First people appeared on the territory of today’s Tuzla probably in the Neolithic period. Confirmed history of the city is dated back to the year 1460, when there is a note of implementing Tuzla into the Osman Empire. It was also then, when for big scale salt started to be produced there.
Finally, salt became a curse of the city. After a few centuries of mining it, part of old town collapsed, between buildings marsh appeared and charm of the place was forever gone. In the end, in the beginning of the 20th century there was a salt lake created in this part of the city. The area, called Panonika, was getting bigger with time. Today there is a huge complex there, consisting of lakes, swimming pool and artificial waterfall, as well as archaeological complex.
Whereas in the old town there is a Salt square, where salt used to be traded. Today there are no traces of old market, but a small square with a fountain and benches, surrounded by town houses. Almost in every second building there is an eatery, where you can eat tastefully.
In Tuzla you won’t be hungry. An excellent Balkan cuisine is also fascinating in there. Both in restaurant version and in local fast foods. Only in Balkans you can eat cevapi. It is minced lamb meat or veal, beef, formed in rolls and barbecued. These are served on lepinii – small bread with cheese from goat milk and onion.
The best Balkan cuisine, served in really royal style, you will find in a restaurant Čaršijska česma by Trg žrtava genocida u Srebrenici. During summer days it is worth to sit outside to observe citizens’ life. Interior of a restaurant will delight especially those who love local folklore – a lot of wood, village tablecloth, butter dishes, a lot of jugs and teapots used back in the day in houses. Don’t be surprised though, that alcohol is not served there – it is in the end a place full of tradition.
