The town is 239m above sea level, and it stretches across an area of approximately 15km2. The city's population is approximately 100,000 but the greater municipal area has over 170,000 inhabitants. Tuzla is the economic, scientific, cultural, educational, health and tourist centre of northeast Bosnia.
History
The settlement of Tuzla has always been closely tied to its salt resources. The oldest written records, left behind by the Greek, prove that even they were aware of the region's salt. Tuzla received its name much later. The present-day name is derived from the Turkish word Tuz, meaning salt. The first Ottoman document recording the exploitation of Tuzla's saltwater springs dates from 1548. With the arrival of the Ottomans in 1460, production increased fivefold and the settlement greatly gained in importance. Due to vast reforms in the 17th-century Ottoman administration, a freer development of the town economy occurred. With the introduction of modern crafts, Tuzla developed into the administrative centre of the Zvornik sandzak and became an important communications, military, trade and cultural centre in northeast Bosnia.Towards the end of Ottoman rule Tuzla had approximately 5,000 inhabitants, making it one of the largest towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many buildings from Ottoman times remain in Tuzla. Turalibeg's Mosque, with a typical stone minaret, was built in the 16th century and still stands today. The Austro-Hungarians introduced more modern methods for salt and coal exploitation, and Tuzla became an integral part of the empire's economy. The city continued to play an important economic role in Yugoslavia.

BIJELJINA

In the vast flat plains that stretch from Hungary deep into Serbia is the far northeast corner of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bijeljina is the pivotal city in this sub-region, with all roads leading there.

Like most places in the Semberija plains along the Sava and Drina rivers, Bijeljina is blessed with rich, fertile soil. Agriculture is the largest industry by far. The abrupt change in landscape around Bijeljina was created 30 million years ago when the area was part of the Pannonian Sea (Paratetis).

The erosion during the following ice ages left the marine-lake sediment that has made Semberija so fertile. Man has long settled here due to the area's easy access and the steady migration of peoples across the great plains.

Bijeljina has a different feel than other places in Bosnia. The houses and gardens resemble those in Hungary and the areas of Vojvodina in Serbia and Slavonia in Croatia. The parks and walking areas around town are neatly arranged with fences and well-kept lawns. The swimming and fishing areas in the vicinity of the Drina River are nice and the area enjoys a mild climate: Bijeljina has 1,800 hours of sun per year. Bijeljina is on a convenient access route to Novi Sad and Belgrade in Serbia. The border crossing is fairly large by Bosnian standards and the highway across the border makes it a quick jaunt to both places.

SREBRENICA

Not long ago the memorial cemetery was opened in Srebrenica. The memorial centre is a beautiful and touching place.

Life may be returning to normal in Srebrenica, but the women and children who survived will continue to live their lives without their brothers, fathers, husbands and friends.
Despite its tragic past, the beautiful dense forests that line the hillside or the plethora of bears and wolves that roam the wilderness to the southeast of town are certainly a site to see.
Go to Srebrenica. There are nice places to see in and around Srebrenica. The natural thermal springs, the stunning pine covered hills, and lovely villages that dot the countryside.

SREBRENIK-GRADINA

Most famous for its old fort above the endless plains of Posavina, this medieval town is an interesting destination.

The villages in the surrounding areas have a storybook appearance with quaint, well-maintained homes and beautiful gardens with orchards of apple, plum and pear trees. The clear streams that run from the hills to the encroaching plains paint the fields bright green in the springtime.The old fort is an interesting but quick visit.

In August and September there is an art festival called 'OpenTown of Art', where artists from all over the country set up art colonies around the area to exchange ideas, meet and paint the lovely landscapes around the Tinja. Srebrenik is only 36km from Tuzla in the small river valley of Tinja.

GRADACAC

This is certainly one of the places to see when you visit the northeast of Bosnia. On the River Gradisnica, between the mountains of Majevica and Trebava, lies the beautiful town of Gradacac.

This town holds great historical significance for Bosnians. Husein Kapetan Gradascevic was a ruling beg during Ottoman times. He was a warrior and leader, highly respected and feared throughout the region, who posed such a tangible threat to Ottoman authority that he could bargain for more autonomy, self-rule and land rights. There are several versions of history but the common one is that he and his army were able to defend the territories of the northeastern frontier when the Ottomans could not.
He was greatly feared by the Ottomans, and when the rebellious Dragon of Bosnia (as he was called) decided to confront the Ottomans, he marched his army all the way to Kosovo in 1831. The Dragon's army defeated the Ottomans and further destabilised the empire's hold on Bosnia. This rebellious spirit proved contagious among the local pashas and ruling families, and sparked many more rebellions. Gradascevic was later betrayed and forced to flee across the Sava to Austria. The numerous buildings bearing his name attest to his role in the history of the town.

GRACANICA

Gracanica is located in the lower valley of the River Spreca along the main road from Tuzla to Doboj, about 50km west of Tuzla.

It is said that this town was formed in the Middle Ages, in the period when the town Soko above the Sokoluca brook was built. From 1580 Gracanica began to develop into a regional and cultural urban centre for the dozens of rural settlements in the surrounding countryside. Agriculture is the main industry in the region and several factories produce natural juices, jams and preserved vegetables.If you happen to pass by this place, check out the old town. The attractive homes and craft shops line the old quarter which is highlighted by the Ahmed-pasha or carsija Mosque, built in 1595. The massive 27m clock tower was built at the end of the 16th century, renovated after a fire in 1812 and again in 1952. In 1889 the medresa was built even though, by that time, the Austrians had established themselves as the new occupiers and the Muslim Ottomans were long gone.

KLADANJ

Kladanj is located on the Tuzla to Sarajevo road along the River Drinjaca, at the base of Konjuh Mountain. The settlement is a very small mountain community famous for a water source that is said to have special powers.

The story goes that Muska Voda (man's water) is supposed to increase a man's strength. The local version is that the water acts as a natural Viagra. That's why they built a mountain lodge, bungalows and walking paths near the source. The 16th-century Turkish travel writer Evlija Celebija described it as the fountain of youth.
Recent scientific research has concluded that this water has a positive effect on blood pressure and sugar concentration, increases water extraction and improves blood circulation. At 53 different locations in and around Kladanj, over 400 stecci have been discovered. Walking through the mountains you're bound to come across one of the many caves on or near Konjuh Mountain.Among the largest caves are the Djevojacka and Bebrava caves. The Djevojacka Cave is a pre-Islamic sacred spot where the followers of the heretic Bosnian Church made pilgrimages. There's a good chance that in this area you will run across a black bear or see a grey eagle soaring above the rock faces.

ZVORNIK

Zvornik is located on the mighty Drina River on the border with Serbia. This town was once a micro-region focal point of industry, economy and culture.

The municipality of Zvornik covers 387 km2 and ranges from 135-600 meters above sea level. It is very rich in natural resources, primarily limestone, wood, and mineral water springs (notably the seven springs of Vitinicki Kiseljak which is one of the many tasty Bosnian mineral waters).

The Drina River itself is the greatest attraction in Zvornik. Rafting or canoeing around Zvornik has some really fantastic spots as does fishing in the region south of the high dam. The mild climate and land structure suit the production of berries, plums, cherries, and vegetables. This town has two annual festivals. In July, there is a week-long cultural festival with folk, jazz and rock bands performing on the river bank. In May or June, there is the annual canoeing competition. KKK Drina Zvornik, the canoe club in Divic that organises this competition, also rents canoes and water scooters at reasonable prices.
If there is sufficient interest, they will also take you to Srebrenica for a canoe trip from there to Bratunac, or even all the way back to the dam in Zvornik. Papraca Monastery in Sekovici is located about 20 kilometers southwest from Zvornik. The earliest written mentioning dates back to 1550. Lovnica Monastery, with a church devoted to St. George, is located several kilometers north from Sekovici.

A lot of documents are preserved in this church, as is some of the work of Longina, one of the most famous Serb painters of the 16th century. The tiny convent is open for visitors, and the nuns will open the old church's wooden door with a huge brass key to show you around. Some of the icons and frescoes date back to the 16th century. In Kula Grad, a village that is part of Zvornik municipality, there is an Ottoman fort from which you have a superb view on the town.