room of the house.

Neighborhoods of  Sarajevo - Baščaršija 

We will start with today's bathing area BentbaSa, which was onceknown as medieval village of Brodac. The founder of Sarajevo, Isabeg Isakovié thought this location was just perfect for establishing acity.

In Baščaršija, he builds Kolobara Han (Kolobara Inn), a hotel in modern terms, which was soon surrounded by a multitude of shops creating the economic basis for the development of the city. Kozja ćuprija bridge (Goat Bridge) was built upstream from the village of Brodac in the 16th century, and today is an easy, half hours walk from Bentbaša along the Dariva Street. Not much is known about Kozja ćuprija, but it is certain that everything came to town through it: armies, caravans, religions, cultures and influences.

There are two traditions about the origin of Kozja ćuprija.
According to the first legend, the bridge was built by the Romans, and the second claims it was built by Mehmed Paša in memory of his childhood when he was just a poor goat shepherd.

According to the legend, one of the goats in his care discovered the hidden treasure. Mehmed used it for his education, became elected to the rank of Pasha and constructed a bridge he called “Goat’s Bridge”. Another permanent stamp was left by Gazi Husrev Beg (Gazi Husrev Bey), the conqueror of Belgrade, the irreplaceable warrior in campaigns of Suleiman the Magnificent, triple Bosnian Steward and Builder. In 1530, with his own money, he built the most monumental building of Islamic culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the largest sacral object of Islamic architecture in this part of the world, Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque, sitting on the right bank of the river Miljacka.

Bey Mosque, together with mekteb, wudu inn, two octagonal mausoleums and the clock tower building is the central and largest complex of the “čaršija”, and has had a significant influence on all construction activities in the city.
It is also the first mosque in the world to install electrical lighting.
More on www.visitsarajevo.ba/bascarsija/