A Starry Night Over Bosnia: A Dream Turned Nature Park

Halim Zukic, a businessman from Visoko, Bosnia, has recreated Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night in a 10-hectare nature park. After years of planning and effort, Zukic transformed land into a retreat with 130,000 lavender bushes, natural lakes, and vibrant herbs. The park promotes art and central Bosnia's cultural heritage.

Amid the green hills and meadows of central Bosnia, a local businessman has made his long-held dream come true: recreating Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night as a nature park.

Halim Zukic, from Visoko, bought land and a cottage two decades ago without a clear vision. Inspiration struck six years ago when he saw spiral-shaped wheel tracks in a hay meadow, reminiscent of Van Gogh's 1889 canvas. 'From that moment, I was no longer in doubt,' Zukic told Reuters.

Overcoming time, money, and effort, Zukic transformed the area into a 10-hectare Starry Night park. He planted 130,000 lavender bushes, created 13 lakes, and incorporated herbs like sage, echinacea, wormwood, and chamomile. This transformation has helped him appreciate the challenges artists face. 'This is the largest representation of The Starry Night, and the result of 20 years of dreams,' he said. The park will focus on art programs and cultural heritage promotion for central Bosnia.

(With inputs from agencies.)