Veliki Park (Sarajevo)

Veliki Park
Veliki Park in Sarajevo
Type	Public park
Location	Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Coordinates	43°51′36″N 18°24′59″E / 43.86006°N 18.41646°E / 43.86006; 18.41646
Created	1888
Operated by	Municipality of Centar Sarajevo
Status	Open year-round

Veliki Park (Bosnian: Veliki Park, meaning "Great Park") is the largest public park in central Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Situated in the Centar municipality, it serves as a prominent green space and a site of historical and cultural significance.

Veliki Park is located in the heart of Sarajevo, bordered by the streets of Maršala Tita, Koševo, Džidžikovac, Tina Ujevića, and Trampina. Its central position makes it easily accessible and a popular spot for both residents and visitors seeking respite from the urban environment.^[1]

The area now known as Veliki Park was originally the site of the Čekrekčija cemetery, a Muslim burial ground established in the 16th century. The cemetery was founded by Mustafa Muslihudin Čekrekčija, a notable benefactor who also commissioned the construction of the Čekrekčija Mosque in 1526.^[2]

In the late 19th century, during the Austro-Hungarian administration, urban reforms led to the transformation of the cemetery into a public park. The conversion was part of broader efforts to modernize Sarajevo's urban landscape. The park was officially established in 1888, adopting the English landscape garden style, characterized by open lawns, winding paths, and diverse plantings.^[3]

Veliki Park offers a tranquil environment with expansive lawns, shaded pathways, and a variety of trees and flowers. The park’s design provides a serene setting for leisurely walks, relaxation, and community gatherings. Its steep, hilly terrain adds to its distinctive character, with gently rising and sloping areas that create natural divisions within the park and offer visitors a varied walking experience. The elevation changes contribute to scenic views and secluded corners, enhancing the park’s aesthetic appeal and its function as a peaceful urban retreat.^[4]

Several historical elements are preserved within the park, including some of the original nišani (Ottoman-style tombstones) from the former Čekrekčija cemetery, offering a glimpse into the area's past.^[5]

Today, Veliki Park remains one of the largest green spaces in central Sarajevo, covering an area of approximately 3.3 hectares. It serves as a vital urban lung, with a network of walking paths, benches, and recreational areas frequented by locals and tourists alike. The park is home to a rich variety of native and ornamental plant species, including linden trees, maples, horse chestnuts, and several species of conifers. Seasonal flowers are planted regularly by city maintenance crews, contributing to its landscaped appearance.^[6]

Veliki Park is home to significant memorials commemorating the victims of the Bosnian War:

• Memorial to the Murdered Children of Besieged Sarajevo: Unveiled in 2009, this monument honors the children who lost their lives during the Siege of Sarajevo (1992–1996). Designed by sculptor Mensud Kečo, the memorial features a glass sculpture symbolizing a mother protecting her child, set within a bronze ring crafted from shell casings collected from the city.^[7]

• "Nermine, dođi" Sculpture: This poignant artwork commemorates the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, depicting the moment when a father calls out for his son, Nermin, before both were executed. The sculpture serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the conflict.^[8]

Beyond its natural beauty, Veliki Park holds cultural and historical importance for Sarajevo. It serves as a venue for public events, commemorations, and a space for reflection.^[9] The park's integration of memorials within its landscape underscores the city's commitment to remembering its past while providing a peaceful environment for its citizens.^[10]