“Moments of Freedom”: A New Book by Velid Gagula Inspired by Mount Prenj
The new book “Moments of Freedom”, Velid Gagula’s eighth publication dedicated to Mount Prenj, brings together reflections and writings on nature, silence, inner freedom, and humanity’s connection to the fundamental values that people have gradually begun to forget, the author stated.
Velid Gagula is a retired professor of electrical engineering subjects, a passionate runner, and an avid lover of nature and literature. Speaking about the title of his book, Gagula emphasized that the true meaning of freedom can be experienced precisely through spending time in nature.
“By frequently returning to Prenj, you are, in fact, reviving activities you once enjoyed long ago. You cannot fully attain freedom, but during those moments spent there, you can experience at least glimpses of it,” Gagula explains.
The new book features around thirty entries written over the course of a year and continues the author’s long-standing practice of documenting experiences and reflections inspired by Mount Prenj. Through his work, Gagula also explores ecophilosophy and humanity’s relationship with nature, from which, in his view, modern humans are becoming increasingly disconnected.
“It feels as though I am visiting for the first time every time I go, because Prenj is so rich and vast that you always discover something new. All you need to do is go to Prenj, and its silence will tell you everything,” the author emphasizes.
In addition to his written reflections, Gagula also preserves photographs and video footage of Prenj, seeking to bring the mountain’s beauty closer to those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit it.
As he emphasizes, the aim of his books is not to impose messages on readers, but to encourage them to find their own way to nature and discover their own answers within it.
“All it takes is a visit to Prenj and an attempt to understand all that exists, allowing it to reveal horizons we have neglected over time,” Gagula says.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/trenuci-slobode-nova-knjiga-velida-gagule-inspirisana-prenjom/
Read More
Konjic Presented at the Tourism Expo Sarajevo
The City of Konjic and the Economic Development Agency “PRVI KORAK” Ltd. Konjic participated in the Tourism Expo Sarajevo, held from 22 to 24 October, where, together with local tourism stakeholders and under the joint brand WELCOME TO KONJIC, they presented the rich and diverse tourism offerings of Konjic and its surrounding area.
Visitors to the fair had the opportunity to discover the many natural, cultural and historical attractions, as well as adventure experiences that Konjic has to offer, ranging from the Old Bridge, Tito’s Bunker (ARK D-0), Mount Prenj and Boračko Lake to rafting on the Neretva River and the mountain village of Lukomir. The destination’s tourism offer is further enriched by traditional Konjic woodcarving, museums, traditional crafts and local cuisine, all of which preserve the authenticity of the region.
Local tourism providers made a significant contribution to the joint presentation by showcasing their services and creating opportunities for new contacts and future collaborations. The TRANSDINARICA2 project was also presented, highlighting the potential of cycling tourism to connect natural and cultural attractions with local services and authentic experiences.
Participation in the fair provided an opportunity to promote Konjic to a wider audience, exchange experiences and establish connections with stakeholders in the tourism sector. Through our joint presentation and the WELCOME TO KONJIC brand, we continue to work towards improving the tourism offer, strengthening cooperation and encouraging visitors to extend their stays.
Our message is clear: Konjic offers plenty of reasons to visit, and even more to stay one day longer.
Young Women from Konjic Successfully Perform the Play “For Her” – A Play About Violence Against Women
This evening, the Youth Theatre Group of the “Neretva” Amateur Theatre in Konjic performed their original play “For Her” at the cinema hall of the Konjic Public University.
The play was produced as part of the project “Local Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence in the Community,” with the aim of highlighting the importance of violence prevention and raising awareness of this issue, with the support of the Youth Council and the Pragg Foundation.
The play’s director, Armin Filipović, stated that the play addresses a difficult subject, as violence against women is a sensitive issue, but one that is nonetheless important to talk about.
“I think that tonight we managed to reach at least some people with the message we wanted to convey. I also believe it was impactful for young people to see how this issue is addressed. I am extremely satisfied, and working with these seven young women, who brought something personal to the story, was truly inspiring,” Filipović said.
“I worked with seven young women, and through this original project, we developed and wrote about some personal experiences. The process was made easier by the fact that I had seven exceptionally talented young women, in whom I see a bright future. I look forward to watching them grow and pursue their own paths, because if they were already willing to speak about this topic, I cannot imagine what could stop them,” Filipović said.
The play stars Amina Gakić, Lara Junuz, Selma Mešukić, Asja Kurtović, Maida Ćišo, Azra Kezo, and Džejlana Bajić.
“It was an honour and a privilege to perform in this play and be part of the creative process. It was an emotional experience, and we all worked closely together with Armin. There is something special about addressing such difficult topics. We are proud to have conveyed the message in the right way,” Amina said.
“It was interesting to perform in the play, and I enjoy exploring issues related to women and their rights. From an early age, everyone should learn that women and men deserve equal respect,” Asja said.
“I am extremely pleased with how we performed the play, and I hope we will have the opportunity to perform it many more times,” Lara said.
Omar Prevljak was responsible for the technical support for the play “For Her.”
The cinema hall was packed with audience members, including many young people, who praised the cast’s performance and rewarded them with a resounding round of applause.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/mlade-konjicanke-uspjesno-odigrale-predstavu-za-nju-predstavu-o-nasilju-nad-zenama/
Read More
Buturović Polje: Memorial Race “Klis 5K” Held
Athletics Club Pace Konjic today organized the 3rd annual “Klis 5K” Memorial Race in Buturović Polje in memory of the 27 victims of the flash floods in October 2024, including five victims from the Neretvica area of Konjic.
A total of 200 runners took part in today’s race: 50 runners crossed the finish line in the “Klis 5K” race in Buturović Polje, out of 60 registered participants, while 150 took part virtually.
Mahir Mujić, director of Athletics Club Pace Konjic, thanked all the race participants.
“Thank you to everyone who came here on this rainy day, and thanks also to the virtual runners. The most important thing is that we keep moving forward. The first race was held virtually in 2024, following the floods, when we raised 64,000 convertible marks. Last year, the race was held for charitable purposes, and this year we organized a memorial race,” Mujić said.
Top finishers of the “Klis 5K” race:
- Elvedin Moro
- Haris Mezit
- Elmin Kezo
Top female finishers of the “Klis 5K” race:
- Selma Brčić
- Ajla Boloban
- Tihana Burić
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/buturovic-polje-odrzana-memorijalna-utrka-klis-5k/
Read More
Everything is ready for the 16th Konjic Food Fest: A record number of exhibitors and a rich program at PSC Partizanovo
On Thursday, October 8, the Partizanovo Business and Sports Center will host the 16th Konjic Food Fest, the largest gastronomic event in Herzegovina, which this year brings together a record number of exhibitors. Speaking about the preparations and the great interest shown by farmers and producers, Izeta Macić, a member of the festival’s organizing committee, emphasized:
“On October 8, Konjic will experience a true celebration of flavors and aromas, featuring homemade products from our hardworking farmers, traditional dishes that preserve the spirit of our region and Herzegovina as a whole, as well as modern culinary creations that bring freshness and innovation. This year, the festival will offer a rich cultural and entertainment program, tastings, handicraft exhibitions, and opportunities to meet and socialize with local producers.”
Due to the high level of interest and limited space, the organizers were unable to accommodate all applications:
“This year, we have a record number of exhibitors and a record number of exhibition tables – as many as 120 exhibition spaces will be featured at the Konjic Food Fest.”
Women’s Associations and the Preservation of Tradition
Every year, the festival is given a special charm by gatherings of women who preserve tradition and create traditional handicrafts. Alongside long-standing participants, younger initiatives and returnee associations are also playing an increasingly important role:
“For perhaps 14–15 years now, we have had our valued exhibitors, namely women’s associations from Mostar – the ‘Vrba’ Women’s Association and the ‘Univerzum’ Women’s Association. Over the past two to three years, we have also welcomed a young women’s association from the Prozor municipality, from returnee communities, gathered under the ‘Mali ženski kutak’ Association. They bring a special charm and emotion because these women have returned to their homes, started small businesses, and returned to agricultural production. I would also highlight the young Sumejja Association – ‘Strong Women of Herzegovina’ from Mostar, which works to empower women through various initiatives and showcases their handicrafts.”
Top-Quality Honey from Konjic and Fair Awards
When it comes to high-quality local products, Konjic can proudly boast about the quality of its honey, with local beekeepers regularly winning numerous awards at national and international competitions.
“In the coming period, our beekeepers, through the ‘Roj’ Beekeepers’ Association, will submit their samples to the Federal Institute of Agriculture in Sarajevo, as the analysis and evaluation of honey is currently underway for the upcoming event in November – the Honey Days of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given everything that has happened with our beekeepers and the awards they have received, we believe that this international competition will also bring further accolades – judging by everything, it will once again be gold.”
Throughout the day, a professional jury made up of members of the organizing committee will visit the stalls on a “secret mission” and present awards in three categories: Best-Decorated Stall, Richest Selection, and Best-Packaged Product.
Young Culinary Talents and the Festival Schedule
This year, special emphasis has been placed on young culinary talents through a competition for students from secondary culinary schools, with renowned Konjic chef Tarik Repovac serving as the competition’s main coordinator.
“In the competition segment, secondary culinary schools from Hadžići, Mostar, Sarajevo, as well as our local secondary school in Konjic, will take part. What they will prepare that day remains a secret – even we, as the organizers, do not know. Chef Tarik, together with his colleagues and world-class judges, has developed a concept in which the competition dishes will be prepared using ingredients purchased at the festival that day: locally grown vegetables, fruit, honey, and other necessary ingredients. The names of the dishes and their exact ingredients will remain a secret.”
Speaking about the programme and schedule of events, Izeta Macić explained:
“The festival will officially begin at 9 a.m. The opening ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., featuring a rich cultural and entertainment programme. We will have performances by children from two kindergartens, Zulejha Begetaj and Happy Kids, followed by local musician Harun Sokolović and his band, as well as the Preporod Cultural and Artistic Society. After all these activities, the award winners will be announced. And, of course, the highlight of the day will be the announcement of the winning team from the culinary schools taking part in the competition, followed by the presentation of a trophy and a prize voucher to the winning team,” Izeta Macić concluded.
Once again, we remind you that the doors of the Partizanovo Business and Sports Center will be open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Source of text and photos:Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/sve-spremno-za-16-konjic-food-fest-rekordan-broj-izlagaca-i-bogat-program-u-psc-partizanovo/
Read More
As part of the “Visit Klis” project, a beach volleyball tournament will be held tomorrow in Buturović Polje.
A group of young enthusiasts from the Klis area has launched the implementation of a long-term project called “Visit Klis”. As part of the project, a beach volleyball tournament will be held on Saturday, August 15, at Piskavica Beach in Buturović Polje. The tournament is being held under the auspices of the City of Konjic. Nejla Graho, one of the tournament organizers, spoke about the idea behind organizing this sporting event.
“The idea behind this project was to bring the community to life, to provide young people, both boys and girls, with a new recreational activity, to improve and enhance the beach, but also to invite all nature lovers, recreational sports enthusiasts, swimmers, and beachgoers in general to visit Klis and discover the beauty that can be found in our area.
“‘Visit Klis’ is a long-term project, and this is the first of what I hope will be many activities that we will be able to organize in the future.
“We chose beach volleyball precisely because we have Piskavica Beach, which we were able to further improve and expand thanks to the local community, especially the members of the Volunteer Firefighting Unit. In addition to fighting fires over the past few days, they came every day to lay the sand and set up the nets, clean and improve the area. They even made their facilities available to us, so I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank them,” Graho said.
A total of 24 teams from Klis, Konjic, Mostar, Sarajevo, Kiseljak, Novi Travnik, and Sanski Most will take part in the tournament. The tournament is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.
“Twenty-four teams have registered, coming from different cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most of the teams are, of course, from Klis and Konjic, but we also have many teams from Sarajevo and Mostar, as well as guests from Novi Travnik, Kiseljak, and even Sanski Most. We managed to install new nets and posts, provide the sand, and organize everything so that the tournament can be held to a high standard.
“Both boys and girls will take part, ranging from high school students to more experienced competitors, some of whom are between 30 and 40 years old. We have all-male teams, all-female teams, as well as mixed teams. The tournament will be played in a three-a-side format, with each team allowed to register a fourth player as a substitute.
“In this way, we want to give everyone an opportunity to participate, have fun, and enjoy themselves. May the best team win,” Graho said.
The organizers of the beach volleyball tournament have made every effort to provide valuable prizes for the best teams and individual players, while a raffle will also be organized for all participants.
“Thanks largely to the City of Konjic, which has provided the cash prizes, the first-place team will receive KM 700, the second-place team KM 500, while the third-place team will receive KM 300. In addition, with the support of our sponsors, we have secured prizes for the best male and female players of the tournament.
“There will also be a raffle open to all players registered for the tournament. Participants will have the opportunity to win various prizes, including stays at holiday homes, outdoor activities, dinners at restaurants, and other valuable prizes,” said Nejla Graho, one of the tournament organizers.
So: Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/u-sklopu-projekta-visit-klis-sutra-ce-biti-odrzan-turnir-u-odbojci-na-pijesku-u-buturovic-polju/
Read More
Boračko Lake Once Again at the Center of Sporting Events: The “Kulin Ban” Open Water Swimming Cup 2026 to Be Held from September 4 to 6
After a three-year break, the “Kulin Ban” Open Water Swimming Cup 2026 will be held at Boračko Lake from September 4 to 6. The 1,500-meter open-water swimming competition brings together swimmers and sports enthusiasts from across the region, continuing the twenty-year tradition of what was formerly a sprint triathlon cup.
Professor of Sports and the competition’s chief referee, Adnan Džumhur, spoke on Radio Konjic about the details of the competition, participation requirements, and the organizational preparations.
Format Transformation: From Triathlon to Swimming Cup
Speaking about the reasons for transitioning from triathlon to a swimming competition, Džumhur explained that after the triathlon was cancelled in 2023 due to financial reasons, a simpler and more easily organized format was adopted.
“This should be the 20th competition held as part of this tradition. The format itself has been changed — instead of three disciplines, this year the focus is exclusively on the 1,500-meter swimming event. It is simpler to organize because we do not need to secure part of the lake or the road for the cycling segment. We are ready to ensure that everything is carried out to the highest standard, and the competition will be held on the grounds of the Boračko Lake Eco Village, which is organizing the event together with the ‘Gorsko oko’ Triathlon Club and the Triathlon Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Džumhur said.
Registrations, Categories, and Competition Rules
The main race is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at 3:00 p.m., while registration is open until 1:00 p.m. on the same day via the competition’s official website and the Swimming Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Eligibility: Competitors aged 12 and over, in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Expected participation: More than 100 participants from across the region.
Rules: The competition will be held in accordance with the rules of the World and European swimming governing bodies, as well as the Swimming Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The course will be clearly marked and monitored by judges, boats, and stand-up paddleboards. The rules strictly sanction unsportsmanlike conduct, such as intentionally blocking another swimmer, pulling someone by the leg, or cutting across another swimmer’s path while rounding the buoys. Depending on the severity of the violation, penalties may include time penalties or disqualification.
Local Competitors and a Generous Prize Fund
Although there is currently no officially registered swimming club in Konjic, Džumhur confirmed that local competitors, recreational swimmers, and former athletes are among those registered. An attractive prize fund has been secured for the top competitors, with equal awards in both the men’s and women’s categories. The winners will receive a cash prize of €350, the runners-up €250, while €150 is reserved for third place. The generous prize fund, combined with the unique setting of Boračko Lake, is once again attracting high-quality competitors from across the region.
Recalling previous editions, which featured well-known names such as Dejan Patrčević, the first Croatian “Ironman” competitor, Džumhur emphasized the importance of support from the local community:
“I would like to thank the City of Konjic for supporting the organization of events like this. Konjic offers tremendous opportunities for sports tourism and for promoting the city.”
All swimming and sports enthusiasts are invited to register and be part of this sporting event at Boračko Lake on September 5.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/boracko-jezero-ponovo-centar-sportskih-desavanja-od-4-do-6-septembra-odrzava-se-open-water-swimming-cup-kulin-ban-2026/
Read More
Konjic: Members of the “Girls of the Neretva” Choir Opened an Exhibition at Tito’s Bunker
Members of the “Girls of the Neretva” choir from Konjic today opened an exhibition titled “Encounters with Tito” at Tito’s Bunker. The exhibition will become a permanent display at the site.
The program was held in the conference hall, as part of which the choir members also performed a mini concert attended by their families, friends, and guests.
After welcoming everyone in attendance, the exhibition was officially opened on behalf of the Mayor of Konjic, Osman Ćatić, by Ševala Mesić, Head of the Department for General Administration within the relevant City administration service.
Professor Emina Beljajev, wife of the choir’s founder, Sergej, among other things, expressed her deep gratitude to the parents of the choir members, who often saw them off and welcomed them back from their travels both within the country and abroad. She also noted that the choir has received strong support from the company “Igman” Konjic since its establishment to the present day, as well as from the city authorities.
Velid Gagula, a native of Konjic who has been collecting archival materials for many years, suggested in his address that the “Girls from the Neretva” choir establish a memorial room to house all the choir’s memorabilia and valuable items from its past.
Journalist and diplomat Zlatko Dizdarević, who often travelled with Josip Broz Tito, reminded those present that Broz held the “Girls from the Neretva” choir in high regard and frequently highlighted their work in his conversations.
The “Girls from the Neretva” choir has performed more than 2,500 concerts both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad. The choir performed ten times in front of Josip Broz Tito. Its work was highly praised by music experts and the wider community.
The choir performed in countries across Europe, as well as in Canada and the United States.
Among its numerous awards and plaques, the “Girls from the Neretva” choir received the Golden Violin Key award at the Choir Festival in Sarajevo, as well as the Special Award of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1979, when it was also named the Most Engaged Ensemble. In 2022, the choir received the Plaque of the City of Konjic.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/konjic-clanice-hora-djevojke-sa-neretve-otvorile-izlozbu-u-titovom-bukeru/
Read More
13th Actor’s Festival of Bosnia and Herzegovina: National Theatre Mostar delighted the audience in Konjic with “A Fairy Tale About Theatre”
As part of the 13th Actor’s Festival of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the ensemble of National Theatre Mostar performed the play “A Fairy Tale About Theatre” tonight in the cinema hall of the National University of Konjic. It is an excellent comedy that humorously examines the position of culture and theatre. After the performance, we spoke with the actors Dragana Matrak Bukvić and local talent from Konjic, Dino Kerić.
Dragana Matrak Bukvić: “The hardest thing is to make the audience laugh.”
The actress Dragana Matrak Bukvić, for whom this was her first professional performance in front of the audience in Konjic, is not hiding her positive impressions, although she regrets that the hall was not more filled.
“This is my first time performing in Konjic, although I have visited privately before, and I always feel a special warmth here. I truly feel good and at home. The audience followed the performance wonderfully from start to finish and fully accepted what we offered them,” said Matrak Bukvić.
She also reflected on the common misconception that comedy is an “easy genre” compared to drama:
“People often assume that comedy is easy, but that is not true at all. I believe that making the audience laugh is actually the hardest thing. However, we went through this process with ease; it was interesting and fun for us, and the final result turned out very good.”
Dino Kerić: “Proud and happy in front of his fellow citizens.”
For the young actor Dino Kerić, this performance carried a special emotional weight, given that he was performing on the “boards that mean life” in his hometown.
“It was very beautiful. We have already performed this play six or seven times in Mostar, and it just so happened that the opportunity arose for us to be part of the Actor’s Festival in Konjic. I am overjoyed that we had the chance to present ourselves to my fellow citizens. I am proud of the entire team and happy that I came before the local audience with this particular play,” said Kerić.
Alongside Dragana and Dino, the acting ensemble that earned applause in Konjic tonight includes Saša Oručević, Emil Sejfić, Amela Kreso, Jasmin Krpo, and external collaborator Diana Ondelj Maksumić.
The festival program continues on Tuesday, June 2, when the audience in Konjic will have the opportunity to watch the play “This Small Life.” The performance starts at 7:30 PM and is an exceptionally interesting co-production between the Croatian National Theatre (Croatian National Theatre Mostar) and the National Theatre Mostar.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/13-festival-glumca-u-bih-narodno-pozoriste-mostar-nasmijalo-konjicku-publiku-bajkom-o-pozoristu/
Read More
An adrenaline oasis near Konjic: the Challenge Park combines adventure, nature, and family fun.
As part of the Visit Konjic Outdoor Resort, the Challenge Park has been opened – an adrenaline attraction designed for all lovers of active holidays, nature, and sporting challenges. Located in a natural setting near Konjic, the park offers a blend of adventure, recreation, and team spirit through various obstacle courses tailored for all ages.
The Challenge Park is designed as a course with two levels of obstacles, set at heights of three and six meters, featuring more than 30 different challenges. Visitors move through suspension bridges, nets, and cables stretched between trees, testing their balance, concentration, and agility.
As Amela Bubalo, who together with her husband Sanjin runs the resort, points out, the idea for this project was developed three years ago.
“Challenge Park is a continuation of our artificial climbing wall, where we offer sport climbing and via ferrata. It was designed as a training center for everyone who has no experience or who wants to improve their skills. The growing trend of going into nature and climbing motivated us to create a place where people can get familiar with equipment and gain confidence before heading out into the field,” said Bubalo.
She adds that the park was built with the help of friends who are licensed to construct adventure parks in accordance with European standards.
“Each obstacle represents a new challenge, and it takes about two hours to complete the entire park. Upon arrival, visitors go through a short briefing, get familiar with the equipment, and then begin their adventure,” Bubalo explains.
The park is primarily intended for children taller than 140 centimeters, but younger children can also participate when accompanied by their parents, while the facilities are not reserved exclusively for the youngest visitors.
“Our instructors are there to help and encourage visitors to complete the entire park. The goal is to push the limits of your balance and motor skills, but also to have a good time. Children are usually not afraid and enjoy overcoming the obstacles,” says Bubalo.
She especially emphasizes the importance of involving children in outdoor activities from an early age, so that they spend more time in nature and develop their motor skills.
“We wanted our youngest fellow citizens, from kindergarten age to schoolchildren, to be part of this story. Not only to promote Konjic and our resort, but also to raise awareness of the importance of nature, ecology, and spending time outdoors. Today, technology is increasingly affecting children’s motor skills and concentration,” she emphasizes.
Visits to the Challenge Park are available daily with prior reservation. Sessions are scheduled at 10, 12, 14, 16, and 17 hours, and each session can accommodate between 10 and 15 people.
“Advance reservations allow us to fully dedicate ourselves to each guest and avoid crowds. Our top priority is for everyone to enjoy themselves and feel safe,” concluded Amela Bubalo.
So far, visitors’ reactions have been extremely positive, which gives the Visit Konjic Outdoor Resort team additional motivation to develop new tourist content and outdoor attractions in Konjic.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic – https://radiokonjic.ba/adrenalinska-oaza-nadomak-konjica-challenge-park-spaja-avanturu-prirodu-i-porodicnu-zabavu/
Read More