Throughout the Muslim world and particularly in the Ottoman Empire, Karavanserais and Hans would open their doors to travellers to stay, rest, eat and sleep for up to three days free of charge.

Although few (if any) operate anymore, here in Sarajevo you can still experience what this might have been like in the heart of the city's old town. In fact, all over Bosnia there's beautiful Ottoman architecture that's still used by travellers and the local community today.

What's even more impressive is that Sarajevo continues to be a centre of Islamic learning, with schools such as the Gazi Husrev-Beg Madrasa educating future leaders since 1537.

Today I'm joined by a graduate of this very madrasa and local travel expert Selma Fisekovic. Selma will share how Bosnia played a crucial role in the Ottoman Empire, including stories behind the beautiful Mosques, Madrasas and Hans dotted all over the country. She'll also share a local's perspective on the brutal '90s war, along with what it's like being Muslim in Bosnia today.

https://halaltravelguide.net/

Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0 ​