Banja Luka

Banja Luka, city, northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the Vrbas River. The name Banja Luka, which means “baths of Saint Luke,” refers to the thermal springs that surround the city. Banja Luka is a rail terminus and a road hub. The city produces textiles, tobacco, beer, and dairy items, and a hydroelectric plant and a coal mine are nearby. One of the nation’s four universities is located in the city. Banja Luka dates from Roman times—a Roman fort and ruins of Roman baths are located in the vicinity. The city became important after the 15th century. It came under Ottoman rule when the Ottoman Empire took control of Bosnia in 1510. It was the temporary capital of Bosnia from 1588 to 1638 and the scene of many battles between Austrian and Ottoman forces. Along with the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it came under the control of Austria-Hungary in 1878 and became part of Yugoslavia in 1918. In the late 20th century it was again a scene of conflict during the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995. Population 142,644 (1991).