Gazi Husrev-beg Museum

The Gazi Husrev-beg Museum at Sarači 33 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is part of the vakuf (endowment) complex founded in the 16th century by Gazi Husrev-beg, the Ottoman governor of the Sanjak of Bosnia, who also endowed the neighbouring Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, which was completed in 1531. The complex included a madrasa, a library, a public kitchen, a covered market and a clock tower, and shaped the development of Baščaršija and the wider old town. The museum displays objects related to the history of Islamic culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Ottoman era, including calligraphy, manuscripts, carpets, metalwork, weapons and everyday items used in households and religious life. The collection reflects the way Ottoman Sarajevo functioned as a centre of trade, learning and craftsmanship. The curatorial approach is thematic, built around cultural history and the vakuf institutions rather than a strict chronological route, and objects are shown in compact rooms in a historic building close to the mosque. The complex was damaged during the 1992-1995 siege and later restored with support from donors. Visitors usually combine the museum with the mosque, and a combined ticket of about 6 KM is available, while the museum alone costs about 3 KM. Opening hours differ between seasons, with shorter hours from October to April and longer hours in summer, so visitors should confirm times locally. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and the museum is only a short walk from Baščaršija Square and the Sebilj fountain. Visitors should dress modestly in line with the religious setting and keep voices low in the courtyard and galleries.