This time, Mr. Bajtal introduced us to his research and knowledge concerning life, but also crafts, he told us about the synergy of these concepts, meaning, etc.
According to Bajtal, life itself gave birth and gives birth to crafts, because it is the craft that sustains life. It is interesting that we find the representation of crafts even in Bosnian surnames, so from there we come across the surnames Kovač, Kovačević, Mutapčić, Ćurak, Kazanđić, etc., which indicates the involvement of crafts in our lives, in which it remains for centuries.
Historical overview
It is interesting that the first crafts, in the first craft notebook, are mentioned in the 1.400s. They were divided into bazaars, and the trade node consisted of several crafts, which ultimately formed Baščaršija. Some of Baščaršija's alleys are named after certain crafts, and many of them are still a tourist attraction in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to our guest, the link between the guilds and the authorities was čehaja, and the link between the guilds themselves, in which all denominations were represented, was solidarity. Namely, if a craftsman manages to sell a certain product, and at the same time his neighbor, also a craftsman, is not in the same situation, the first mentioned person who managed to earn some money, the next customer points to his neighbor so that he can "earn" something that day.
In the Ottoman period, Bajtal's research shows, the craft reached the peak of its existence. It was in those years that the majority of the city's population engaged in this business and in that way fed their loved ones.
However, during the rule of Austro-Hungary, factory fabric appeared, fashion changed and crafts became an expensive "discipline". That is why, among others, ćurćije and kazazi were slowly disappearing. All this has led to the necessary modernization, which will force many craftsmen to adapt to the new situation, but also to develop new types of crafts such as mechanics, shoemaking etc.
However, it is very necessary to mention that the Austro-Hungarian government in our country did not allow the complete extinction of the craft in any way. In order to preserve them, but also to pass them on to future generations, the Austro-Hungarians formed some schools and industries.
Watchmakers
According to our dear guest, watchmakers told a special story, and with the development of the economy, this craft also developed.
More than five thousand years ago, a sundial appeared, then an hourglass and then a water clock, while the first mechanical clock will work thanks to pendulums and springs. Wall clocks are certainly among the so-called prototypes, and it is interesting that the first one crashed in Banja Luka near the Ferhat Pasha mosque. Numerous other public clocks were also seen on other clock towers, and since the 19th century they have become part of the church building. The existence of these watches was very important because it allowed citizens to orient themselves more easily.
However, over time, wall clocks from Belgrade appear, then pocket clocks from Istanbul, but also the question of where to fix the clock if there is a problem.
And Professor Bajtal gave us the answer to that question too. In Travnik there were three shops where watches were repaired, and parts for them were procured in Venice. "Even then, it was evident that time is money," claims Mr. Bajtal.
However, in this case as well, modernization has done its thing, and unfortunately, watchmakers are almost unnecessary today. Again, although this craft is almost extinct, our region can still boast of the fact that the only clock tower in the world, which measures time according to the lunar calendar, is "located" in Sarajevo, near the Bey's Mosque, and is characterized as National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
All in all, this, as well as numerous previous stories are proof that "virtual coffee" very much generates a handful of interesting and instructive data, and also connects many Bosnians and Herzegovinians eager for knowledge. Therefore, if you have not had the opportunity so far, join us on March 2nd and have fun with Esad Bajtal.
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