Eminagića konak Tešanj

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

1. INTRODUCTORY PAGE

1.1. Country/Territory:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

1.2. Name of organisation compiling the information:

Commission to Preserve National Monuments

1.3. Contact name:

Mirela Mulalić Handan

1.4. email address:

mirela.m.handan@aneks8komisija.com.ba

1.5. Name and address of bulding(s) or site:

The historic building - Eminagića konak in Tešanj

Inventory reference number(s): 07.2-2-963/03-7

Decision for designation of national monument No.:

Building type(s):

Historic building – residential house

1.6. Main date(s):

Date of construction: first half of the 19th century

Current use(s):

Currently not in a use

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: THE SITE AND ITS MANAGEMENT

The Eminagica konak (guest house) is a monument of outstanding national value and one of the oldest and finest examples of residential architecture in Tesanj.  It is not known exactly when it was built but the quality of the materials and the treatment of the structural elements suggest that it probably dates from the first half of the 19th century.  The building has a complex ground plan and the details which are typical of urban, residential architecture, not only in Tesanj, but also in other small towns such as Travnik and Jajce.  Living quarters were on the ground and first floors, with storage in the basement.  Like other houses of this type, the first floor and part of the ground floor are constructed of lightweight materials, while the basement and the part of the ground floor which is in direct contact with the ground are of solid and durable Trebava quarry stone.

The building is currently unoccupied, having been abandoned by its owners in 1980, subsequently occupied by temporary tenants, and recently purchased by the municipality of Tesanj. The immediate works required include the clearance and maintenance of the surroundings of the building, securing its structure through underpinning and preventing immediate further deterioration, prior to the development of a full restoration programme with associated investigation and documentation.

Besides preserving a monument of national importance, the main aim of the project is to initiate sustainable development within the town and region through the development of cultural tourism.  When restored, the building may be used for residential, educational and cultural purposes, with guided public visits.  It is intended that the restoration will preserve the authenticity of the building in materials, workmanship, design and setting. 

The municipality will be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of the integrity of the building and its integration into the contemporary life of Tesanj, using it as an example of an integrated approach towards town planning and the built heritage.

PTA carried by:

Commission to Preserve National Monuments

Local experts:

Mirzah Fočo, Architect, Associate for Ensembles, Historical, Urban and Cultural Landscapes,

 Mustafa Humo, Civil Engineer,

headed by Mirela Mulalić Handan, Project Coordinator, 

Sarajevo, 15th of September, 2005.