Blagaj

Blagaj is a village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the Herzegovina region just southeast of the city of Mostar, along the Buna river. It sits at the limestone karst landscape where the Buna emerges from a spring, creating a scenic setting that combines natural beauty with historic architecture. The area is part of the wider Mostar region, and the village serves as a popular day trip destination for visitors to southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The centerpiece of Blagaj is the Blagaj Tekija, a Dervish monastery perched on the edge of a cliff above the Buna spring. The tekija dates to the 16th century and is renowned for its whitewashed walls, a secluded courtyard, and a striking riverfront view. The site embodies a blend of Islamic spiritual architecture with local Ottoman-era influences and has long been a cultural and religious landmark in the area. Nearby historic houses, mosques, and natural terraces add to the town’s traditional atmosphere.

Historically, Blagaj developed as a crossroads community within the Ottoman-administrative system, integrating religious, commercial, and agricultural functions. In modern times it has become a notable tourist destination, drawing visitors with the tekija, the Buna spring, and the surrounding countryside. The local economy is shaped by tourism, hospitality, and small-scale crafts, with many residents commuting to Mostar for work. Blagaj remains known for its scenic setting, cultural heritage, and as a testament to the intertwining of nature and history in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.