Blagaj TEKKE NERETVA SIGHTSEEING It was originally considered a larger town with all administrative functions, but Mostar later took over that role – and so it has remained to this day. Right at the mouth of the cave, at the very source of the Buna River, lies the eponymous Vrelo Bune, better known as Blagaj Tekke. It is one of the largest tekkes in Europe, listed under UNESCO protection.
A tekke is an Islamic religious building, and the very visual appearance of this monastery impresses visitors. There are several buildings like this tekke in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Blagaj Tekke is considered the most magnificent. The year of construction is debated in literature, as various dates between 1447 and 1600 are cited, though archaeological findings suggest the complex existed considerably earlier. The appearance of Blagaj Tekke has changed over time, partly due to damage caused by falling rocks from the cliff directly above, beneath which the tekke lies. The appearance Blagaj Tekke has today was achieved during a renovation in 1850, and it is most likely only a remnant of a once much larger complex.
The history of Blagaj Tekke is also rich and mysterious, so it doesn’t leave visitors indifferent. The primary residents of the monastery were Dervishes, followers of the mystical branch of Islam, who came to the monastery only on certain days of the week and year. Occasionally, travelers also found shelter here. The last sheikh of the tekke died in 1923, and dervish spirituality was completely suppressed during World War II. Today, Blagaj Tekke operates as a museum and is open to the public, and hymns of praise are still occasionally performed there. Dress appropriately for the visit – covered shoulders and knees – as you are entering the Muslim world.
Visitors can walk along the river and admire the beautiful blue-green colors of the Buna River. Because of the monastery’s location, standing beneath a 200-meter-high cliff, and its immediate proximity to the Buna River, summer temperatures are pleasant. This offers visitors a pleasant coolness, and the most daring can even cool off in the river. In the summer months, the water has a “pleasant” 10 degrees. The name Blagaj most likely stems precisely from the pleasant cooling that the river offers in summer, as “blaga” is a synonym for mild and pleasant weather. In the warmer months, you can also explore the cave by canoe, which will add a touch of adventure to your visit.
In the immediate vicinity of the monastery, there are also a few options to treat yourself to real Bosnian coffee, though the visit to Blagaj Tekke itself won’t take up much of your time. The visit is therefore also a great opportunity to see Mostar and its surroundings, as it is only 14 kilometers away. You can also combine the visit with a tour of Stjepan Vukčić Castle (Blagaj Fortress).
