TRAVNIK

GEOGRAPHIC POSITION

Travnik lays in the center of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the canyon of the Lasva river, surrounded by mountains and among these is one of the biggest mountain in BiH – Vlasic (1933 m). Surrounding of Travnik is also called Travnik area or Lasva area that covers the surface area of 982 km2. The altitude of Travnik is 514 m, and according to geographic coordinates it lays on 44°14’ n.g.l. and 17°40’ e.g.l. Considering that it is in the exact center of BiH, Travnik is very important crossroad in car traffic, and used to be in railway traffic. However, expanding of the city faces the problem of narrow ravine, which complicates its usually advantageous regional and geographical position. Travnik is the center of Middle Bosnia canton and in the city is the government seat and seats of all eight ministries.

CLIMATE

Although Travnik is surrounded by mountains, its climate is considered as suitable. Large distance between the Adriatic see and Pannonian plain puts Travnik under the influence of moderate continental climate. The average temperature in Travnik is 9.2°C, and years temperature amplitude is 21.3°C. Summers are moderately warm (18.2°C), spring and fall have evenly temperature(9.2°C), and winter moderately cold(0.5°C). Precipitation are nicely distributed during the whole year. This circumstances make conditions for good vegetation and agriculture development of Travnik. It is very important to propound Vlasic mountain, which, because of its typical cold snow-mountain climate, provides great winter tourism for Travnik.

HISTORY

Prehistoric period
In the nearest surrounding of Travnik residents of different cultures were found, which replaced one another in certain historic periods on this area. First signs of life date younger stone age. Remains of defense embankments were found, which were in some cases made in two or three rows. Ceramic fragments are saved, and also some metal objects, jewelry and arms.

Antic period
These areas were occupied by Romans at the beginning of our era and here they stay until the end of West Roman Empire. At the Turbe area (west part of Travnik municipality), remains of old roman tombs were found, and military forts, foundations of settlement, early-Christian basilicas, money, ceramics etc. In Travnik trails of roman staying were found, like opeka(kind of brick), pottery, money, and gravestone with the inscription. Gradual weakness of roman authority on this area starts in V, and stops in VI century.

Medieval
VI century is marked by Goths arrival, and the start of the VII century is marked by intrusion of Avars and Slovenian tribes and Slovenian population in these areas. Territorial – administrative units in medieval Bosnia were parishes, and one of them was covering the narrow valley of Lasva river. Lasva parish is for the first time mentioned in 1244 in Hungarian king’s Bela IV Charter. Parish included the area around todays Travnik. In the area that used to be parish Lasva it was determined the existence of large number of stecci and medieval gravestones. A few medieval fortress are saved (Travnik, Toričan, Vrbenac, Skaf and Kastel). Among the best saved fortress is the Old Town in Travnik (Kastel). It is placed in natural exaltation which is surrounded by water flows at three sides what complicates the access. It was made in the first part of the XV century as a defense spot from Turkish attacks. In June 1463., in Trogir’s report, written was that Turkey conquered Travnik, and that is the first time in history that name of this city was mentioned.

Turkish period
During XVI and XVII century under the fortress a small settlement was formed, kasaba with the main square, at the exact place of todays Sulejmanija mosque. At the end of the XVII century, Travnik becomes administrative center for Bosnian pashaluk(administrative unit in Turkish period). After war campaign of Austrian prince Eigen Savojski to Bosnia and big fire that he caused , Bosnian vizier Defterdar Halil – pasha(military governor) Coso moved vizier’s seat from Sarajevo to Travnik. From 1699, along with two smaller pauses, Travnik stays the seat of Bosnian protectors. During vizier’s period, many objects for different purpose were built in Travnik, such as mosques, medresa, hammams(Turkish baths), hans(hotels), besistans(covered market place), waterworks, drinking fountains etc. As great donors particularly should be mentioned Mehmed – pasha Kukavica, Hadzi Ali – bey Hasanpasic and Sulejman – pasha Skopljak. The fire that happened in September in 1903. had disastrous dimension. Saved monuments are the witnesses of the time when Travnik lived typical Bosnian-oriental city life.

Consul period
At the beginning of XIX century Travnik becomes diplomatic headquarter. First France, 1906., and a year later Austria, opened their consulates in Travnik. In that time, Turkish empire already weakened, and its territory pretended great European forces Austria, Russia and France. Consulates were opened with intention for better cooperation between empires, but under the diplomatic codices were conquering, political, military and other interests.

Austrian – Hungarian period
At the agreement of great Powers on Berlin congress 1878. Austrian-Hungary monarchy got right to occupy Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 1908. officially declared its annexation. City slowly starts including into industrial epoch. First industrial factories were opened: Tobacco factory(1893), Matches factory(1901),Company for wood refinement “Ugar” in Turbe(1912). As important moment in city development mentions railway passing, which connects this region to other parts of Monarchy, and also the construction of hydroelectric power plant which supplies city with electric power. Changes, that will have reflection in each life area, especially in education, health, urbanism, stay visible till today. In this period Travnik involves in newer European and worlds history flows one step at the time.

Literature:
“Antiquties and museums of Travnik” – Fatima Maslic (“Starine i muzeji Travnika”)
“Travnik city and region” – Kresimir Papic (“Travnik grad i regija”)
“Collection of Regional museum Travnik” (“Zbornik Zavičajnog muzeja Travnik”)
“Travnik during Austrian-Hungarian period” – Martin Udovcic(“Travnik u vrijeme Austro-Ugarske”)