When walking through Baščaršija during a vacation in Sarajevo, one of the most characteristic sounds accompanying the visitor is the rhythmic clinking of hammers striking copper.
This sound comes from Kazandžiluk, the street of coppersmiths, one of the oldest and most fascinating streets in the city, where the art of copperworking has been passed down for generations for over five centuries. Exploring this tradition means discovering a fundamental piece of Sarajevo's cultural and artisanal identity.
The Street of Coppersmiths: Kazandžiluk
Kazandžiluk is the beating heart of copper craftsmanship in Sarajevo. The name itself derives from the Turkish term that indicates the trade of "coppersmith". This street has existed for more than five hundred years with the same purpose, making it one of the oldest and best-preserved in the city.
Once it was part of a larger "čaršija" (the Turkish term for market or artisan quarter) of coppersmiths, which also included the surrounding streets. Today, walking through its hundred meters in length, one can still observe artisans at work in their shops, producing items with techniques that have roots in the Ottoman period.
The Origins and History of Copper Craftsmanship
The tradition of copper craftsmanship in Bosnia arrived with the Ottomans, who brought their mastery and passed it on to local artisans . The first records of coppersmiths in Sarajevo date back to 1489, and by the early 16th century, an entire "čaršija" dedicated to this craft had formed . During the 17th and 18th centuries, artisanal production in Bosnia reached its peak .
Initially, copper objects had a predominantly practical and everyday function. They were used for personal hygiene, for cooking, for serving coffee, and for heating spaces . Over time, especially in the second half of the 20th century, coppersmiths increasingly specialized in the production of souvenirs .
The Crafting Techniques: Savat and Kalemluk
Copper craftsmanship in Sarajevo is distinguished by refined decorative techniques, passed down from father to son. The two main decoration techniques are the savat and the kalemluk .
The Savat Technique (Engraving)
The savat is an engraving technique that comes in two variants:
Red Savat: a fine chisel is used to engrave a pattern through the layer of tin that coats the object, revealing the underlying copper.
Black Savat: the engraved design is filled with a special mixture (traditionally based on plum jam) and then heated and polished, creating a dark contrast .
The decorative patterns of the savat are usually stylized compositions of plants and geometric patterns, arranged in concentric circles, or arabesques .
The Technique of Kalemluk (Repoussé or Embossing)
The kalemluk is a repoussé technique that can be done in two ways:
Repoussé from the outside: the object is filled with lead, then the design is engraved and hammered from the outside. The imperfections are then removed and the lead is melted.
Repoussé from the inside: more complex, it involves applying lead to the outside and working from the inside, allowing for finer detail .
The decorations kalemluk are predominantly floral and vegetal, with tendrils, leaves, and intertwined flowers .
Objects and Traditions
The copper objects produced in Sarajevo are numerous and tell the daily life of past eras. They can be found :
Džezve: the characteristic pots for preparing Bosnian coffee.
Ibrici: jugs for water.
Trays and tabak: decorated plates and trays.
Coffee pots, sugar bowls, and coffee holders.
Braziers and candlesticks.
Modern souvenirs: such as bullets and casings reused to create vases, a symbol of post-war resilience .
Craftsmanship Today: Tradition and Innovation
The tradition of copperworking in Sarajevo is alive and evolving. Alongside the historic workshops of Kazandžiluk, where ancient techniques are passed down, new workshops are emerging that reinterpret craftsmanship in a modern way . An example is LisicaLisica, a workshop described as the best modern copper and brass studio in Sarajevo, that creates jewelry and contemporary design objects inspired by Bosnian traditions .
For travelers who want a more immersive experience during their holidays in Sarajevo, practical workshops are also available that teach the art of copper working, allowing you to create your own personal souvenir .
FAQ - Copper Craft in Sarajevo
Where is the street of coppersmiths in Sarajevo?
The street of coppersmiths is called Kazandžiluk and is located in the heart of the historic Baščaršija district .
What is the history of copper craftsmanship in Sarajevo?
Copper craftsmanship was introduced by the Ottomans and the Kazandžiluk street has existed with the same function for over 500 years, with the first records of coppersmiths dating back to 1489 .
What are the main techniques for decorating copper?
The two main techniques are savat (engraving) and kalemluk (repoussé), which allow for the creation of geometric, floral, and arabesque patterns on the artifacts .
What can I buy in Kazandžiluk?
You can find traditional džezve for coffee, coffee pots, trays, and a wide range of souvenirs. Some artisans also produce modern items like vases made from bullet casings .
Are there modern copper workshops in Sarajevo?
Yes, in addition to the historic shops, there are studios like LisicaLisica that create jewelry and contemporary design objects in copper and brass, reinterpreting local craftsmanship traditions .
Copper Craft in Sarajevo
The craftsmanship of copper in Sarajevo is much more than just a simple souvenir to take home. It is a centuries-old tradition that tells the story of the city, its connection to the Ottoman Empire, and the resilience of its people. Strolling through Kazandžiluk, listening to the sound of hammers, and watching artisans at work means immersing oneself in a living art that unites the past and present. Whether choosing a traditional object or a piece of modern design, one carries with them a fragment of the authentic soul of Sarajevo.
To explore all aspects of this extraordinary city, consult our complete guide: Discover the craftsmanship of copper during your vacation in Sarajevo.
Revision date: May 2026