Bascarsija (Bashcarshiya), Sarajevo's historic core: evaluating the qualities of its open spaces

Purpose The urban development within the Ottoman Empire saw two major zones distinguished in the city – the residential area (mahala) and the public core (carsija). The same model was applied to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Ottoman period (15–19th centuries). This paper focuses on the historic core of Sarajevo, known as Bascarsija, developed during the Ottoman period in Bosnia. This article aims to define the qualities of open spaces in Bascarsija, particularly its physical attributes, sensory experience and activities. Design/methodology/approach Firstly, it is important to understand the development of historic urban tissue. A transect walk across Bascarsija was used to identify several categories of public space. Following this, draws on theories of the qualities of space, open spaces in Bascarsija were systematically analyzed. Findings Types of open space were distinguished according to their purposes and relationships with their surroundings. For each type, it was possible to define physical attributes, as a reflection of the applied form, scale, relationship to nature, hierarchy (dominance) and local texture; activities, which depend on the current function and attractiveness; and sensory experience derived from the subjective experience of users which rely on current functions and physical forms. Originality/value The qualities of open space in Bascarsija are distinguished, highlighting the importance of such places. This paper contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the image of the place and values of the historic core of Bascarsija, laying the groundwork for further research and urban interventions.