How to Pronounce Mostar

Meaning and Context

Mostar, a historic city in the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is globally renowned as the cultural and administrative heart of Herzegovina. Its defining landmark, the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), is a 16th-century Ottoman-era architectural marvel that gracefully arches over the emerald waters of the Neretva River. Reconstructed and reopened in 2004 after its destruction in the 1990s, the bridge and the surrounding Old Town area, with its cobblestone streets and historic Kujundžiluk (Old Bazaar), form a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its symbolic reconciliation and enduring multicultural heritage. The city's unique character is a profound testament to its layered history, where Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Western European influences are palpably interwoven in its architecture, cuisine, and community, making it a premier destination for cultural tourism in the Balkans.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling of the city is Mostar, which is consistent across English, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. Common misspellings and typographical errors often arise from phonetic misinterpretations or keyboard slips. These include "Mostrar" (adding an extra 'r'), "Mostor" (substituting 'a' with 'o'), and "Moster" (dropping the 'a'). Another frequent error is the omission of the 'r' at the end, resulting in "Mosta". In some older or regional contexts, one might encounter the Turkish-influenced variant "Mostar" with a diacritic, but the modern standardized Latin spelling without special characters is universally accepted. Travelers should also note the correct spelling of its famous bridge, "Stari Most", which is sometimes incorrectly written as "Starri Most" or "Stary Most."

Example Sentences

No visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina is complete without spending a day exploring the ancient streets of Mostar and witnessing the daring tradition of divers leaping from the Stari Most.

After the bridge's destruction during the Bosnian War, its meticulous reconstruction using original methods and materials became a powerful symbol of the city's resilience.

Tourists often find themselves captivated by the bustling atmosphere of the Old Bazaar, where the scent of strong coffee and the sound of coppersmiths at work evoke centuries of history.

The annual diving competition from the bridge draws international crowds, showcasing a centuries-old test of courage unique to Mostar.

While the iconic bridge is the centerpiece, the city's beauty is also reflected in its historic mosques, churches, and the striking contrast between its Ottoman-era core and more modern neighborhoods.

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