Safikada’s grave – The symbol of eternal love and loyalty     The legends speak of a beautiful girls Safikada who lived in Banja Luka a long time ago. She was in love with a Turkish soldier named Omer, but […]

Safikada’s grave – The symbol of eternal love and loyalty

The legends speak of a beautiful girls Safikada who lived in Banja Luka a long time ago. She was in love with a Turkish soldier named Omer, but unfortunately, her parents didn’t allow her to see him. They told her that he isn’t a man for her since he is a soldier and he can go to war tomorrow to the farthest parts of Ottoman empire. The love grove stronger each day until Omer and his army were sent to a battlefield.

Safikada swore to eternal love and loyalty to Omer. Unfortunately one day, a news of Omers death reached the city of Banja Luka. After hearing the news Safikada put on her wedding dress and went to the fortress Kastel. She stood in front of the canon which signaled noon each day. With the words “I am faithful to him” (“Vjerna sam mu”) she died as she stood and became a symbol of eternal love and loyalty.

Safikada’s grave is located across the fortress Kastel and for years girls have lit candles in her honor and in the name of love.