Tešanj's Salih Zećiri creates unique works of art from wood, found on all continents of the world

In Titova Street in Tešanj's old bazaar, 60-year-old Salih Zećiri sells wooden souvenirs, with his most common motifs being Tešanj landmarks, the Old Tower, Ferhat Bey's Mosque, Eminagić House...

He makes figures from linden and poplar wood, which is suitable for smaller works, while for larger pieces he uses blackthorn and oak, writes the Bosnian news agency Patria.

Although of Macedonian origin, he was born in Tešanj, where he has spent his entire life. He says there are customers, more this summer than last year.

- There are tourists, but also our diaspora. They miss their region, so they buy a souvenir to remind them of their homeland - says this likable craftsman, who lives exclusively from selling his handiwork.

He has been making wooden figurines for eight years, and he perfected his talent while on guard duty in the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As he says, he works according to his mood. Sometimes he makes one figurine a day, sometimes more.

Interestingly, he says, he kept a record of his customers, i.e., where they live and where they will take his figurines.

- My customers came from 20 US states, and when I realized there was no longer a continent without a work of my hands, I stopped recording - says Zećiri.

Prices are affordable and acceptable to everyone. Thus, keychains are 1 KM, and large wooden dolls in costume are up to 200 KM.