BVA

Svrzina kuća
Family courtyard

Sarajevo, Bosnia

The Svrzina kuća is a complex of buildings, courtyards and gardens. The earliest building was built in the 17th century by the Glodjo (Glođo) family but was destroyed in a major fire; the complex was rebuilt in the 18th century and inherited by the Svrzo family. This courtyard, served the haremluk, the women's and family domain of the dwelling. The section of the building forming the north end of the courtyard contains storage rooms on the ground level and a divanhana (open porch), kamerija (raised platform), two čardaks (sitting and sleeping rooms), and a čardačić (girls' living room) on the upper level. (photo 2008)