Until recently, visitors to Srebrenica had limited accommodation options. Today, the first hotel built after the war officially opened its doors.
Srebrenica, before the 1992 war, was known as a tourist destination with up to 90,000 overnight stays annually, largely thanks to the Guber Spa. Accommodation for guests, tourists, and spa patients was provided by the Argentaria and Domavia hotels with annexes, rooms at Vrelo Gubera, and the Lovac motel. Many visitors also stayed in private accommodations, which were a significant additional income source for locals.
Post-war, these facilities were largely devastated or privatized, leaving them out of function. A modern hotel built in the town center remained unused despite being fully equipped. Recently, only one hostel and a few private guesthouses were available for visitors.
Situated near the main Bratunac-Srebrenica road, just 100 meters from the Potocari Memorial Center, the Potocari Han Hotel, managed by young director Bernis Ademovic, officially began operations today.
“When construction of this complex began three years ago, the goal was to provide facilities for participants of the Peace March, held to commemorate the Srebrenica genocide. The idea evolved, and thanks to Muzaffer Cilek, we now have a hotel designed in a modern way while retaining the essence of a traditional han,” said Bernis.
Historically, hans in Bosnia and Herzegovina served as inns during the Ottoman period, providing overnight stays for travelers and their caravans. They featured stables for horses, rooms for travelers, and rooms for the innkeeper. There were also trade hans in major centers where merchants stayed for extended periods, as well as seasonal hans for treatments or leisure.
“To ensure these facilities are not used only on July 11, Mr. Cilek, a renowned Turkish businessman and founder of the Cilek brand, decided to start a business here and employ several people,” Bernis explained. “We considered many ideas and ultimately decided on a restaurant because of our proximity to the Memorial Center and the need for such services. Our goal is to ensure the hotel's sustainability and contribute to Srebrenica’s economy.”
Potocari Han Hotel offers extensive accommodation options, including dormitory-style rooms for groups and eight apartments with 32 beds for families or individuals. The complex includes a restaurant, a coffee shop with a large garden, a conference hall, and playgrounds for children. The restaurant serves traditional Bosnian cuisine and select Turkish dishes.
“We offer soups, stews, grilled dishes like ćevapi, pljeskavice, chicken, schnitzels, traditional desserts like baklava and hurmašice, pancakes, pizzas, and a Turkish soup and tea,” Bernis said.
Currently, the hotel employs six people but is looking for an additional waiter and a housekeeper.
“We, the youth who see our future in Srebrenica, need to work hard and focus on improving our community rather than thinking of leaving. I see my future here and hope to be part of a positive change,” concluded Bernis Ademovic.
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