Yellow Fortress (Žuta tabija)

The Yellow Fortress (Žuta tabija) is a stone bastion on Žuta Tabija hill, in the Jekovac area above Baščaršija in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It forms part of the Ottoman fortifications that once ringed the city's upper slopes, alongside the White Fortress (Bijela tabija) and the older Vratnik citadel and gates. Sources date the present bastion to around the 18th century, built on older defensive foundations, though precise records are scarce. The thick stone walls and terraces, which take their name from the yellowish colour of the masonry, once held guns and watchmen, giving a commanding view over the valley and the Miljacka river below. Today the fortress is a public viewpoint and one of the best places to see the red-tiled roofs, minarets and church towers of the old town spread out along the valley. It is open at all times and free of charge. A tradition survives from Ottoman times: during Ramadan a cannon is fired from the fortress at sunset to signal that the fast may be broken, and crowds gather for the event. The site was also exposed during the 1992-1995 siege, when the hills around Sarajevo were front lines, and its slopes are still dotted with Muslim graves and war-era reminders. The surroundings are a steep climb from Baščaršija through residential lanes, and the walk takes about 15 to 25 minutes. Benches, walls and a small refreshment spot give places to sit. The site has no formal exhibition, so visits are mainly for views and atmosphere. Sunset is the busiest and most scenic time, while early morning is quiet.