VELAGIĆEVINA, BLAGAJ

In the Islamic culture of life, water has a central role and significance. An example of the integration of water into a high housing culture. The Velagićevina complex in Blagaj, built at the end of the 18th century.

Author: Ekrem Tucaković, PhD, Riyasat of the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina • Photo & video: Mirza Hasanefendić

 

In 2004, the natural-architectural architectural ensemble of the residential complex of the Velagić family (Velagićevina) at Blagaj near Mostar, situated about 200 m downstream from the spring of the river Buna, was designated as a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The complex was built in 1776 as three separate wholes (for three Velagić brothers) on a branch of the river Buna, on a river peninsula, below a road which leads to the tekke. The national monument is composed of residential buildings of the Velagić family with the musafirhana /free lodging/ (londža), ahar (stables), mlinice, stampers and natural surroundings – a part of the bed and bank of the river Buna in the protected area, a branch of the Buna with the island and gardens.

 “Velagićevina is one of the most valuable Herzegovinian agglomerations” of residential architecture which testifies “of an extremely high culture of living and sensibility characteristic” of Herzegovina “where houses open toward environment” (Mujezinović, N., 2000, pp. 62-66). Under the influence of Islam, urban organization of residential complexes achieved a high degree of the unity of the house with nature surrounding it, whereby the residential complex assumes a new relationship with the outside.

Due to its location, the residential complex is separated from the outer world, residential facilities are oriented toward the yard and opened toward natural environment. The whole complex is fenced with about 2 m high stone wall, which separates houses with yards from the public. The economic part: a stable, a hayloft, a woodshed and an apartment for servants, is positioned next to entrance gates.

Besides residential facilities and accompanying contents such as kitchens, pantries, front yards etc., the complex also includes the building of musafirhana (londža), on the island itself, which served for resting; it was pleasant to be there particularly in summer, because the branch of the river Buna flows under it. The building of ahar, mlinice and stampers are nearby. The complex is also unique and attractive due to the water channeled to the front yard and to the basement of the house.

Musafirhana (londža)

Originally, two Velagić musafirhanas (londžas) were built, which served for resting; it was pleasant to be there particularly in summer, because the branch of the river Buna flows under it. Travelers had free lodging and food, and the musafirhanas worked until after the First World War (Hasandedić, 1997).

Ahasr (stables)

Ahars (stables) were typically positioned in the economic part of residential complex. On the north side of the Velagićevina complex there were three stables; two spaces have been preserved until today, one of which had a hayloft and now a space for living has been made there. 

Mlinice

A smaller part of mlinice is situated on the bank and the other on the branch of the river Buna, which flows in front of the Velagićevina residential complex. Mills consist of two parts: the first part is the space for miller's accommodation, while the second part housed seven mills.

Stampers

Stampers were facilities used to washing wool and felting cloth. Remains of the old facilities are situated in the immediate vicinity of mlinice.

 

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