Varoš & Skender Kulenović House in Travnik

In the historic city of Travnik, the Varoš neighborhood offers a vivid glimpse into a rich residential past. This charming cluster of historic houses, including the former home of writer Skender Kulenović, showcases traditional architecture and holds deep cultural significance.

The Historic Varoš Neighborhood

Varoš is recognized as one of the oldest sections of Travnik, characterized by a steep street that ascends towards the formidable Travnik Fortress. The area is the historical heart of the city, which served as the capital of the Ottoman province of Bosnia and the residence of its viziers from 1699 to 1850. The neighborhood's architecture is a blend of Medieval, Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Austro-Hungarian styles, reflecting the city's diverse heritage.

Key landmarks in Varoš include the Varoš Mosque, one of the first built outside the fortress in the early 16th century, and one of Travnik's two historic clock towers. Today, Varoš is a residential neighborhood and a popular destination for visitors interested in its historical buildings and photographic scenery.

The House of Skender Kulenović

Within Varoš stands the house where the celebrated Bosnian writer Skender Kulenović lived during his youth. The building is marked by a memorial plaque, installed in 2020, which commemorates the Kulenović family's residence and their anti-fascist activities. While it is a site of historical importance, it is not operated as a public museum.

A Writer's Formative Years

Skender Kulenović (1910-1978) was born in Bosanski Petrovac to a once-wealthy landowning Bey family. After agrarian reforms in 1921 led to their impoverishment, the family relocated to Travnik, his mother's hometown. From 1921 to 1930, Skender attended the Jesuit Grammar School in Travnik, a period that shaped his intellectual development.

It was during his time in Travnik that Kulenović wrote his first literary works, the sonnets 'Ocvale primule', in 1927. He later became a committed leftist, joining the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II and earning renown for his poetry. His unique background included being born into a Bosnian Muslim family, receiving a Catholic education, and later residing in Belgrade.

A Family of Artists and Activists

The Kulenović family was notable for its contributions to culture and its political convictions. Skender's brother, Muhamed, was a painter whose works were exhibited at the Homeland Museum Travnik. The family was also deeply involved in anti-fascist movements, with two of the brothers, including Muzafer, sacrificing their lives fighting against totalitarian regimes.