Kazandžiluk: Sarajevo’s Coppersmith Street

If you’ve ever been to Sarajevo, chances are you’ve come across the endless array of copperwork in the narrow alleyways of Baščaršija. Perhaps you’ve heard the steady hammering of the kazandžije (coppersmiths) at work, a tradition so deeply rooted in Sarajevo that the city has its own street called Kazandžiluk, or Coppersmith Street. 

Stepping onto this street feels like stepping back in time to Sarajevo’s Golden Age, when coppersmiths crafted 100+ different types of copper items. While the variety is more limited today, the craftsmanship remains extraordinary. Owning a copper piece is a staple in Bosnian households. It’s no surprise that tourists visiting Sarajevo often take a copper item home as a souvenir!

Among the most beloved copper pieces are džezve, which are pots used to pour coffee and that are still widely used in Baščaršija cafés. The next time you’re enjoying a cup of coffee on the streets of Baščaršija, there’s a good chance the kazandžije working down the street crafted the džezva in your hands!