The first recorded information about crafts in Sarajevo dates back to 1489, when a census of the Sanjak of Bosnia was conducted. During the period of Ottoman rule, Sarajevo became renowned for its multitude of crafts, establishing itself as one of the main craft centres in the Balkans. During the period that in historiography is known as the "golden age of Sarajevo," the city boasted over 80 different crafts, producing, from various materials, widely known handicrafts which, due to their quality and beauty, were sold in both the East and the West. Crafts and trade were the driving forces behind Sarajevo's overall development until the advent of the new era, marked by rapid industrialization and modernization. This transition led to a visible decline and eventual disappearance of many traditional crafts. Nowadays, the reminiscence of this "golden age" is preserved only through the names of Sarajevo's streets, toponyms, and some family surnames, serving as a testament to their existence.
In response, the Museum of Sarajevo establishes the Collection of Old Crafts in 2009, which is one of the newest ones in the Museum fund. The artefacts housed in this collection vary widely in content, function, form, material, and historical value. This collection is invaluable for researching and understanding cultural and historical past of Sarajevo. The Collection of Old Crafts aims to collect, preserve, study, and exhibit various crafts, including the pertaining tools, machines, materials, products, semi-finished products, and related documentation. Managed by a dedicated curator, the collection of old crafts is continually expanded through purchases and donations. The collection forms the foundation for a range of museum activities, including research, educational programs, workshops, and the presentation of museum materials through permanent and thematic exhibitions arranged from the overall Museum holding that is safe kept in the repository.
The collection repository boasts a rich array of artefacts, which are thematically classified into several categories, such as antique tools, shoemaker's tools, plumbing tools, brush-making tools, tinsmith's tools, an old herbal pharmacy (Atar's shop), machines, measuring devices, products and semi-products, professional manuals, catalogues, business books, and other craft-related documents. Additionally, the collection includes a complete jewellery-making and trade shop which is part of the permanent exhibition in the Brusa Bezistan annex, showcasing a goldsmith's workshop from the Sofić-Tuzi family of Sarajevo.
The Collection of Old Crafts has become indispensable for many fascinating museum exhibitions presented to the public as part of the Museum of Sarajevo's planned activities.
