Tuzla Canton: The Beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Canton
Tuzla, in Bosnian (Tuzla), is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and serves as the capital of Tuzla Canton. It is considered one of the most important cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to its significance in education, healthcare, industry, and services. Tuzla is home to a salt lake, which is the only one in Europe, making it an important city for tourism as well. The population of Tuzla was 110,979 according to the 2013 statistics, and it covers an area of 302.35 square kilometers, with a population density of approximately 367 people per square kilometer. Tuzla is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity, with Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats, and even Bosnian Jews coexisting in the city.
Name and History
Before the Ottoman Empire's rule, the city was called Salines. With the Ottoman conquest, its name changed to Tuzla, which means "place of salt" or "salt mine," referring to the salt lake in the area.
The city was inhabited for the first time about six thousand years ago, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its actual history starts with the Ottoman conquest in 1463. It was part of the Sanjak of Zvornik and fell under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1878. During the Bosnian War for independence from 1992 to 1995, Tuzla was the only municipality controlled by the reformists. After gaining independence, the city was besieged by Serbian forces, and on May 25, 1995, they carried out what is known as the Tuzla Massacre, resulting in the deaths of 71 people. With the Dayton Accords for peace, Tuzla became the headquarters for U.S. forces.
Climate
The climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is moderate continental. Winter temperatures typically range from -4 to 15 degrees Celsius, while summers have mild temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is recommended to visit Tuzla in the summer due to the pleasant weather.
Major Tourist Attractions in Tuzla
- Pannonian Lakes
- Kapija Kapetana Grada
- Flame Tower
- Bistarac Lake Resort