The historic market hall of Sarajevo is situated in the pedestrian zone, the Ferhadija, close to Trg oslobođenja. As it was built in Austro-Hungarian time its name was officially “Markthalle für Sarajevo” (market hall for Sarajevo) – but the citizens converted the name over time from “Markthalle” to “Markale“. Architect August Butsch created a building in Renaissance Revival architectural style which was opened in 1895.
The building played a key role in ending the siege of Sarajevo. On August 28th, 1995, the bosnian serbs fired shells onto the area. As a market hall is typically crowded by many people, 37 persons died and 90 were injured.
Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General of the UN announced air strikes that were carried out as Operation “Deliberate Force“. Over 200 fighter jets attacked heavy weaponry and military structure of the Serbs. In the end, the Dayton Agreement ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Today, the market hall is still used for its original purpose: You can buy meat, milk and bread. The commemorative plaque for the victims of the makale massacre is on the back side of the market hall / north side.
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