By: Emir Medanhodžić
Following the video about the condition of the old town of Mutnik, here are photos showing the current state of the old towns of Jezersko and Stijena, both of which are national monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Jezerski was first mentioned in 1278 as the estate of the Bosnian nobility Babonić of Blagaj, under the name Castrum Nieser, although it is not known exactly who built it. Due to its border position, fierce battles were fought for its control by the Hungarians, Habsburgs, and Ottomans. The town was conquered in 1576 by Ferhat Pasha Sokolović. It was declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2005, but as you can see, it is in a ruined state — a great disgrace and shame.
The old town of Stijena, also a national monument of BiH, is in slightly better condition but still in ruins. It was first mentioned in 1330 as the estate of the Babonić of Blagaj, and it fell under Ottoman rule in 1575, also under Ferhat Pasha Sokolović. Interestingly, two stećak tombstones in the shape of chests, decorated with beautiful animal motifs, were built into its structure.
When my friend Sead from Cazin saw how upset and angry I was about our authorities neglecting our history, identity, and tradition, he didn’t want to take me to the old town of Tržac, which is in even worse condition. Still, I am deeply grateful to him for guiding me through the heritage of Cazin.
