The House
Boarding house ‘Sefića-avlija’ (Sefić’s yard) is situated in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the heart of Mostar, 200 meters far from the Old Bridge and 200 meters far from Karađoz Bey Mosque, in a very calm and peaceful place. Exact data on when it was built weren’t preserved. However, it is clear that this is the first house with high ceilings in Mostar. Such a feature marked the architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the arrival of Austria-Hungary in 1878. This leads to the conclusion that the house was built much earlier (perhaps in the 17th or 18th century) and that it was thoroughly renovated after the arrival of Austria-Hungary. No significant changes on the house have been made since.
Hospitality
Bosniaks are strongly regarded by their beautiful tradition. Local people in Bosnia and Herzegovina will almost always be very friendly. This is common to the region of the Balkans but Bosnian hospitality is something special. Bosnian inhabitants are a much more caring culture and will go out of their way to assist you in finding something and often invite someone to their home for a coffee. It is considered rude to refuse an offer of a drink or a meal when visiting someone in their home. Once you enter someone's home as guest, expect the red carpet treatment. More than likely the host will bring out sweets when one of rules comes out - it is bad if you are in rush, so do not rush ;-)
Bosnian culture still maintains extended family groups, which means that the grandparents live with their adult children or close by and care for the children while the parents are at work. All children are raised with values respecting their older and knowing that they will most likely care for older familly members later on. Hospitality is a very important value and leads to a deepened social exchange between friends and neighbours.