Banja Luka Totally Explained

Everything about Banja Luka totally explained

Banja Luka or Banjaluka (Cyrillic: Бања Лука, ) is the largest city in Republika Srpska entity and the second largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina after Sarajevo. It is also the de facto capital of Republika Srpska . It has traditionally been the center of the Bosanska Krajina region located in the northwest of the country, on the Vrbas river. It is home to the University of Banja Luka, as well as other numerous Bosnian institutions. The city is well-known in the former Yugoslavia for being full of tree-lined avenues, boulevards, gardens, and parks.

Geography

Banja Luka covers some 96.2 km² (37.1 mi²) of land in northwestern Bosnia on the Vrbas River. The city is located at . Banja Luka's downtown is at 163 m above sea level, surrounded by hills.
The source of the Vrbas River is about to the south. The tributary rivers of Suturlija, Crkvena, and Vrbanja flow into the Vrbas at Banja Luka. Banja Luka also has a number of springs close by.
The area immediately around Banja Luka is woodland, although there are mountains a little further from the city. The city itself is built in the Banja Luka valley, which is located at the transition between high and low mountain areas. The most notable of these mountains are Manjača (1214 meters), Čemernica (1338 meters), and Tisovac (1172 meters). These are all part of the Dinaric Alps mountain range.

Climate

Banja Luka has a continental climate, with harsh winters and warm summers. The warmest month of the year is July, with an average temperature of 21.3 °C (70 °F). The coldest month of the year is January, when temperatures average near freezing at 0.8 °C (33 °F).
Annual precipitation for Banja Luka is about 988 mm. Banja Luka has an average of 143 rainy days a year. Due to the city's high latitude, it snows in Banja Luka almost every year as well. Strong winds come from the north and northeast.

History

The name "Banja Luka" was first mentioned in a document dated February 06, 1494, but Banja Luka's history dates back to ancient times. There is substantial evidence of a Roman presence in the region during the first few centuries AD, including an old fort "Kastel" in the center of the city. The area of Banja Luka was wholly in the Roman province of Illyricum, lying on important Roman roads between Dalmatia and Pannonia.
   Slavs settled the area in the 7th century A.D., although the exact nature of their migrations remains something of a mystery. What is known is that the first mention of the city dates to 1494, by Vladislav II. The name is of Hungarian origin and means "the hole of a mine", from the Hungarian words bánya ("mine"), and luka, lyuka ("his hole").
   One of the first public structures after Kastel was a Franciscan monastery, built in 1378 in Banja Luka’s neighborhood of Petrićevac by Bosnian Franciscans. It was the first of such buildings in Bosnia. During the Ottoman rule in Bosnia, Banja Luka was the seat of the Bosnian pashaluk, and the lords of the region built what is nowadays the main street of the city. Between 1566 and 1574 Ferhat-paša Sokolović, one of the founders of the Banjaluka’s town core, built over 200 projects ranging from artisan and sales shops to wheat warehouses, baths and mosques. Among his more important constructions were Ferhadija and Arnaudija mosques, during which construction a plumbing infrastructure was laid that served surrounding residential areas. All this stimulated economic and urban development of Banja Luka, that soon after became one of the leading commercial and political centers in Bosnia. In 1688 the city was set to the torch by an Austrian army, but it quickly recovered. Later periodic intrusions by the Austrian army stimulated military developments in Banja Luka, which made it into a strategic military center. Serb churches and monasteries near Banja Luka were built in the 19th century. In the 19th century Sephardic Jews and Trappists migrated to the city, which contributed to the early industrialization of the region by building mills, breweries, brick factories, textile factories and other important structures. For all its leadership to the region however, Banja Luka as a city wasn't modernised until rule by Austria-Hungary in the late 19th century.
   Austrian occupation brought westernization to Banja Luka. Railroads, schools, factories, and infrastructure appeared, and were developed. This led to a modern city, that after World War I became the capital of the Vrbas Banovina, a province of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
   It owed its rapid progress to the first Ban Svetislav Milosavljević. During that time Banski dvor and its twin sister the Administration building, the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, theatre and museum were built, Grammar school was renovated, Teachers College enlarged, city bridge was also built and the park renovated. 125 elementary schools worked in Banja Luka in 1930. Revolutionary ideas of the time along the city were allocated by the association "Pelagić" and Student's Club. Banjaluka naturally became the organizational centre of anti-fascist work in the region. During World War II, Banja Luka was occupied by the mostly Nazi regime. Most of Banja Luka's noble Serbs, Bosniaks and Sephardic Jewish families were deported to nearby concentration death camps such as Jasenovac and Stara Gradiška. On February 7, 1942 the Ustaše forces, led by a Franciscan monk, Miroslav Filipović (aka Tomislav Filipović-Majstorović) killed 2,500 Serbs (among them 500 children) in Drakulići, Motike and Sargovac (part of the Banja Luka municipality). The town's Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity was razed to the ground by the Nazi German occupation authorities (External Link

). The city was finally liberated on April 22, 1945. Banja Luka gave its many WWII heroes, like sister and brother Vahida and Osman Maglajlic. The nursing school in Banja Luka had her name, but during the ethnic cleansing in Banja Luka, local Serbs removed her statue and her name from the school despite of her heroic acts during the WWII. Other WWII heroes were: Esad Midzic (Bosniak), Brothers Pavlic (Croats), Kasim Hadzic (Bosniak), Milan Radman (Croat), Ajsa Karabegovic (Bosniak), Paula Kogut (Croat), and many others.
In 1969, a devastating earthquake damaged many buildings in Banja Luka. A large building called Titanik in the center of the town was razed to the ground, and the area was turned into a central public square.With contributions from all Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia regions, Banja Luka was repaired and rebuilt. However, much of the old city center that had many small buildings and shops from Austrian-Hungarian and Ottoman periods were damaged beyond repair and were subsequently razed. The time after the eartquake Serbs in very large numbers, moved to Banja Luka from surrounding counties and villages and from the southern parts of Herzegovina, taking over everything.
The city underwent considerable changes during the Yugoslav wars. Upon the declaration of Bosnian-Herzegovinian independence and establishment of Republika Srpska, Banja Luka became the de facto center of the entity's politics, and in 2003 it officially became the capital of Republika Srpska. Many Croats and Bosniaks were taken to nearby concentration camps, Manjaca, Omarska and Trnopolje camp. Some Serb Banjalukans also left for economic reasons or to dodge the draft, in the same period and years after it. Banja Luka's Bosniak and Bosnian Croat population is now much smaller than before the war. Many Serb refugees who left or were forced to leave formerly Serb-held Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (mostly from Sanski Most and Kljuc) moved to the city and its surroundings in the mid-1990s. Serb economic migrants from neighbouring areas of the Republika Srpska also followed suit. As of 2004, many of its current inhabitants are said to be refugees or displaced persons - according to some as many as a third of them, even though the authorities have only registered some 18,000. A number of former residents of Banja Luka currently reside in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan (5 miles from downtown Detroit), St. Louis MO, Chicago IL, San Francisco CA, Louisville KY, Bowling Green KY, Jacksonville FL. Largest number of Banjaluka's citizens abroad live in Sweden with large population in Göteborg (5000-6000).

Demographics

Today, it has been estimated that the population of the city of Banja Luka is slightly under 250,000 with about 300,000 in the whole Banja Luka metro area. Although there's a lack of more recent official statistics on ethnic distribution, there's little doubt that Serbs make up an overwhelming majority in the city. Much of the non-Serb population was forced to leave Banja Luka into other areas such as(Tuzla, Zenica, Zagreb, etc) which resulted in today's estimated ethnic distribution.

Serbs (92%)
Bosniaks (3%)
Croats (4%)
Others (1%)

Government

Banja Luka plays an important role on different levels of Bosnia and Herzegovina's government structures. Banja Luka is the center of government for the Municipality of Banja Luka.
A number of entity and state institutions are seated in the city. The Republika Srpska Government and the National Assembly are based in Banja Luka. The BiH State Agencies based in the city include the Indirect Taxation (VAT) Authority, the Deposit Insurance Agency as well as a branch of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (formerly the National Bank of Republika Srpska). Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Serbia, United Kingdom and the United States maintain diplomatic representation through consulate-generals in Banja Luka.

Economy

Although the city itself wasn't directly affected by the war in the early 1990s, Banja Luka's economy was. For four years, Banja Luka fell behind the world in key areas such as technology, resulting in a rather stagnant economy today.
In recent years, financial services sector has gained in importance in the city. In 2002, trading began on the newly-established Banja Luka Stock Exchange. Since then, the stock exchange has gone from strength to strength. The number of companies listed, the trading volume and the number of investors have increased significantly. A number of big companies such as Telekom Srpske, Rafinerija ulja Modriča, Banjalučka pivara and Vitaminka are all listed on the exchange and are traded regularly. Investors, apart from those from Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, now include a number of investment funds from the EU, Norway, USA, Japan and China.
A number of financial services regulators, such as the Republika Srpska Securities Commission and the RS Banking Agency are headquartered in Banja Luka. This, along with the fact that some of the major banks in Bosnia, the Deposit Insurance Agency and the Value-added tax (VAT) Authority are all based in the city, has helped Banja Luka establish itself as one of the main financial centres of the country.

Culture

Due to its long history, Banja Luka has a rich culture. A number of museums can be found in the city, including the Museum of Republika Srpska also known as the Museum of Bosanska Krajina, and the Ethnographic Museum, established in 1930. Banja Luka also has a national theatre, and library, both dating from the first half of the 20th century. There are numerous other museums and theatres in the city including the Museum of Modern Art of Republika Srpska.
   One of the most famous cultural sites in Banja Luka is the cultural centre "Banski Dvor" (Halls of the Ban), built in the 1930s as a spot of residence for the Bans of the Vrbas Banovina. It is a beautiful building in the very center of the city. The National Assembly is inside, along with a concert hall, gallery, state television, and restaurant. Most of the main cultural and political leadership nowadays takes place inside of the building.
   The relatively poorly preserved fortress Kastel is found in the center of the city. This medieval castle is one of Banja Luka’s main attractions but has recently become a dangerous place at night. Located on the bank of the Vrbas River, it gave specific charm to the city. During the summer some concerts took place in the fortress.
   In the city there are many Cultural Artistic Associations. The oldest is RKUD "Pelagić" (1927), and it's one of the oldest institution of this kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina (External Link

Events

In the summer, there are many festivals going on, with live bands playing outdoor venues, DJ’s and dances put on. The main festivals include: Banja Luka Choir Gathering (April - May), Theater Festival "Teatar Fest" (May), International Short Film Festival "Kratkofil" (June), The Month of Rock Music (June), Folklore Days Banja Luka (July - August, every Thursday), Summer on the Vrbas (July) Banja Luka Summer Games (August) as well as the Banja Luka Fashion Week.

Sport

Banja Luka has one major football stadium and several indoor sports halls. The local handball and football teams bear the traditional name Borac (fighter), though the basketball club was recently renamed to Banjalučka pivara, after the Banja Luka brewery. The three football teams from Banja Luka are Borac Banja Luka (Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina), FK BSK Banja Luka, and FK Omladinac Banja Luka (both in the First League of the Republika Srpska), and FK Naprijed Banjaluka.
The city has a long tradition of good handball players and teams. RK Borac Banjaluka was the European Champion in 1976, the European Vice-Champion in 1975 and the winner of the IHF Cup in 1991.
Recently, tennis has taken on a bigger role in the city. The local tennis tournament, "Memorijal Trive Vujića", has become professional and has been awarded ATP status in 2001, with the rank of a Challenger. The Banja Luka Challenger

takes place in September each year. Also, in 2006, the Davis Cup matches of the Europe/Africa Zone Group III took place in the city. Apart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the teams included Monaco, Estonia, Turkey, Lithuania, Moldova, Armenia and Andorra.
In 2005, the European Championships in Rafting were held on the river Vrbas. According to the International Rafting Federation

: "The event was hugely successful and the hosts are to be praised for the exemplary manner in which they ran the event, managed the media and looked after the competitors, staff and spectators...". Many nations took part, with the Czech Republic being the most successful.

Tourism

The natural beauties of the surrounding area guarantee the city of Banja Luka a good position in tourism. Banja Luka has a number of hotels, the oldest one dating back to 1885. The city and surrounding area have a number of popular tourist attractions. Among the most famous are the pools, thermal springs, and spas in the region. Banja Luka was once nicknamed the "Green City", due to its parks, and over 10,000 trees. The area is popular among nature lovers, while the city center is attractive to tourists due to its historical structures and many restaurants. Another attractive sights of Banja Luka are the Sehitluci Hill and a waterfall of the river Vrbas near Krupa. Rafting on the Vrbas is currently getting more appreciated among local tourists.

Transportation

Public transportation within Banja Luka is exclusively operated by bus services. Over 30 bus lines which connect downtown with the rest of the city and suburbs. The oldest bus link in the city is No 1. Banja Luka International Airport (IATA: BNX) is located 23 km from Banja Luka. Three airlines fly to the airport at present, B&H Airlines, Jat Airways and Austrojet with regular flights to Zurich, Salzburg, Belgrade and Sarajevo. Charter flights also operate from the airport, and the airport can be used as a back-up to Sarajevo Airport.
Banja Luka is the hub of the railway services of the Željeznice Republike Srpske (tr. Railways of Srpska), one half of the railway network of Bosnia and Hercegovina. Services operate to most northern Bosnian towns, Zagreb (twice daily), and Belgrade, (and from there on to the rest of Europe), though due to the recent conflict and the restoration of much of the rail network and a lack of carriages, services remain slow and infrequent compared with neighbouring countries.
A wide range of bus services are available to most neighbouring towns and every large city in BiH, and international bus services are available to and from Austria, Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland and Slovakia.

Sister Cities and international cooperation

Bari, Italy

Belgrade, Serbia, since 2003

Bitonto, Italy

Graz, Austria, since 2006

Kaiserslautern, Germany, since 2003

Kranj, Slovenia, since 2006

Lviv, Ukraine

Moscow, Russia, since 2003

Novi Sad, Serbia, since 2006

Patras, Greece

People

Abas Arslanagic, handball player/coach

Adem Cejvan, actor

Ismet Bekric, poet

Nasiha Kapidzic- Hadzic, poet

Mersad Berber, painter

Anton Josipovic, boxer

Abid Kovacevic, soccer player

Zrinko Tutic, composer

Petar Kocic, novelist

Tomislav Knez, football player

Milorad Karalić, handball player

Krstan Malesevic, sociologist

Dr. Nebojsa Popović, handball player

Sladjana Golić, basketball player

Ivan Ljubičić, tennis player

Zdravko Radjenovic, handball player

Sasa Losić, singer, composer

Dragan Šajnović, violinist, professor

Marijan Beneš, boxer and poet

Aleksandar Ravlić, journalist, photographer and writer

Vlado Milošević, composer

Radovan Bisić, boxer

Aleksandar Knezevic, handball player

Mladen Bojinovic, handball player

Marija Šestić, singer

Maja Tatić, singer

Nebojša Malešević, Mr Bosnia & Herzegovina (Mr World 2007 representative)

Gallery

Image:Trg Krajine 002.jpg|Krajina square Image:P1020062.JPG|City Administration building Image:Setnja u Banja Luci.JPG|The Gospodska street Image:Petar Kocic Spomenik.JPG|Monument of Petar Kočić Image:Walkway in Banja Luka.JPG|Gospodska street, entrance from the Krajina square Image:Tropic Centar.JPG|Tropic Centre, the largest shopping centre in Banja Luka (a Walmart-like store) Image:Светислав-Тиса Милосављевић.jpg|Monument of Svetislav Milosavljević. Image:
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