Between the old cities of Vratnik and Hodidjed, at the connection of Paljanska and Mokranjska Miljacka, place where today there is Goat’s Bridge, was a suitable place for crossing the Miljacka river for people and livestock, as it was shallow draft.
Kozija Ćuprija – Goat’s Bridge – Keçi Küprü
At the time of strong rains, or snow melting when Miljacka is at the highest level it was almost impossible to cross it, so there was a need for secure transition which lead to the construction of a bridge in early 16th century.
The legend says, two brothers, Sinan and Mehmed kept the cattle on the Jarčedoli, the area above the canyon of Miljacka, and they usually had to exceed the Miljacka several time over the day. Accoding to legend, one of their goats, while eating grass have dug up the hidden treasure.
Kozija Ćuprija – Goat’s Bridge – Keçi Küprü
When they saw it, they promised that of the founded treasure they will build the bridge and mosque. The mosque Sinan Kečedži exist event today at Bistrik, and the bridge symbolically bears the name Kozija Ćuprija (Keçe, tur. Goat).
The first time in the history Kozija Ćuprija is mentioned in 1550 in the writings of travel writer Katarin Zeno. Ever since then until today Kozija Ćuprija is valid for one of the recognizable symbols of Sarajevo.
Kozija Ćuprija – Goat’s Bridge – Keçi Küprü
Author of this bridge is almost certainly from the school of Mimar Sinan. It is possible that he (the author) is Mimar Hajruddin, because there are similarities with Mostar’s Old Bridge.
It bridges Miljacka with a length of 42 meters, with the arch made of stone, with a diameter of 17,60 meters. Arc-ceiling height of 10 meters is telling us that the builders know what could be the highest water level of the river.
Unlike other arc bridges, Kozija Ćuprija has been given a special character, two large mitigating holes, on the sides, intended for the swift flow of water during the great floods.
Kozija Ćuprija – Goat’s Bridge – Keçi Küprü
Since the early ages, the road approaching the bridge was from the left side of Miljacka, but in 1880, after the road along the right side of the river was opened, the significance of the bridge is reduced.
From Han (inn), and forge built next to the bridge, today, are only remaining stone foundations.
Next to the bridge Sarajevo people usually organised teferiče (parties), as well as the bridge was a place where the pilgrims from and for Mecca had been welcomed and whished good luck during the trip to Mecca.
One of the most important facts about this bridge is that it once stood on very famous Constantinople road, the road which one connected East and West, and one of the reasons why Sarajevo is today famously known as the city between traditional East and moderate West.
Also this place, was a spot where Sarajevo people use to welcome vizier and sultan. Sometimes even, the jumping from the bridge was common thing.
