Second day of the fair: Talk 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 at their stand on the topic "Identity of Mostar: Preservation of heritage through handicrafts and souvenirs".
At this panel, representatives of the Chamber of Crafts of Herzegovina-Neretva County, owners of souvenir shops and artists shared their experiences.
"There are about 3,000 craftsmen in Mostar and we consider ourselves their trade 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, and at the same time emphasized the importance of finding new ways of connecting with tourists and the market.

As some of the shortcomings, she pointed out the misunderstanding 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 domestic works and domestic products to be recognized, and for prices to be different for us and those who deal exclusively with imports. We must look out for people who value what is ours," emphasized Ćorić and added

Those present 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 product design and 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 landscape remains.

"Today is a new time, there are new requirements, people are more pampered and demand much more for their money. Mostar motifs dominate here, and tourists like to buy the story the most. Anyone can create a visual representation 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 craft 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 at the same time see live artisanal skills, such as the work of goldsmiths.

During the following days of the fair, other interesting presentations, plays 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 People in Need and LDA Mostar.

The penultimate day of the Fair, April 11, is reserved for the panel "How Art Shapes Mostar", where 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 an artist in front of the Rezon association.