Kajtaz House (Kajtazova Kuća)

Tucked away in Mostar’s historic Muslim Quarter and overlooking the east bank of the River Neretva, Kajtaz House (Kajtazova Kuća) is a well-preserved late 16th-century Ottoman nobleman’s mansion. Built behind high walls to shield the women of the family, the two-story, whitewashed stone building is supported by wooden stilts, with an overhanging roof designed to shade the lower floors. The house is surrounded by a shady courtyard garden, pebbled in circular patterns symbolizing the five daily prayers of an observant Muslim. Inside, visitors can explore the original furnishings, including separate living quarters for men and women, brightly patterned kelims, traditional low sofas, and ornately carved wooden furniture. The ancient kitchen is filled with copper cooking pots and utensils, while upstairs, traditional harem pants and fezzes hang on the walls.