Banjaluka is the biggest town, economical and cultural center of the Republic Srpska and the second biggest town in Bosnia and Hertzegovina.

The area of Banjaluka covers 1239 sq. kilometers, has population of 250.000 – 300.000. Banjaluka spreads over both banks of the Vrbas River, in the tectonic valley that spreads NorthEast – SouthWest. The city itself covers approx. 150 sq. kilometers and coordinates are 44°44’27″” LAT. and 17°11’44” LON. The average atitude is 164m.

The climate is continental moderate with average 143 rainy days in a year. Banjaluka also has 1821 sunny hours during the year, average annual temperature is 12°C. The lowest ever recorded temperature was 27.4°C, and hottest was 41.1°C. Banjaluka is also well known by the nickname “the green town” as this town has over 2400 acres of green areas out of which 1000 acres are located through the town. The zone of the Vrbas River, one of the most beautiful mountain rivers, beautifies everything around. Before its entering in Banjaluka the river is passing trough the nature masterpiece, the Canyon of Vrbas. In the Vrbas River and other Banjaluka rivers swimming and fishing is possible. There are many hunting areas near the town, so hunters and fishermen are on their field here.

If you want to see Banjaluka clearly, you need to climb on the hill called Banj brdo. That is the only spot from which you can see not only the town, but its surroundings too. In the town itself, you can distinguish its streets, nice and big houses and Cityhallbuildings. Divided into two halves by the fast and green river Vrbas, Banjaluka is spread mainly on the southern side of the Banjaluka plain.

History

Until Austro-Hungarian occupation, Banjaluka was a spitting image of a typical Muslim-Balkan type of town. Every house was property for itself, and because of careless placing of tall buildings made from boards, all the houses looked as if they were “brought from woods and fields.” One would say that this town which did not pay any attention to time, did not pay any attention to space either. That is how Banjaluka developed far and wide. In the gardens, wide squares and streets, rather distant from each other, stood the houses lit by the sunshine, and wrapped with the fragrance of gardens. Austro-Hungarian occupation brought noticeable changes. Many old buildings were removed, in order to make space for constructing the new ones. Because of this, the unique oriental image of the town changed. Needs for administrative offices, school buildings, Christian churches, apartment houses could have been satisfied only by erecting new buildings. That was how the contrast between low and ramshackle houses and new buildings was created. However, in the course of time, the new and old buildings mixed with each other, and the image of the town gradually acquired a new look.

TRACES/HISTORY

It was established by researches that in the ancient times the area of Banjaluka was settled by thKastel entrancee Illyrians and Thracians, and before them, by Hatids. When Roman conquerors arrived there, they found the Illyrians, who were divided into tribes and tribal groups. Many traces of Roman rule, which lasted for about 800 years, were found in Banjaluka and its surroundings: roads, remains of settlements, money, buildings, mausoleums… Discovery in 1895 of a sacrificial altar, dedicated to the god Jupiter, and excavation of a tombstone, on which two letters, D.M., were discernable, was a part of an important archeological discovery.

Remains of the Slavic past, from the first settlements to the Turkish conquest, do not play any important role. The oldest Turkish settlement was in Gornji [eher, and it developed mainly on the right side of the river Vrbas, while the development of Banjaluka on the left side of the river started in the second half of the 16th century, especially during the time of Ferhat-pasha, who transferred the center of Bosnian Pashadom from Travnik to Banjaluka, in 1573. Banjaluka continued to be the center of the Pashadom until 1639. The authors who wrote about their travels in the 17th century, described Banjaluka as a big and developed town, with Ivan Franjo Jukicstrong army garrison. In the second half of the 18th century, the population of Banjaluka started rapidly to decrease. This was caused by transfer of the center of Pashadom from Banjaluka in 1639, and by frequent and long wars with Austria and Hungary, and by internal conflicts.

Nevertheless, Banjaluka became strong administrative, trade and industrial center again, thanks to its favourable geographic and climatic conditions. Because of its rich and fertile hinterland – the Lijevce plain, and very famous products made by Banjaluka craftsmen, especially products made from leather, fur, silver and gold, Banjaluka attracted many Serbian families, especially those from Herzegovina, Macedonia and Sarajevo. According to the writings of Giljeferding, the Russian consul in Sarajevo, almost all of the Banjaluka Orthodox-Christian merchants were settlers from Trebinje. He also claimed that a particular caste of merchants was established, which represented a kind ofPetar Kocic aristocracy in relations to other people. In the middle of the 19th century, ten percent of Banjaluka’s inhabitants were involved in handicraft and trade business. The well-known annual fair was held in Banjaluka, and the best merchandise and livestock were brought for that occasion from all parts of Bosnia. By becoming an important industrial center, Banjaluka soon became strong national and political center as well. Franjo Ivan Jukic was among the first educated fighters for human rights and freedom in the 19th century. Besides his profession as a priest, he was also engaged in literature, and problems and needs of common people. At the beginning of the second half of the 19th century, a Theological school was opened in Banjaluka, and it gave to the town several renowned priests, teachers and fighters for human rights. The establishment of the Theological school was a result of the support provided by agile Serbs, merchants and citizens, that included the priest Trifun Jungic, \or|e Delic, Toma Radulovic, Jovo Pisteljic, Jovo Kne`evicVaso Pelagic Savo Milic, Risto Vukic and Savo Bilbija. The first principal of the Theological school was famous Vaso Pelagic.

Shortly before the end of the Turkish and beginning of the Austrian rule, Banjaluka was linked by railway with other parts of the world. Austro-Hungarian authorities built wide housing zone. The new part of the town ended up with two railway stations, factory chimneys, hospital, school and public buildings. When Banjaluka became the county and district center, the appropriate institutions were formed, and the town center was moved to the left bank of the river Vrbas. The catholic monastery “Marija Zvijezda” opened several factories and an electric power station, which provided Banjaluka with electricity. Tobacco factory was built in 1887. Although the town did not have any kind of urban planning, the streets lined by trees planted in those days have survived until the present times, forcing modern town planners to adapt to their beauty. As far as hotels are concerned, the main one washotel “Balkan”, while “Bosna,” “Austrija,” “Mercel,” and “Prunker” were popular as well. The center of today’s Banjaluka was formed in 1923, during the time of regional unit called Vrbaska banovina, when Banjaluka, for the second time in its history, became the center of “wider culture.” Thanks to the first “ban” (governor of “banovina”) Svetislav Milosavljevic, the administrative headquarters and palace were built opposite each other, and the Orthodox cathedral “Sveta Trojica” (Holly Trinity)between them, with its 46 meter-high bell tower. This cathedral was destroyed in 1941 by the order of the ustasha authorities. Ban Milosavljevic was also instrumental in building the town park, with a fountain and music pavilion, construction of the Hygienic institute, of seven buildings with fifty apartments for civil servants, and of the bank with two bronze statues in front of the entrance. During his time, the first Banjaluka streets were asphalted, and the “Palas” hotel was built in 1935. During that time, Banjaluka was a town of peace, tranquility and fresh air. Middle-class way of life developed in Banjaluka, but it was destroyed in 1941, when the Serbs were expelled to concentration camps and to Serbia.

CULTURE AND EDUCATION

Banjaluka started accepting European culture only after the Austro-Hungarian occupation, because Turkish authorities were suspicious of all European ideas and cultural needs. The largest cultural impact in new Banjaluka – among primary and confessional schools, business school and school for girls – was made by the secondary school known as “Velika realka”, whKocic’s monumentich was opened in 1895. Its opening attracted a large number of highly educated professors, real intellectuals. Pupils’ and citizens’ educational and cultural societies were founded, and they maintained relations with provincial towns. The arrival of Petar Kocic in 1906 marked the beginning of a new historical chapter in the life of Banjaluka. Petar Kocic started publication of two journals, “Otad`bina” (Fatherland) and “Razvitak” (Development), which gathered cultural, literary and political activists. Nowadays, Banjaluka is a university center of Northern Bosnia – Republic of Srpska. As a sign of gratitude to Petar Kocic,the society “Zmijanje” was established in the early 1930s. This society intended to erect a monument of Petar Kocic, and to move his relics to Banjaluka. The monument was made by the sculptors Augustincic and Rados, and it was unveiled on 6th of April 1932. The remains of the writer and national tribune Petar Kocic were not moved to Banjaluka, because his family changed its mind.

Today, Banjaluka is a cultural center. National and university library “Petar Kocic” possess some 150,000 books and 3,500 unique items of large value. The National Theatre was established in 1930. Museums and the Archive, which own important cultural and historical treasures, were established at the same time. There is an Art gallery, and Children theatre as well. The town is an important media center too, because there are many TV and radio stations there, and many newspapers and magazines are published in Banjaluka as well.

Culture

Banjaluka started accepting European culture only after the Austro-Hungarian occupation, because Turkish authorities were suspicious of all European ideas and cultural needs. The largest cultural impact in new Banjaluka – among primary and confessional schools, business schLibrary “Petar Kocic”ool and school for girls – was made by the secondary school known as “Velika realka”, which was opened in 1895. Its opening attracted a large number of highly educated professors, real intellectuals. Pupils’ and citizens’ educational and cultural societies were founded, and they maintained relations with provincial towns. The arrival of Petar Kocic in 1906 marked the beginning of a new historical chapter in the life of Banjaluka. Petar Kocic started publication of two journals, “Otadzbina” (Fatherland) and “Razvitak” (Development), which gathered cultural, literary and political activists. Nowadays, Banjaluka is a university center of Northern Bosnia – Republic of Srpska. As a sign of gratitude to Petar Kocic, the society “Zmijanje” was established in the early 1930s. This society intended to erect a monument of Petar Kocic, and to move his relics to Banjaluka. The monument was made by the sculptors Augustincic and Rados, and it was unveiled on 6th of April 1932. The remains of the writer and national tribune Petar Kocic were not moved to Banjaluka, because his family changed its mind.
Today, Banjaluka is a cultural center. National and university library “Petar Kocic” possess some 150,000 books and 3,500 unique items of large value. The National Theatre was established in 1930. Museums and the Archive, which own important cultural and historical treasures, were established at the same time. There is an Art gallery, and Children theatre as well.

Banja Luka was important cultural center in ex Bosnia and Herzegovina, and today it represents the same in Republic of Serbs. There are a lot of cultural institutions with a long tradition. Professional National Theater has been established in 1930., with Children Theater and Youth Theater “DIS” beside. In last twenty years the greatest progress was made in field of information and publishing. Today in Banja Luka work six TV and ten radio stations, and a number of daily and weekly papers. Banja Luka has always been a headquarter of various cultural associations: of writers, artists, and other professional and amateur associations.

CULTURE CENTER “BANSKI DVOR”

Banski Dvor Culture Center was built from 1929-1932 as the headquarters of Ban of Vrbas Banovina. From 1955, by the decision of the authorities of that time the building was given to the Culture Center to run it, and from 1998 it has become public cultural institution Banski Dvor’ Culture Center’ The institution’s primary activity is of multi media character that includes: concerts, exhibitions, monodrama performances, video projections, public discussions, lectures, literal manifestations, as well as the activities of clubs and art studios. The interiors of Banski Dvor are very representative, and some of them have preserved the authentic set up, such are the concert hall, the conference hall, and the ceremonial salon. The concert hall gives a unique year this hall is used for over thirty concerts of classic music, of eminent artists and ensembles from all over the country and the world, a numberof exhibitions of local and guest artists, literature evenings, presentations. Poetry and monodrama evenings have been held at least two to three times a week. Culture Center is in fact the place that offers various events on daily basis.

NATIONAL THEATRE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

National Theatre of the Republic of Srpska was founded in 1930 in Banja Luka as “The National National TheaterTheatre of Vrbaska Banovina” and since than it has been the carrier of development of drama art in the town, as well as in the whole region. The Theatre’s projects have hosted many directors from Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, local and foreign artists, actors, singers, scenographers, costume designers and composers. Especially important cooperation has been with local playwrights whose works have been performed at the repertoire of the Theatre. Today the RS National Theatre has 80 permanent employees and 26 members in the actors’ ensemble. Plays are being performed almost every night in a year and tickets are always sold out. One of the biggest and most visited cultural events in the to-,vn is the Theatre Fest, the festhal that has been happening every year in the National Theatre, presenting many local and foreign actors’ ensembles. Every visit to the RS National Theatre gives a real pleasure for all lovers of drama.

ART GALLERY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Art Gallery of Republic of Srpska is based in the center of the city, in a building of the former railway station that was reconstructed and adopted for the new needs in 1980. It was founded in 1971 after the Great Earthquake that struck Banja Luka in 1969, thankGalerys to many artists from Yugoslavia and wider that wanted to help the destroyed area. These donated pieces become the basis of the new art gallery. By systematic and professional work the initial fund has enlarged constantly so that the Gallery owns the most complete collection of XX century art of RS. The collection is divided in several coIIections: paintings, sculptures, graphics and drawings, new art media and the foreign collection. Exhibit area of the Gallery is made of permanent set up show room and the show room for guest exhibitions. The concept of the permanent set up enables constant monitoring of the development of art in our region that ranges up from the informal to the Post Modern Art, with the accent on the most valuable works and artists. The show room for guest exhibitions is used for periodical guest exhibitions of different profile and character. Also in the centre of the city in Kralja Alfonsa III Street there is an art gallery where the art lovers can see and buy some works of the most significant artist from Banja Luka and wider.

THE MUSEUM OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

The Museum in 131, was founded on 26 September 1930, by the decision of Ban Milosavljevic, with the aim to collect and protect a great number of priceless pieces of historical and artistic value, which had been found in the area. The high level of awareness about the importance for such institutions and huge efforts of the first director, an academic painter, Spiro Bocaric, caused that the “Museum of Vrbaska Banovina” had become the important cultural-historic Museuminstitution. Until the Second World War, the Museum had gained influence and reputation. The result was numerous exhibitions from all over the Kingdom of Yugoslavia as well as the organization of the Museum, which had ethnographic, pre-historic and historic numismatics, as well as geological-pale ontological collection, the tourist office, the archive and the museum library. The interesting fact is that the Museum of Vrbaska Banovina was the first publisher of a similar publication as the very one in your hands. In 1938 the Museum issued “The Guide of Vrbaska Banovina”, printed in four languages. Only three years later, in 1941, begun the bloodiest part of the history. The newly established Independent State of Croatia, one of Hitlers’ puppet creations, together with German troops started the series of the most brutal and horrible crimes. The Museum was not spared either. First, the manager Spiro Bocaric was brutally killed, and many collections were confiscated and stolen, and the Museum was renamed and used for needs of the Fascists. In 1945, the Museum was reorganized again and it continued its work under new conditions, it employed new curators, historians, ethnotogists, archeologists, geologist, etc. Following the disintegration of Tito’, Yugoslavia, Banja Luka became the capital of RS, and the Museum has become the state institution that is called “The Museum of RS”. The Museum has been developing, but also moved for seven times until the present day. it is placed in the building of Dom Solidarnosti ‘The House of Solidarity’ that was built after the great earthquake in 1969. The Museum has six departments, namely archeological, historical, contemporary art, ethnological, naturalist and the library.