Sedrenik: The Traditional Bosnian Architecture

Author: Magister of Architecture Emina Čamdžić

Photo: Photo of the family house, residential building on the Sedrenik area. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

This is a traditional Bosnian family house located in Sedrenik area in Sarajevo, and which is characteristic of the Ottoman period of architectural construction in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Of course, it certainly differs from the Turkish building style or indeed the surrounding ones in BiH, due to the nature of the geography and traditions of where it is built.

The family house in Sedrenik in Sarajevo, is made from natural materials such as wood and stone, while the whole concept includes a building with a beautiful orchard and the courtyard gate.

      Sedrenik was named after travertine, stone which is a characteristic for this area of Sarajevo and which has been used intensively for building construction. Sedrenik is first mentioned in written resources in the year 1682, while the settlement started forming during the Ottoman time, and then in the Austro-Hungarian time became well-known for wide spread courtyards and family houses with wooden stairs.

      During the 20th century, Sedrenik became home to many Sarajevo families who wanted to be near the town centre and in the same time have peace and nature nearby.

Photo: The courtyard gate of the residential building in the Sedrenik area in Sarajevo. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

Hidden in the hills of Sarajevo, there is a beautiful small Bosnian house, looking like one you might find in your story books. The individual residential building has stood there for more than one hundred years. It truly represents a monumental heritage.

Photo: Roses and water fountain in the garden of the residential house on the hills of Sedrenik in Sarajevo. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

      One of the greatest distinctions of Sedrenik are the spectacular views of Sarajevo, and within any point of Sedrenik is a fascinating view on the Old Town Sarajevo, Miljacka river and the walls of Vratnik. Among that Sedrenik is full of greenery, which makes this area attractive for those who love nature and walks.

Traditional Bosnian family houses are famous for having roses and water fountains in their gardens which gives the garden a life of its own.

In the orchard surrounding the house, you can breathe in the scent of the cherry tree, nut or apple trees. Although in need of some renovation, such treasures can rarely be found now in our surrounding area and country.

This house is situated on well- known Sedrenik amongst the hills of Sarajevo, near the military lodging.

Photo: Cherry trees and walnut trees in the orchard of the traditional residential house in the Sedrenik area in Sarajevo. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

On visiting this place, you realise how humble families in Bosnia and Herzegovina lived. Surroundings of fruits, such as walnuts and cherries in the orchard surrounding the house, were so important. It certainly adds to the food production system for living at the time of climate during the recent pandemic of COVID.

Photo: Basement construction with stone and wooden construction of the foundations of the residential building on the hills of Sedrenik. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

What is interesting to note is that when buildings were constructed previously, the view and healthy environment was very important.  

Photo: Orchard with the wooden fence in front of the residential house Sedrenik, Sarajevo. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

This particular traditional house was built approximately 150 years ago, above the Sarajevo valley. The house was built in the same sea line as the Clinic for Lung Diseases. This shows how important air quality was for the architecture and construction, and for the families at that time. The fog and air pollution settles in the Sarajevo valley; the fresh air and sunrays shine above the Sarajevo valley in Sedrenik.

Photo: Spectacular views of Sarajevo from Sedrenik. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

Photo: Traditional residential house more than 150 years old with the courtyard gate and water fountain on Sedrenik, Sarajevo. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

Photo: The courtyard gate of the residential house on Sedrenik, Sarajevo. Photo by the Eminent Atelier

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