Day Two of the Fair: A Conversation about Crafts and Souvenirs, with the Sounds of Sevdah and the Work of Blacksmiths

On the second day of the International Economic Fair in Mostar, the Tourist Board of the City of Mostar and the City of Mostar organized an interesting panel discussion on the topic of ‘’The Identity of Mostar: Preserving Heritage through Crafts and Souvenirs’’ at their stand.
Representatives of the Chamber of Crafts of Herzegovina-Neretva County, owners of souvenir shops and artists shared their experiences on this panel.
’’There are about 3 thousand craftsmen in Mostar and we consider ourselves their union. We do promotion and try to be of service to our craftsmen’’, said Aner Kruškonja, president of the Chamber of Crafts of HNŽ.

Emica Ćorić, manager and entrepreneur, owner of a shop in the Old Town, emphasized the importance of handwork, sustainability and local culture, while also emphasizing the importance of finding new ways to connect with tourists and the market.

As some of the shortcomings, she highlighted the lack of understanding of those responsible for work, the introduction of Sundays, and the lack of incentives for craftsmen who deal exclusively with the sale of local products and the promotion of local artists and craftsmen.

‘‘I would like to see domestic works and domestic products recognized, and for prices to be different for us and those who deal exclusively with imports. We need to be careful of people who value what is ours,’’ emphasized Ćorić and added

The attendees were also introduced to Edin Pandur, an artist, craftsman, and craftsman whose work has been recognized outside the local community as an example of a successful combination of heritage preservation and a modern approach to design and product presentation.
Pandur emphasized how important it is for Mostar to maintain its authenticity and tradition, and that if we lose what is ours, only the scenery remains.

‘‘Today is a new time, there are new demands, people are more spoiled and demand much more for their money. Mostar motifs dominate here, and tourists love to buy a story the most. Anyone can create the visual of the Old Bridge, but there must be some kind of story from the inside that connects everything, and tourists notice and understand it,’’ emphasized this Mostar artist.

The Tourist Board of the City of Mostar emphasized that this conversation is an incentive for a more concrete connection between the tourism and crafts sectors, and that it will result in new initiatives that celebrate and preserve what makes us special.

After an interesting panel discussion, visitors to this stand could enjoy the sounds of sevdah and also see live crafts skills, such as the work of goldsmiths.

During the following days of the fair, other interesting presentations, performances and panel discussions will be organized. Thus, on Thursday, April 10, the Tourist Board of the City of Mostar, together with representatives of sports associations, will have a panel “Active Mostar for active tourism”, while the City of Mostar will present a panel “Life by the river: Buna and Bunica new shine”, with the participation of the organizations People in Need and LDA Mostar.

The penultimate day of the Fair, April 11, is reserved for the panel “How art shapes Mostar”, at which Mostar artists will share their vision of tourism development through their activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the creation of a mural by artists in front of the Rezon Association.