# Mostar

> town in Bosnia and Herzegovina

**Wikidata**: [Q93347](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q93347)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mostar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mostar

## Summary
Mostar is a town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and serving as the capital of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. It is renowned for its historic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its rich cultural heritage spanning Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern periods. The city is situated along the Neretva River and has a population of approximately 105,448 inhabitants.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- **Coordinates**: 43.343611°N, 17.8075°E.
- **Population**: 105,448 (as of available data).
- **Founded**: 1452 (as part of the Ottoman Empire).
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva River.
- **Official Website**: [www.mostar.ba](https://www.mostar.ba/).
- **Related Canton**: Herzegovina-Neretva Canton.
- **Related Airport**: Mostar International Airport.
- **Related Football Rivalry**: Mostar derby between HŠK Zrinjski Mostar and FK Velež Mostar.
- **Related Universities**: Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar and University of Mostar.
- **Related Historical Entity**: Herzegovina eyalet (Ottoman province).
- **Related Political Entity**: Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia (1991–1996).

## FAQs
**What is the significance of Mostar?**
Mostar is significant for its historic Stari Most bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its role as a cultural and economic hub in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city has a rich history spanning Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern periods, making it a key site for historical and architectural tourism.

**What is the population of Mostar?**
The population of Mostar is approximately 105,448, as per available data.

**What is the Mostar derby?**
The Mostar derby is a football rivalry between HŠK Zrinjski Mostar and FK Velež Mostar, two prominent clubs in the city.

**What universities are located in Mostar?**
Mostar is home to two universities: Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar and the University of Mostar.

**What is the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton?**
The Herzegovina-Neretva Canton is an administrative division in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Mostar serving as its capital.

**What is the Stari Most bridge?**
The Stari Most (Old Bridge) is a historic bridge in Mostar over the Neretva River, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

## Why It Matters
Mostar holds immense cultural and historical significance as a bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations. Its Stari Most bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizes the city's rich past and resilience. The town has played a pivotal role in the region's political and social landscape, particularly during the Bosnian War (1992–1995), when it was a focal point of conflict and reconstruction. Mostar's strategic location along the Neretva River and its diverse cultural heritage make it a vital economic and tourist destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city's universities and institutions contribute to regional education and development, while its historic sites attract global attention, reinforcing its importance in the Balkans.

## Notable For
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: Stari Most bridge, recognized for its architectural and historical significance.
- **Cultural Hub**: Home to the Herzegovina Museum, Croatian National Theatre, and other cultural institutions.
- **Educational Center**: Hosts Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar and the University of Mostar, contributing to regional education.
- **Football Rivalry**: The Mostar derby between HŠK Zrinjski Mostar and FK Velež Mostar is a notable local sporting event.
- **Historical Significance**: Served as a capital of the Ottoman Herzegovina eyalet and the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia.
- **Tourism Destination**: Attracts visitors with its historic sites, including the Stari Most bridge and Karadzozbey Mosque.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Mostar is situated in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with coordinates 43.343611°N, 17.8075°E. The city lies along the Neretva River and is surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. It is the capital of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and is known for its historic architecture and natural beauty.

### History
Mostar was founded in 1452 as part of the Ottoman Empire, serving as the capital of the Herzegovina eyalet. During the Austro-Hungarian period, it became a significant cultural and administrative center. The city played a crucial role during the Bosnian War (1992–1995), with the Stari Most bridge becoming a symbol of resilience and reconstruction. Mostar was also the capital of the unrecognized Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia from 1992 to 1996.

### Culture and Heritage
Mostar is renowned for its historic Stari Most bridge, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The city is also home to the Herzegovina Museum, which showcases local history and culture. The Croatian National Theatre in Mostar is a notable cultural institution, established in 1994. The Karadzozbey Mosque, built in 1557, is another significant historic site.

### Education
Mostar hosts two universities: Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar, established in 1977, and the University of Mostar, founded in 1977. Both institutions contribute to the city's educational landscape and regional development.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Mostar is a key economic center in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with industries including aluminum production (Aluminij Mostar) and telecommunications (HT ERONET). The city is served by Mostar International Airport, which facilitates regional and international travel. The Mostar railway station connects the city to national and international rail networks.

### Sports and Recreation
Mostar is home to several notable sports clubs, including HŠK Zrinjski Mostar and FK Velež Mostar, which compete in the Mostar derby. The city also has a basketball team, HKK Zrinjski Mostar, and a football stadium, Stadion pod Bijelim Brijegom. Stari Most diving is a popular recreational activity, allowing visitors to explore the historic bridge from underwater.

### Related Entities
- **Herzegovina-Neretva Canton**: Administrative division with Mostar as its capital.
- **Mostar International Airport**: Facilitates air travel to and from Mostar.
- **Stari Most**: UNESCO World Heritage Site bridge over the Neretva River.
- **Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar**: Public university established in 1977.
- **University of Mostar**: Public university founded in 1977.
- **Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia**: Unrecognized proto-state (1991–1996) with Mostar as its capital.
- **Herzegovina eyalet**: Ottoman province with Mostar as its capital.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.izmir.bel.tr/tr/KardesKentler/62)
2. [Source](https://ohrid.gov.mk/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D0%B8-%D0%B7%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8/#1550493792804-9dd50839-cc473bde-e13530e7-072b)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. MusicBrainz
7. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
8. GeoNames
9. BBC Things
10. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ba.htm)
11. Quora
12. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
13. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/mostar)
14. [Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno](https://ipac.svkkl.cz/arl-kl/cs/detail-kl_us_auth-g0004077-Mostar-Bosna-a-Hercegovina)