View source for Zenica

{{Short description|City in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
{{For|the village in Montenegro|Zenica, Pljevlja}}
{{Distinguish|Zeneca}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Zenica
| official_name      = ''Grad Zenica''<br />Град Зеница<br />City of Zenica
| native_name        = Зеница
| etymology          = from [[Proto-Slavic]] ''[[:wikt:Reconstruction:Proto-Slavic/zěnica|zěnica]]'' ("pupil")
| nicknames          = Steel/Iron city,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zeda.ba/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/SEAP-ZENICA-web-bs.pdf|title=Akcioni plan energetski održivog razvoja Grada Zenica|format=SEAP/ZEDA presentation|website=www.zeda.ba|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811113332/http://www.zeda.ba/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/SEAP-ZENICA-web-bs.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2019|url-status=live|language=bs|quote=Zenica kao "zeleni čelični grad [Steel city]" gradi zdravu i bogatu budućnost...}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190811114118/https://www.akta.ba/Firma/celicni-grad-iron-city-zenica/34318 Iron city]</ref> Nicaze<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190811113630/https://activezenica.com/category/nicaze/ Nicaze 1]</ref><ref>[https://www.instagram.com/dubiozagram/p/BmDbFx1Bz-0/?hl=hr Nicaze 2]</ref>
| motto              = 
| settlement_type    = [[List of cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina|City]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
|border                   = infobox
|image_style              = border:1;
|perrow                   = 1/2/2
|total_width              = 250
|align                    = center
|caption_align            = center
|image1                   = Panorama Zenice.jpg
|caption1                 = Panoramic view of Zenica
|image2                   = Vranduk, pristup ke hradu.jpg
|caption2                 = [[Vranduk (Zenica)|Vranduk Fortress]]
|image3                   = Zenica (Stahlwerk).jpg
|caption3                 = Zenica steelworks
|image4                   = Bosna i Hercegovina - Njemačka (11.10.2024) 3.jpg
|caption4                 = [[Bilino Polje Stadium]]
|image5                   = Zenica (Arena).jpg
|caption5                 = [[Arena Zenica]]
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of Zenica.svg
| flag_alt           = Zenica flag image placeholder text
| flag_size          = x75px
| flag_link          = #Official_symbols
| image_shield       = Coat of arms of Zenica.svg
| shield_alt         = Zenica CoA image placeholder text
| shield_size        = x75px
| shield_link        = #Official_symbols
| image_map          = BiH municipality location Zenica.svg
| map_caption        = Location within Bosnia and Herzegovina
| image_map1         = {{infobox mapframe}}
| pushpin_map        = Bosnia and Herzegovina
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Bosnia and Herzegovina
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{BIH}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Political divisions of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Entity]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Canton]]
| subdivision_name2  = {{Flag|Zenica-Doboj}}
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_party       = [[Bosnian-Herzegovinian Initiative|BHI]]
| leader_name        = [[Fuad Kasumović]]
| governing_body     = {{Abbr|Council|The Council of the City of Zenica}}
| established_title  = Earliest findings
| established_date   = 3,000–2,000 BC<br /><small>(Drivuša, Gradišće)</small>
| established_title1 = First name
| established_date1  = 2nd–4th century<br /><small>(''{{Lang|la|Bistua Nuova}}'')</small>
| established_title2 = Current name
| established_date2  = 1415 or March 1436<br /><small>(''Zenica'')</small>
| established_title3 = 1st Mayor
| established_date3  = before 1908<br /><small>(Ahmetaga Mutapčić)</small>
| established_title4 = Municipality became City
| established_date4  = 20 November 2014<br /><small>(''Zenica City'')</small>
| area_total_km2     = 558.5
| area_urban_km2     = 43.01
| elevation_m        = 310–350
| elevation_ft       = 1,017–1,148
| elevation_footnotes = 
| population_as_of   = [[2013 population census in Bosnia and Herzegovina|2013]]
| population_urban   = {{decrease|Fall (25,474 in relation to 1991)}} 70,553<ref name="p2013"/>
| population_total   = 110,663
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_sq_mi = auto
| population_demonym = Zenican <small>([[Bosnians|Bosnian]]: {{Lang|sh-Latn|Zeničanin}}{{\}}{{Lang|sh-Cyrl|Зеничанин}})</small>
| timezone           = CET
| utc_offset         = +1
| timezone_DST       = CEST
| utc_offset_DST     = +2
| coordinates        = {{Coord|44|12|14|N|17|54|28|E|region:BA|display=it}}
| postal_code_type   = Postal code
| postal_code        = BA-72000<br /><small>(for whole Zenica City, including Zenica city)</small><br />BA-72100<br /><small>(for Zenica city only as settled place)</small>
| area_code          = +387 32
| website            = {{URL|zenica.ba}}
}}

'''Zenica''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|z|ɛ|n|ɪ|t|s|ə}} {{Respell|ZEN|it|sə}}; {{IPA|bs|zěnitsa|-|Bs-Zenica.ogg}}) is a city in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] and an administrative and economic center of the [[Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina]]'s [[Zenica-Doboj Canton]]. It is located in the [[Bosna (river)|Bosna]] river valley, about {{Convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of [[Sarajevo]]. The city is known for its Ironworks Zenica factory but also as a significant [[University of Zenica|university]] center. According to the [[2013 population census in Bosnia and Herzegovina|2013 census]], the settlement of Zenica itself counts 70,553 citizens and the administrative area 110,663,<ref name="p2013"/> making it the nation's [[List of cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina|fourth-largest city]].

The urban part of today's city was formed in several phases, including Neolithic, Illyrian, the Roman Municipium of '''''Bistua Nuova''''' (2nd–4th century; old name of the city), with an early Christian dual [[basilica]]. Traces of an ancient settlement have been found here as well; [[villa rustica]], thermae, a temple, and other buildings were also present. Earliest findings in the place date from the period 3000–2000 BC; they were found in the localities of Drivuša and [[Gradišće, Bosnia and Herzegovina|Gradišće]]. Zenica's current name was first mentioned in 1415. A medieval church has been unearthed in Zenica, as well as the Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary. The independence of [[Medieval Bosnia]] is directly connected to Zenica (Gradješa's plate and [[Ban Kulin#Bilino Polje abjuration|abjuration act]]; [[Kulin ban]]'s time; [[Vranduk (Zenica)|Vranduk]], a castle of the [[Bosnian kings]]; Janjići and 'hižas' [homes] of Bosnian Church members; [[stećci]], stone tombstone monuments, etc.) During [[Ottoman Turks|Ottoman]] rule (1463–1878), Zenica became a Muslim town; at the end of the 17th century, Zenica had 2,000 citizens, mostly Muslims; Orthodox and Catholic Christians are mentioned again from the end of the 18th century, and Jews in the 19th century. Modern Zenica was mostly built in the Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslavian periods. The population rose rapidly during the 20th century, and from the [[Bosnian War]] until 2013, the city lost a quarter of its population. The municipality of Zenica became the City of Zenica in 2014.

The city is geographically located in the heart of Bosnia. The settled area is {{Convert|43.01|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} and of the city proper covers {{Convert|558.5|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}. Elevation is {{Convert|310–350|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}. The rivers Bosna, [[Lašva]], Babina, and Kočeva flow through the settlement. A moderate continental climate prevails. The city has thirteen urban local settlements and it consists of a total of 81 rural settlements.

Zenica has nine national monuments. The football club [[NK Čelik Zenica|Čelik]] is a landmark of the city, and it also has one of the tallest buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina—[[Lamela, Zenica|Lamela]]. Famous Zenicans include [[Semir Osmanagić]], [[Anabela Basalo]], [[Danis Tanović]], [[Amar Jašarspahić|Amar Jašarspahić Gile]], [[Mladen Krstajić]], [[Dejan Lovren]], [[Mervana Jugić-Salkić]], and [[Amel Tuka]].<!--

basic source: https://gradzenica.weebly.com/ -->

==Etymology==
[[File:Portrait of Catherine of St Sava (1425-1478).jpg|thumb|left|106px<!--don't make the picture larger than 126 because it is its max size, otherwise it will be blurred and distorted after expanding of pixels-->|Portrait of [[Catherine of Bosnia]]]]

There are several theories about the origins of name Zenica.

According to orally transmitted tradition, the city was named after the [[pupil]] of the eye (Ekavian {{Langx|bs|zenica}} – pupil). There is also a legend that Zenica's name is derived from when Queen [[Katarina Kosača Kotromanić]], who was leaving [[Bobovac]] during the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia in 1463, said "My pupil is left behind!" ({{Langx|bs|Osta moja z[j]enica!}}).<ref name="svjosipzenica">{{Cite web|url=http://www.svjosip-zenica.com/o-zupi-povijest-zupe/kratka-povijest-zupe-sv-josipa-zenica|title=Župa Svetog Josipa – Zenica|access-date=25 April 2019|language=hr|archive-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425145400/http://www.svjosip-zenica.com/o-zupi-povijest-zupe/kratka-povijest-zupe-sv-josipa-zenica|url-status=dead}}</ref> Because of its location in the center of Zenica field, the city is indeed analogous to the eye's pupil.<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija">{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/o-gradu/historija-zenice/|title=Historija Zenice|website=www.zenica.ba|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721040550/http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/o-gradu/historija-zenice/|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref>

The name of the city can also be derived from the word ''[[:wikt:zenit#Serbo-Croatian|zenit]]'', meaning [[zenith]], because it is in the center of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]].

==History==
{{Quote box
| width = 30em
| align = left
| bgcolor = #B0C4DE
| title = Historical affiliations
| fontsize = 90%
| quote =
* {{Flag|Kingdom of Bosnia}} 1436–1461
* {{Flag|Ottoman Empire}} 1461–1878
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of Austria-Hungary (1867-1918).svg}} [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] 1878–1918
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of the State of Slovenes%2C Croats and Serbs.svg}} [[State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs]] 1918
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.svg}} [[Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes]] 1918–29
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.svg}} [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]] 1929–41
* {{Flag|Independent State of Croatia}} 1941–45
* {{Flag|Democratic Federal Yugoslavia|name=DF Yugoslavia}} 1945–46;<br />{{Flag|SFR Yugoslavia|name=FPR/SFR Yugoslavia}} 1946/1963–92
* {{Flag|Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina}} 1992–95
* {{Flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} 1995–present
}}

The urban part of today's Zenica formed through several phases, which chronologically include a Neolithic community, the Illyrian 'gradina', the Roman Municipium of ''{{Lang|la|[[Bistua Nuova]]}}'', and a Christian era-community.

In the Bilimišće district, traces of ancient settlements have been found.<ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/><ref name="academia.edu"/> In the outlying villages of Putovići and Tišina, where [[villa rustica]] dominate, thermae, a temple, and a series of other sites are also present.<ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv">{{Cite web|url=https://gradzenica.weebly.com/historija.html|title=Historija Zenice|format=official web-presentation of the City|work=gradzenica.weebly.com|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721220054/https://gradzenica.weebly.com/historija.html|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref><ref name="academia.edu">{{Cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/35675940|title=Saobraćajne karakteristike grada Zenice|format=seminar work|last=Sarajlić|first=Dženita|work=academia.edu|date=15 January 2018 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721210015/https://www.academia.edu/35675940/Saobra%C4%87ajne_karakteristike_grada_Zenice.docx|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref><ref name="akta.ba">{{Cite web|url=https://www.akta.ba/pauza/grad-zenica-ime-grada-prvi-put-se-spominje-20-marta-1436-godine/17731|title=Grad Zenica: Ime grada prvi put se spominje 20. marta 1436. godine|work=akta.ba|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721210254/https://www.akta.ba/pauza/grad-zenica-ime-grada-prvi-put-se-spominje-20-marta-1436-godine/17731|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref>

===Prehistory===
The earliest findings in Zenica date from the period of 3000 to 2000 BC;<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/> they were found in the localities of Drivuša and Gradišće.<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/> Metal axes, arrows, ornamental fibulae, and ceramic remains were unearthed from the Orahovički stream near Nemila, Gračanica, Ravna, and other places.<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/>{{Break}}The Illyrians came to this region during the transition from the Bronze and the Iron Age (from the 6th to the 5th centuries BC).<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/> Their defensive buildings, "gradinas", are the best known (the word is derived from the verb {{langx|bs|graditi}} – to build).<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/>{{Break}}The urban part of today's Zenica was already formed in the younger Stone Age—the [[Neolithic]], and especially later, during the time of the [[Illyrians]]. Toponyms of their "gradinas" demonstrate this:<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/> [[Gradišće (Zenica)|Gradišće]], Gračanica, Gradac.<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/> A specific locality, Gradina, in Kopilo village, indicates that Zenica and its surrounding areas hosted organized human life around 2000 BC.<ref name="Nr1980">{{Cite journal|url=https://i.imgur.com/QQQvlkE.png|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207084955/https://i.imgur.com/QQQvlkE.png|archive-date=7 December 2020|url-status=unfit|title=Zenica : 35 godina u slobodi|language=sh|trans-title=Zenica : 35 years in the freedom|journal=Naša riječ|page=4|last=Glamočanin|first=Fidreta|date=12 April 1980|access-date=7 December 2020}}</ref> There is a weak<ref name="Nr1980"/> question of the presence of the Illyrian Old-Balkan tribe of [[Daesitiates]] in the Zenica region.<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/> The Daesitiates are a result of ethno-social development of early human life in prehistory; the transition period from the Bronze to the Iron Age resulted with Daesitiates emerging at the [[Lašva]]–[[Drina]] river belt. The Daesitiates confronted the Romans in 34 BC; the Romans did not make a long-lasting triumph, and the Illyrians were defeated in the city of [[Arduba]], which was burnt down in 6–9 A.C.<ref name="Nr1980"/> This is how the royal city of [[Vranduk (Zenica)|Vranduk]] probably existed in the time of the Illyrians, under the name Arduba.<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/><ref name="Nr1980"/>

Recent ({{As of|August 2019|alt=August 2019}}) international archaeological research, conducted by the Vienna ({{Ill|Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology|de|Institut für Orientalische und Europäische Archäologie}}), Zenica (Zenica museum), and students and scientists from Sarajevo, using modern technology, shows that settlements with people and animals existed near Zenica over 3,100 years ago.<ref name="Aug2019 arch research"/> Skeletons of pigs, cattle, and goats were found in Kopilo, an elevated place (600 m a.s.l.), indicating a farming settlement. Two tombs (one with human bones and ceramics), two [[tumulus|tumuli]], and a completely new prehistorical settlement, ''Ravna gradina'', were also found.<ref name="Aug2019 arch research">{{Cite web|url=http://www.fena.ba/gallery/12694/arheoloski-nalazi-svjedoce-da-su-naselja-oko-zenice-stara-oko-3100-godina/image/107778|title=Arheološki nalazi svjedoče da su naselja oko Zenice stara oko 3.100 godina|language=bs|publisher=FENA|work=www.fena.ba|date=28–29 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829153400/http://www.fena.ba/gallery/12694/arheoloski-nalazi-svjedoce-da-su-naselja-oko-zenice-stara-oko-3100-godina/image/107778|archive-date=29 August 2019|url-status=live|format=original report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tv1.ba/arheoloski-nalazi-svjedoce-da-su-naselja-oko-zenice-stara-oko-3-100-godina/|title=Arheološki nalazi svjedoče da su naselja oko Zenice stara oko 3.100 godina|language=bs|publisher=Televizija Jedan d.o.o.|work=tv1.ba|date=29 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-date=29 August 2019|url-status=dead|format=amplier report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829153650/https://tv1.ba/arheoloski-nalazi-svjedoce-da-su-naselja-oko-zenice-stara-oko-3-100-godina/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nezavisne.com/nauka-tehnologija/nauka/Arheoloski-nalazi-svjedoce-da-su-naselja-oko-Zenice-stara-oko-3100-godina/555865|title=Arheološki nalazi: Naselja oko Zenice stara oko 3.100 godina|language=sr|publisher=[[Nezavisne novine|NIGD "DNN" (Dnevne nezavisne novine)]]|work=www.nezavisne.com|date=29 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829153905/https://www.nezavisne.com/nauka-tehnologija/nauka/Arheoloski-nalazi-svjedoce-da-su-naselja-oko-Zenice-stara-oko-3100-godina/555865|archive-date=29 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ba.n1info.com/Science/a375003/Arheoloski-nalazi-svjedoce-da-su-naselja-oko-Zenice-stara-oko-3.100-godina.html|title=Arheološki nalazi svjedoče da su naselja oko Zenice stara oko 3.100 godina|language=bs|publisher=[[N1 (TV channel)|N1]]|work=ba.n1info.com|date=29 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829153905/https://www.nezavisne.com/nauka-tehnologija/nauka/Arheoloski-nalazi-svjedoce-da-su-naselja-oko-Zenice-stara-oko-3100-godina/555865|archive-date=29 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Antiquity===
The Romans tried to conquer the region at the end of the 3rd century BC [[Bellum Batonianum]] and were present in the area from the 6th to the 9th centuries. They ruled continuously in many areas until close to the end of the 4th century (after Arduba's fall).<ref name="Nr1980"/>

Today's area of Zenica had its peak in the first six centuries of the Common Era, when it included one the most important [[municipiums]] and centers of Christian dioceses in Bosnia: Bistua Nuova—seat of the [[Bistuenska diocese]]<ref name="enciklopedija"/> and the seat of Roman Christianity in the Bosnian area prior to the Slavs' arrival.<ref name="Vego-Naselja">{{Cite book | first=Marko | last=Vego | title=Naselja bosanske srednjovjekovne države | page=12 | location=Sarajevo | publisher=Svjetlost | year=1957 | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=yoPRAAAAMAAJ |language=hr}}</ref> Data suggesting that Bistua Nuova's bishop [[Andrew (bishop of Bistua Nuova)|Andrew]] (Andreas, Andrija) took part in and was a signer of [[Solin sinodas]] in 530 and 533 underlines its importance. Ancient tombstone monuments date from ancient Bistua Nuova, as well as remains of old Christian basilicas.<ref name="enciklopedija">{{Cite web|url=https://www.enciklopedija.hr/clanak/zenica|title=Zenica|work=[[LZMK]]|language=hr}}</ref> In the urban settlement of Odmut and the rural settlements of Putovići and Tišina, archaeologists have found [[Epigraphy|epigraphs]] that have led them to conclude that Bistua Nuova was in the Zenica area.<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/>

An important road towards [[Salona]] (Solin), [[Argentarium]] ([[Srebrenica]]), and [[Sirmium]] ([[Srijemska Mitrovica]]) also passed through Bistua Nuova.<ref name="svjosipzenica"/>

[[Migration Period|Barbarian invasions]] from the north (mainly Germans at the end of the 3rd century, as well as [[Slavs]] later)<ref name="Nr1980"/> forced Christianity to retreat from these areas. During the invasions, at the beginning of the 7th century, Bistua Nuova was destroyed, along with its [[Zenica basilica|basilica]].<ref name=svjosipzenica/>
It is believed that the barbarian invasions destroyed a huge part of the ancient inheritance. [[Goths]], [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]], and Slavs passed through this location. The Slavs came in the 6th and 7th centuries and inhabited the middle part of the Bosna river stream—where Zenica Field is located. They formed tribal communities and were organized into a tribal ruling unit called a "župa" (parish).<ref name="Nr1980"/> After their invasions, almost one century was needed for the first Slavic countries to form.<ref name="Zenicaba-istorija"/>

===Medieval Bosnia===
The history of medieval Zenica is not well recorded.<ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/><ref name="academia.edu"/> There is but a single item of evidence from 1244 about Croatian-Hungarian king [[Béla IV]]'s charter. According to the documents that have so far been studied, the city's current name was first mentioned on 16 March 1436<ref name="Nr1980"/> (or 20 March 1436,<ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/><ref name="academia.edu"/><ref name="akta.ba"/> annually celebrated as "Zenica Day") and later—Zenica is mentioned in a series of documents related to the [[Republic of Ragusa]] (Republic of Dubrovačka).<ref name="akta.ba"/><ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/> Among other Bosnian [[parish]]es, Bored parish, which includes "Bilina poila", is mentioned in the charter. The place refers to one part of the town of Zenica, today known as Bilino polje.<ref name="Nr1980"/> The same place is mentioned in another document, dated 8 April 1203; it records a group of [[Bogomils|Bogomil]] chiefs who renounced [[paternalism]] before [[Innocent III]]'s court chaplain John of Casamaris.<ref name="Nr1980"/> Bogomilism's presence in the Zenica area and its status as a seat of the Bogomil Church is supported not only by written documents but also by headstones that illuminate the church's hierarchy.<ref name="Nr1980"/>

In the Middle Ages, specifically in 1370, the settlement of [[Klopče (Zenica)|Klopče]] was mentioned, as well as a family of that name. On 8 January 1404, the Bosnian bishop from [[Janjići (Zenica)|Janjići]] sent dispatches to the Ragusan prince [[Vlaho Sorkočević]]. In the Zenica settlement of [[Varošište]], a medieval church has been unearthed, as well as a Franciscan monastery to [[St. Mary]], which was built by sculptor [[Ivan Hrelić]], a student of [[Juraj Dalmatinac]].<ref name="akta.ba"/><ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/>

===Ottoman era===
[[File:Sejmenska džamija Zenica.jpg|left|thumb|View of [[Sejmenska mosque]], the second oldest<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zenica: Najstarije džamije Sultan Ahmedova i Sejmenska |url=https://vijesti.ba/clanak/224787/zenica-najstarije-dzamije-sultan-ahmedova-i-sejmenska |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720193854/https://vijesti.ba/clanak/224787/zenica-najstarije-dzamije-sultan-ahmedova-i-sejmenska |archive-date=20 July 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019 |website=vijesti.ba |language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2017 |title=Jedna od najstarijih džamija u Zenici uskoro dobiva novo ruho |url=https://avaz.ba/vijesti/teme/323605/jedna-od-najstarijih-dzamija-u-zenici-uskoro-dobiva-novo-ruho |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720194315/https://avaz.ba/vijesti/teme/323605/jedna-od-najstarijih-dzamija-u-zenici-uskoro-dobiva-novo-ruho |archive-date=20 July 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019 |website=[[Dnevni avaz|avaz.ba]] |language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 June 2014 |title=Šetnja kroz džamije: Sejmenska džamija u Zenici |url=https://www.072info.com/setnja-kroz-dzamije-sejmenska-dzamija-u-zenici/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720194131/https://www.072info.com/setnja-kroz-dzamije-sejmenska-dzamija-u-zenici/ |archive-date=20 July 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019 |website=072info.com |language=bs}}</ref> mosque in Zenica, a [[national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2015 |title=SEJMEN |url=http://mizzenica.ba/sejmen/ |access-date=26 July 2019 |work=mizzenica.ba |publisher=[[Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Islamska zajednica u Bosni i Hercegovini]] – Medžlis Islamske zajednice ZENICA |language=bs}}</ref>]]
[[File:Vranduk Carl Ebert 1885.webp|thumb|260x260px|Mid-19th century painting by Carl Ebert (1821–1885), ''Fortress Vranduk in Bosnia'' ([[German language|German]]: ''Die Festung Vranduk in Bosnien''). The picture shows Bosnians on the mountain of [[Vranduk (mountain)|Vranduk]], beside the Bosna river)]]

Bosnia experienced  [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] incursions starting in 1386. The first Ottoman entry into Zenica relates to their victory over [[Kingdom of Hungary|Hungarian]] warriors near [[Doboj]] in 1415.<ref name="Nr1980"/> Zenica has been mentioned under today's name since that event.<ref name="Nr1980"/> The first official record of the city's name is in a document dated 16 March 1436,<ref name="Nr1980"/> which relates to the invasion and robbery of [[Zachlumia]] by the Ottoman Duke Barak, who retreated towards Zenica and there received Ragusan money in the name of redemption.<ref name="Nr1980"/> From the time of that event until the complete establishment of Ottomans rule in Bosnia in 1463, there is no mention of Zenica in relevant documents. For that reason, this era of the city's history cannot be covered in detail.<ref name="Nr1980"/>

After administrative changes introduced in the first years of the rule, Zenica became part of Brod [[kadiluk]] in the newly formed [[Sanjak of Bosnia]]. [[Nahiye (Ottoman)|Nahya]] of Zenica was first mentioned in 1485. It bore that name until the end of the 18th century and later became Zenica [[srez]].<ref name="Nr1980"/>

During Ottoman rule (1463–1878), the change of direction in the main trade route<ref name="Nr1980"/> in turn changed the city<ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/><ref name="academia.edu"/> and, except for a short period when it was a seat of the Brod judge [[Qadii (judge)|Qadii]] (until 1557), Zenica was a [[kasbah]]<ref name="Nr1980"/> that included [[mosque]]s, a [[madrasa]], several [[mekteb]]s, [[shadirvan]]s, [[caravanserai]]s, and other types of Islamic architecture.<ref name="akta.ba"/><ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/>

In one description from 1697, Zenica had 2,000 citizens, the majority of them Muslim. At the end of the 18th century, [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] and [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] Christians are mentioned again, as are Jews in the 19th century.<ref name="akta.ba"/><ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/>

After the ruin and [[Forced displacement|exodus]] following the intrusion of [[Prince Eugene of Savoy|Eugene of Savoy]] in 1697, a time of stabilization began in Zenica.<ref name="akta.ba"/><ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/>

===Austro-Hungarian era===
After the [[Berlin Congress]], held in 1878, the [[Austro-Hungarian monarchy]] was given the rights to occupy [[Bosnia Eyalet|Bosnia]] and Herzegovina; armed resistance to occupying troops soon arose. It is believed{{By whom|date=April 2022}} that Zenica, more precisely the Hadži Mazića house, was the place of negotiations between representatives of the Ottoman authorities in the Bosnian vilayet of Hafiz-pasha and the commander of the Austro-Hungarian occupying forces, General Filipović, on the conditions of a cessation of the conflict.<ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/>

During this time, Zenica witnessed the construction of various types of economically significant infrastructure, including a railway from [[Bosanski Brod]] in 1879, a coal mine in 1880,<ref name="Nr1980"/> a paper factory (1885), ironworks (1892), and a penitentiary (1886). In 1908, a power station was built, which enabled the introduction of electric public lighting. State schools were also opened, the first in 1885 and the second in 1910. Confessional schools also opened, both for Catholic and Orthodox churches, and lectures at these schools and at madrasas began to be conducted in the local language. Cultural societies were organized, such as the Croatian Singing Society, as well as hunting and mountaineering clubs. In 1910, the first cinema opened in Zenica.<ref name="academia.edu"/><ref name="akta.ba"/><ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/><ref name="Nr1980"/>

===End of the 19th century; 20th century===
[[File:Crkva svetog Ilije (Zenica).jpg|left|thumb|267x267px|The Catholic [[St. Elijah Church (Zenica)|St. Elijah Church]] in New Zenica, a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
[[File:Зеница 20190509 132658.jpg|thumb|right|279px|The Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Our Lady in Carina, a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina]]

By the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, [[urbanization]] was underway and the number of citizens increased severalfold. According to the 1910 census, the town had a population of 7,215. This rapid growth was reflected by a construction boom: The Orthodox [[Church of the Nativity of Our Lady (Zenica)|Church of the Nativity of Our Lady]] was erected in 1885, two Catholic churches went up in 1910, and a synagogue was built in 1903, not to mention hotels, schools, water-supply infrastructure, modern roads, etc.<ref name="akta.ba"/><ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/>

After World War I, the [[Kingdom of SHS]] was formed, which in 1929 became the [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]] and included Bosnia and Herzegovina. The political, economic, and social life of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1918 to 1941 stagnated, though this situation changed slightly before the beginning of World War II, with investments in the city's ironworks.<ref name="gradZenica-istorija-zv"/>

====Yugoslavia====
After Zenica's liberation by [[Yugoslav Partisans|partisans]] on 12 April 1945, today celebrated as Zenica Liberation Day,<ref name="zenicainfo.ba/2019/04/12">{{Cite web|url=https://zenicainfo.ba/2019/04/12/foto-obiljezen-12-april-dan-oslobodenja-zenice/|title=FOTO: Obilježen 12. april – Dan oslobođenja Zenice|website=zenicainfo.ba|date=12 April 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721213444/https://zenicainfo.ba/2019/04/12/foto-obiljezen-12-april-dan-oslobodenja-zenice/|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> the city began to develop as an industrial center. It expanded and included the former villages of Bilino Polje, Klopče, and Radakovo. New apartment blocks were built to cater to the increasing number of coal miners and steelworkers. The town's population in 1948 was only about 15,000 and by 1961, it had grown to over 30,000. In 1981, that number stood at over 63,000 and after the last Yugoslavian census{{When|date=April 2022}}, the town had over 96,000 citizens, a sixfold increase in population since the formation of Yugoslavia.<ref name="Савезни завод за статистику СФРЈ"/>

====Bosnian War====
{{Further|Zenica massacre}}
[[File:Stara carsija.jpg|thumb|left|195px|Part of the old town at night]]

One year before the outbreak of the [[Bosnian War]], in 1991, Zenica became the seat of one of the first private and independent radio stations in Eastern Europe—Radio CD-CEMP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://superinfo.ba/Novine/Superinfo-23.pdf|title=Super info, broj 23|website=superinfo.ba|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721214057/http://superinfo.ba/Novine/Superinfo-23.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> In the spring of 1993, the station's owner, a journalist, won a Belgian accolade for independent journalism, "The Pen of Peace".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoran-misetic-b492099|title=Zoran Misetic: Director of Global Business Development|website=[[LinkedIn]]|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200526002340/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoran-misetic-b492099/|archive-date=26 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Зеница 20200301 140236.jpg|thumb|right|185px|Memorial stone and plaque for Matea Jurić, with flowers laid in front (2020)]]

The first official civilian victim of the Bosnian War in Zenica was a two-year-old Croat girl named Matea Jurić (29 July 1990 – 13 May 1992), who was killed by a gunshot during the blockade of the military barracks of the [[Yugoslav People's Army|JNA]] in the urban settlement of Bilimišće. A memorial was erected in her honour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ba.n1info.com/Vijesti/a41916/Sjecanje-na-Mateu-Juric.html|title=Sjećanje na Mateu Jurić, prvu civilnu žrtvu rata u Zenici|work=[[N1 (TV channel)|n1info.com]]|date=13 May 2015 |access-date=22 July 2019|language=bs}}</ref>

On 19 April 1993, during the [[Croat–Bosniak War]], sixteen civilians were killed and fifty injured when a [[Croatian Defence Council|HVO]] howitzer-fired grenade hit the central bazaar of Zenica.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/aktuelnosti/vijesti/vijesti-detaljno/news/odata-pocast-ubijenim-civilima-zenice/?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=f982adb61d14898e6349c868e22655cc|title=Odata počast ubijenim civilima Zenice|website=www.zenica.ba|date=19 April 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721011631/http://www.zenica.ba/aktuelnosti/vijesti/vijesti-detaljno/news/odata-pocast-ubijenim-civilima-zenice/?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=f982adb61d14898e6349c868e22655cc|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> The grenade was shot from the village of Putićevo [{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}}].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/kordic_cerkez/tjug/en/kor-tj010226e-5.htm|title=IV. ATTACKS ON TOWNS AND VILLAGES: KILLINGS: 9. The Shelling of Zenica|website=[[ICTY|www.icty.org]]|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721012303/http://www.icty.org/x/cases/kordic_cerkez/tjug/en/kor-tj010226e-5.htm|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> During this period, Zenica was isolated from the rest of the world for a year and a half. The city suffered significant losses from sniper fire, arson, hunger, and a lack of electricity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.e-novine.com/feljton/51163-ratu-sam-osjetio-potrebu-Bogom.html|title=U ratu sam osjetio potrebu za Bogom|format=feuilleton|website=e-novine.com|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721214438/http://www.e-novine.com/feljton/51163-ratu-sam-osjetio-potrebu-Bogom.html|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref>

Zenica's populace changed much during the war, with the arrival of Muslims (today's Bosniaks) from other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the departure of Serbs to areas under Serb control.<ref name="stat error">{{Cite web|url=http://www.novosti.rs/vesti/planeta.300.html:612973-Srbi-u-Federacijistatisticka-greska|title=Srbi u Federaciji "statistička greška"!|work=[[Večernje novosti]] |date=2 July 2016|access-date=17 May 2017|language=sr}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="125px" caption="Historical images of Zenica"><!--please keep up to two rows of images when displayed on 1920 pixels monitor width-->
Зеница - 1890-11-15 - легенде („Како је турски цар Фатих Мехмед освојио Градишће и Врандук 1463”, Босанска вила — бр. 19 и 20, стр. 301, 15).jpg|''[[Bosanska vila]]'' article (1890) on [[Mehmed the Conqueror|Fatih Mehmed]]'s conquest of Gradišće and Vranduk in 1463
Зеница - 1895 - Врандук, панорама.jpg|{{Ill|Vranduk Fortress|bs|Tvrđava Vranduk}} panorama (1895)
Zenica - 1896 - štrajk zeničkih radnika.jpg|1896 Zenica workers' strike
Зеница - 1903 - „Дорфлебен” (Сеоски живот), Рихард Конрад Кромар фон Хохенволф.jpg|''{{Lang|de|Dorfleben}}'' (''Village Life''; 1903), watercolor by Richard Conrad Kromar (1874–1948)
Зеница - 1907 - тродијелна разгледница.jpg|Tripartite postcard (1907)
Зеница - 1909 - чаршија улице Кочева, чаршија које више нема од краја 1968. године, разгледница.jpg|Čaršija of Kočeva street (postcard; 1909)
Зеница - 1928 - краљев рођендан, улица краља Петра I (данашња Титова), ретуширана разгледница.jpg|King's birthday, King [[Peter I of Serbia|Peter I]] street (today's [[Josip Broz Tito|Titova]]; retouched postcard, 1928)
Зеница - 1928-08 - отварање џамије у Ричицама.jpg|Ričice mosque inauguration (1928)
Зеница - 1932-08-02 - народни збор пред католичком Црквом Св. Илије на празник Свети Илија.jpg|People's gathering in front of Catholic {{Ill|Church of St. Elijah, Zenica|bs|Crkva svetog Ilije (Zenica)|lt=Church of St. Elijah}} on a holy day (1932)
Зеница - 1935 - јужни дио Зенице.jpg|Southern Zenica, downtown near [[Bosna river|Bosna]] (1935)
Зеница - 1944-09-06 - бомбардовање Жељезничког моста Пехаре од стране италијанског СААФ-а.jpg|Bombing of the "Pehare" railway bridge by [[16 Squadron SAAF]] (1944)
Зеница - 1958 - распјеване Зеничанке заузеле цесту.jpg|Zenican girls occupied Sarajevska street (1958)
Зеница - 1964 - поглед на Жељезару, разгледница.jpg|Panoramic view of the {{Ill|Ironworks Zenica|bs|Željezara Zenica|lt=Ironworks}} (postcard; 1964)
Зеница 20190815 143735.jpg|Part of the "Kameni spavač [Stone Sleeper] – [[Mak Dizdar]]" monument's vitreous memorial with names of thousands of Zenicans, victims of the [[Bosnian War]] (2019)
</gallery>

===21st century===
Zenica recovered from the war and has continued to make slow progress. The city was governed for twenty years by the majority-Bosniak and Muslim [[Party of Democratic Action]] (SDA), which was mired in corruption and inefficiency,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zurnal.info/novost/21569/glavna-tuziteljica-na-promociji-knjige-funkcionera-sda|title=NAKON ŠTO JE BIO POD ISTRAGOM: Glavna tužiteljica na promociji knjige funkcionera SDA|website=zurnal.info|date=21 October 2018 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721022210/https://zurnal.info/novost/21569/glavna-tuziteljica-na-promociji-knjige-funkcionera-sda|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://usn.co.ba/bih/politika/sporazum-sarajlica-i-vrace-klasicna-politicka-korupcija-hoce-li-koalicija-zastitara-i-sda-zavrsiti-u-tuzilastvu/2019/137725/|title=Sporazum Sarajlića i Vrače klasična politička korupcija? Hoće li koalicija "zaštitara" i SDA završiti u tužilaštvu|website=usn.co.ba|date=4 February 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721022304/https://usn.co.ba/bih/politika/sporazum-sarajlica-i-vrace-klasicna-politicka-korupcija-hoce-li-koalicija-zastitara-i-sda-zavrsiti-u-tuzilastvu/2019/137725/|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bh-index.com/bih-godisnje-gubi-i-do-milijardu-km-javne-nabavke-jedan-od-najvecih-izvora-korupcije/|title=BiH godišnje gubi i do milijardu KM: Javne nabavke jedan od najvećih izvora korupcije|website=www.bh-index.com|date=23 March 2015 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721022406/http://www.bh-index.com/bih-godisnje-gubi-i-do-milijardu-km-javne-nabavke-jedan-od-najvecih-izvora-korupcije/|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> causing parts of the city to lack public lighting, water supply, a functioning sewer system, and paved roads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zenicainfo.ba/2019/04/02/zavrsni-radovi-na-asfaltiranju-lasvanske-ulice/|title=Završni radovi na asfaltiranju Lašvanske ulice|website=zenicainfo.ba|date=2 April 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721214753/https://zenicainfo.ba/2019/04/02/zavrsni-radovi-na-asfaltiranju-lasvanske-ulice/|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref>

A drastic population decrease of approximately 26% can be seen between 1991 and 2013, with Zenica losing one quarter of its citizens, partly due to the war as well as unfavourable economic circumstances, prompting young and middle-aged residents to emigrate to other parts of Europe and the United States.<ref name="Савезни завод за статистику СФРЈ"/><ref name="p2013"/>

{{Multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| align             = right
| total_width       = 300
| header            = [[2014 unrest in Bosnia and Herzegovina#Zenica|2014 violent protests in Zenica]]
| image1            = Municipality Zenica building the day after the riot in February 2014.jpg
| caption1          = Municipal building, side view
| image2            = Municipality building in Zenica after 2014 Bosnian social riots.jpg
| caption2          = Municipal building, front view
| image3            = Zenica-Doboj Canton building the day after the riot in February 2014.jpg
| caption3          = Smashed RMK building, front view
| image4            = 7 February 2014 protests in Zenica.jpg
| caption4          = Cars in Kočeva river and arson next to the RMK
}}

In 2014, Zenica—as well as other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina—witnessed [[2014 unrest in Bosnia and Herzegovina#Zenica|violent citizen protests]]. Various buildings were attacked and demolished, tens of people were taken to the hospital, and several officials resigned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/bs/epilog-protesta-%C5%A1irom-bih/a-17418453|title=Epilog protesta širom BiH|website=[[Deutsche Welle|www.dw.com]]|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721033412/https://www.dw.com/bs/epilog-protesta-%C5%A1irom-bih/a-17418453|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref>
The same year, Zenica was recategorized from a municipality to a city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ba.n1info.com/Vijesti/a9455/Zenica-zvanicno-postala-grad.html|title=Zenica zvanično postala grad|website=n1info.com|date=20 November 2014 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721015258/http://ba.n1info.com/Vijesti/a9455/Zenica-zvanicno-postala-grad.html|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref>

In the [[2016 Bosnian municipal elections]], independent politician [[Fuad Kasumović]] became mayor of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/fuad-kasumovic-slavi-u-zenici-bio-sam-siguran-u-svoju-pobjedu/161002156|title=Fuad Kasumović slavi u Zenici: Bio sam siguran u svoju pobjedu|website=www.klix.ba|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721022726/https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/fuad-kasumovic-slavi-u-zenici-bio-sam-siguran-u-svoju-pobjedu/161002156|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> During his three years in office, he accelerated development, focusing on areas that had been neglected up to that point:<ref name="FK planovi">{{Cite web|url=http://fuadkasumovic.ba/program/|title=FK, program|website=fuadkasumovic.ba|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031095941/http://fuadkasumovic.ba/program/|archive-date=31 October 2016|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> city lighting was introduced, water-supply and sewer systems were upgraded, roads were paved, and bicycle lanes were introduced on a large scale. In 2019,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://radiosarajevo.ba/metromahala/teme/nextbike-i-u-zenici-na-sest-lokacija-gradanima-na-raspolaganju-30-bicikala/353704|title=Nextbike i u Zenici: Na šest lokacija građanima na raspolaganju 30 bicikala|website=radiosarajevo.ba|date=11 October 2019|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011160923/https://www.radiosarajevo.ba/metromahala/teme/nextbike-i-u-zenici-na-sest-lokacija-gradanima-na-raspolaganju-30-bicikala/353704|archive-date=11 October 2019|url-status=bot: unknown|language=bs}}</ref> German company [[nextbike]] introduced their bike-sharing system to the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nextbike.ba/en/zenica/|title=nextbike Zenica|access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref> Plans were made for a new municipal heating system in order to put an end to regular heat shutoffs during the coldest seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tntportal.ba/vijesti/povodom-prve-godine-mandata-gradonacelnik-zenice-fuad-kasumovic-odrzao-preskonferenciju-foto/|title=POVODOM PRVE GODINE MANDATA: Gradonačelnik Zenice Fuad Kasumović održao preskonferenciju (FOTO)|website=tntportal.ba|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721020816/https://tntportal.ba/vijesti/povodom-prve-godine-mandata-gradonacelnik-zenice-fuad-kasumovic-odrzao-preskonferenciju-foto/|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> New Year's concerts began to be held on the main square. The Serbian pop band [[Miligram (band)|Miligram]] inaugurated the event in 2017/18.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.klix.ba/magazin/muzika/zenicani-u-2018-godinu-ulaze-s-miligramom-organizatori-najavljuju-ludu-noc/171111039|title=Zeničani u 2018. godinu ulaze s Miligramom, organizatori najavljuju ludu noć|website=www.klix.ba|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721024321/https://www.klix.ba/magazin/muzika/zenicani-u-2018-godinu-ulaze-s-miligramom-organizatori-najavljuju-ludu-noc/171111039|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> Various other events have been organized, including the Zenica summer fest, music festivals,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zenicainfo.ba/2018/06/27/najavljen-i-zenica-summer-fest-spektakularno-ljeto-uz-zvijezde-umjetnost-i-zabavu-u-srcu-grada/|title=Najavljen I Zenica Summer Fest: Spektakularno ljeto uz zvijezde, umjetnost i zabavu u srcu grada|website=zenicainfo.ba|date=27 June 2018 |access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721032728/https://zenicainfo.ba/2018/06/27/najavljen-i-zenica-summer-fest-spektakularno-ljeto-uz-zvijezde-umjetnost-i-zabavu-u-srcu-grada/|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> arts and crafts fairs, bazaars, and the like, thus improving the city's economic outlook.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blicvijesti.com/bzk-preporod-zenica-sutra-organizuje-8-art-bazar/|title=BZK "Preporod" Zenica sutra organizuje 8. Art bazar|date=6 March 2019|language=sr|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726101826/https://www.blicvijesti.com/bzk-preporod-zenica-sutra-organizuje-8-art-bazar/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zenicainfo.ba/2019/06/26/udruzenje-nas-most-organizuje-orijentalni-bazar-u-zenici/|title=Udruženje Naš most organizuje orijentalni bazar u Zenici|date=26 June 2019|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zenicablog.com/otvoren-prvi-supermarket-bazar/|title=Otvoren prvi supermarket "Bazar"|date=15 April 2016|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zenit.ba/prednovogodisnji-bazar-kreativaca-u-zenici/|title=Prednovogodišnji bazar kreativaca u Zenici|date=12 December 2018|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tntportal.ba/vijesti/zenica-u-mjesnoj-zajednici-radakovo-odrzan-novogodisnji-bazar-foto/|title=ZENICA: U Mjesnoj zajednici Radakovo održan novogodišnji Bazar (FOTO)|date=31 December 2018|language=bs}}</ref> Additionally, the issue of stray dogs in the urban core was handled,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bih.time.mk/c/896cf06957/najesen-pocinje-sa-radom-zenica-konacno-dobija-azil-za-pse-lutalice.html|title=NAJESEN POČINJE SA RADOM Zenica konačno dobija azil za pse lutalice|website=bih.time.mk|language=bs|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726101825/https://bih.time.mk/c/896cf06957/najesen-pocinje-sa-radom-zenica-konacno-dobija-azil-za-pse-lutalice.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> pollution was significantly reduced,<ref>{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721025344/http://www.balkaniyum.tv/bih/vijesti/38884.shtml|title=Zagađenje zraka u Zenici kulminira, građani traže uvođenje interventnih mjera|work=www.balkaniyum.tv|archive-date=21 July 2019|url=http://www.balkaniyum.tv/bih/vijesti/38884.shtml|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/u-zenici-najavljeni-protesti-zbog-povecanog-zagadjenja-zraka/141202002|title=U Zenici najavljeni protesti zbog povećanog zagađenja zraka|website=www.klix.ba|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721025330/https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/u-zenici-najavljeni-protesti-zbog-povecanog-zagadjenja-zraka/141202002|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref> public transport was improved, and the city is also planning to resolve the problem of unemployment and to modernize the education system, among other projects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/republika-srpska/sve-veci-broj-vozila-podzemne-garaze-resavaju-problem-parkinga-u-zenici/3ygppns|title=Sve veći broj vozila: Podzemne garaže rešavaju problem parkinga u Zenici|website=Blic.rs|date=26 December 2016 |language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/aktuelnosti/javni-pozivi/news/javni-poziv-za-sufinansiranje-projekata-utopljavanja-stambenih-objekata-kolektivnog-stanovanja-stambenih-zgrada/?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=c49bf642b42e28d96af5117aceb03d09|title=Javni poziv za sufinansiranje projekata utopljavanja stambenih objekata kolektivnog stanovanja- stambenih zgrada|website=www.zenica.ba|date=7 June 2023|language=bs|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726101824/http://www.zenica.ba/aktuelnosti/javni-pozivi/news/javni-poziv-za-sufinansiranje-projekata-utopljavanja-stambenih-objekata-kolektivnog-stanovanja-stambenih-zgrada/?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=c49bf642b42e28d96af5117aceb03d09|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
{{Wide image|Panorama Zenice2015.png|600px|Panorama of Zenica (spring 2015)}}

==Geography==
Zenica is located in the heart of Bosnia, in the central part of the river Bosna's flow, after which the country is named. Its average elevation is {{Convert|310–350|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} above sea level.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}}

[[File:Općina Zenica.svg|thumb|350px|Geographic location of Zenica]]

===Topography and layout===
The topography of the city is that of a valley–basin. It is made up of a series of alluvial planins, hills, and mountain passes. The average altitude of the city itself, which is surrounded by hills, is {{Convert|310–350|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}. However, there are many higher positions, such as [[Tvrtkovac]], a hiking destination, whose altitude is {{Convert|1,304|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The Zenica basin extends from the [[Lašva river]] canyon in the south to the Vranduk canyon and Vranduk gorge in the north—of an average length of {{Convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} and with an average altitude of {{Convert|700|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ksczenica.ba/#!/centar-zenica|title=KŠC Sv. Pavao, Zenica|website=www.ksczenica.ba|language=hr|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721044528/http://www.ksczenica.ba/#!/centar-zenica|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="academia.edu"/> Overview of the highest hills and mountains is given in the table below.<ref name="academia.edu"/>

{|style="margin:0 auto;" class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+Highest{{Nbsp}}mountains and{{Nbsp}}hills{{Nbsp}}of{{Nbsp}}Zenica<ref name="academia.edu"/>
|-
!Mountains and hills
!{{Abbr|Elev.|Elevation/altitude above sea level}} [m (ft)]
|-
|[[Tvrtkovac]]
|{{Convert|1304|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|Hum
|{{Convert|1280|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|[[Vepar (planina)|Vepar]]
|{{Convert|1083|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|[[Lisac (planina)|Lisac]]
|{{Convert|1080|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|[[Smetovi (planina)|Smetovi]]
|{{Convert|940|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|[[Klopačke stijene]]
|{{Convert|918|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|Golubak
|{{Convert|700|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|Vučijak
|{{Convert|639|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|Zmajevac
|{{Convert|638|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|Volovska glava
|{{Convert|585|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|-
|[[Janjićki vrh]]
|{{Convert|561|m|ft|abbr=values}}
|}

The lowest topographical areas of Zenica are along the river Bosna. In both eastern and western directions, the altitudes increase and thus, the northwestern and northeastern areas of the city are the highest.<ref name="academia.edu"/>

===Water===
{{Further|Bosna (river)}}

Zenica is characterized by many small rivers and streams; all of them flow into the Bosna river basin.

[[River Bosna|The Bosna]] is the most important body of flowing water in the Zenica area. It springs from [[Ilidža]], near Sarajevo, and flows into the [[river Sava]], near [[Bosanski Šamac]]. Thus, the river has a natural south–north flow.<ref name="zenica.ba fakta/o-gradu">{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/o-gradu/|title=O gradu|website=www.zenica.ba|language=bs}}</ref> Out of a total length of {{Convert|274|km|mi|abbr=on}}, {{Convert|47.95|km|mi|abbr=on}} of the river is in the city, and most residences are built alongside it, as are roads and railways.<ref name="academia.edu"/>

Apart from the Bosna, the rivers [[Lašva river|Lašva]], [[Babina river|Babina]], and [[Kočeva]] also flow through Zenica.<ref name="academia.edu"/>

===Climate===
Within the municipality, a moderate continental climate prevails. Summers are hot and winters moderately cold. The mean annual temperature is {{Convert|10.4|C|F|abbr=on}}, average annual precipitation is {{Convert|804|mm|in|abbr=on}}, with the lowest monthly precipitation occurring in March and the highest in November. The coldest month is January, with an average annual minimum of {{Convert|-1|C|F|abbr=on}}, while July is the hottest, with an average annual maximum of {{Convert|20.2|C|F|abbr=on}}]. The lowest mean monthly temperature in Zenica was {{Convert|-6.4|C|F|abbr=on}}, in January 1964; the minimal, {{Convert|-23.9|C|F|abbr=on}}, was in January 1963. The highest mean monthly temperature, {{Convert|23.8|C|F|abbr=on}}, was registered in August 2003; the highest daily, {{Convert|42.6|C|F|abbr=on}}, was in August 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 August 2024 |title=Izmereno 42,6 Stepeni celzijusa! Ovaj grad u BiH bio je danas najtopliji u Evropi |url=https://www.kurir.rs/region/bosna-i-hercegovina/4426416/zenica-najtoplija-u-evropi |access-date=15 August 2024 |website=kurir.rs |language=sr}}</ref> Relative air humidity is 70% and cloudiness 6.1 tenths. Air pressure is 976.3 millibars. Zenica has one meteorological station, founded in 1925 and located at an elevation of {{Convert|344|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref name="academia.edu"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fhmzbih.gov.ba/engleski/Zenicastanica.php|title=Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Federal Hydrometeorological Institute|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20190723160355/http://www.fhmzbih.gov.ba/engleski/Zenicastanica.php|archive-date=23 July 2019|url-status=live|access-date=26 July 2019}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|width=auto
|location = Zenica, 1991–2020
|metric first = y
|single line = y
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan high C = 4.9
|Feb high C = 8.6
|Mar high C = 13.9
|Apr high C = 19.1
|May high C = 23.7
|Jun high C = 27.6
|Jul high C = 29.7
|Aug high C = 30.1
|Sep high C = 24.5
|Oct high C = 19.0
|Nov high C = 11.7
|Dec high C = 5.3
|year high C =
|Jan low C = -2.8
|Feb low C = -1.8
|Mar low C = 1.5
|Apr low C = 5.2
|May low C = 9.4
|Jun low C = 13.2
|Jul low C = 14.7
|Aug low C = 14.6
|Sep low C = 10.9
|Oct low C = 6.9
|Nov low C = 2.9
|Dec low C = -1.5
|year low C =
|Jan precipitation mm = 54.7
|Feb precipitation mm = 54.1
|Mar precipitation mm = 54.6
|Apr precipitation mm = 69.4
|May precipitation mm = 80.5
|Jun precipitation mm = 86.9
|Jul precipitation mm = 83.9
|Aug precipitation mm = 60.3
|Sep precipitation mm = 80.3
|Oct precipitation mm = 70.8
|Nov precipitation mm = 77.3
|Dec precipitation mm = 69.4
|year precipitation mm =
|unit precipitation days = 1 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 9.2
|Feb precipitation days = 8.5
|Mar precipitation days = 8.6
|Apr precipitation days = 10.0
|May precipitation days = 10.1
|Jun precipitation days = 10.1
|Jul precipitation days = 8.7
|Aug precipitation days = 6.3
|Sep precipitation days = 8.4
|Oct precipitation days = 7.7
|Nov precipitation days = 8.3
|Dec precipitation days = 9.0
|year precipitation days=
|source 1 = [[World Meteorological Organization]]<ref>{{cite web|url = https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=600008|title = World Weather Information Service – Zenica|publisher= World Meteorological Organization|access-date = 12 November 2022}}</ref>
|date=July 2019
}}

===Ecology===
[[File:Vue de ZENICA depuis la rivière BOSNA.jpg|thumb|350px|River Bosna<br /><small>in the front: a railway, behind it the settlement of Jalija (right) and farther, Bilimišće (left); in the back: Zenica hills—Krč rocks (right) and others (left)</small>]]
{{Further|Arcelor Mittal|Greens of Bosnia and Herzegovina}}

Zenica's industry has polluted and damaged the city's environment. After the Bosnian War, its main polluter, the ironworks, was incapacitated. However, several years later{{When|date=April 2022}}, the old steelworks partially resumed operations, and a non-partisan citizen organisation called [[Eko pokret Zenica]] began to protest it, together with the local branch of the [[Greens of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] political party.<ref name="slobodna-bosna.ba/vijest/6160">{{Cite web|url=http://www.slobodna-bosna.ba/vijest/6160/eko_pokret_zenice_protiv_izgradnje_he_vranduk.html|title=Eko Pokret Zenice Protiv Izgradnje He Vranduk|website=slobodna-bosna.ba|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/revizija/2006/finrev2006/ZELENI%20BIH/IzvjestajZELENI.pdf|title=www.izbori.ba|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ekoforumzenica.ba/|title=Eko forum Zenica|website=ekoforumzenica.ba|language=bs}}</ref>

The Babina river basin was declared a [[nature park]] after the group's intercession. The city has also entertained initiatives to create a dam on the Vranduk. The Greens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Eko pokret have opposed this as well, declaring the Vranduk a [[national park]].<ref name="slobodna-bosna.ba/vijest/6160"/>

Mošćanica, the regional waste landfill, is located between the villages of Mošćanica, Mutnica, Palinovići, Briznik, Arnauti, Ponihovo, and Plavčići, southeast of Zenica.<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Regionalna+Deponija+Mo%C5%A1%C4%87anica/@44.1859232,18.0140595,4453m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x475ee00d60f34b33:0x9ac33ceeeb55cdce!8m2!3d44.1780027!4d18.0178933 RDM, map]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190809165130/http://www.rdm.ba/onama.php RDM Ze, about]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190809165307/http://www.alba.ba/zen/ Alba Ze, about]</ref>

===Urban settlements===
The urban part of Zenica consists of the following settlements:
{{Colbegin|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Jalija (Zenica)|Jalija]]
* [[Odmut (Zenica)|Odmut]]<!--some Zenicans say also Odmot-->
* [[Mokušnice]]
* [[Londža (Zenica)|Londža]]
* [[Pišće]]
* [[Blatuša (Zenica)|Blatuša]]
* [[Crkvice (Zenica)|Crkvice]]
* [[Babina Rijeka (Zenica)|Babina River]] <small>[Babina Rijeka]</small> (Old Radakovo)
* [[New Radakovo]] <small>[Novo Radakovo]</small>
* [[Sejmen (Zenica)|Sejmen]]
* [[Old Čaršija (Zenica)|Old Čaršija]] <small>[Stara Čaršija]</small> (toward Čaršijska mosque)
* [[New Zenica]] <small>[Nova Zenica]</small>
* [[Lukovo Field]] <small>[Lukovo Polje]</small>
{{Colend}}

==Demographics==
{{Multiple image
| total_width       = 300
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Dans les Rues de Zenica.JPG
| caption1          = View of a street in Zenica
| image2            = Zenica 2006 1.jpg
| caption2          = Old Čaršija
}}

{{Multiple image
| total_width       = 300
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Du côté du marché -ZENICA (BiH).JPG
| caption1          = Old Zenica street market and Kočevska mosque
| image2            = Zenica, tržiště.jpg
| caption2          = New Zenica renovated roofed bazaar
}}

Zenica's population increased from 7,215 in 1910 to 15,550 in 1948 and 63,869 in 1981.<ref name="Савезни завод за статистику СФРЈ"/>

According to the [[1991 population census in Bosnia and Herzegovina]], Zenica proper had 96,027 citizens, with the population of the greater municipality being 145,517, living in 81 settlements. According to the [[2013 population census in Bosnia and Herzegovina|2013 census]], Zenica had 70,553 residents (not including [[Upper Zenica]] and surrounding villages), while the greater Zenica municipality had 110,663 inhabitants.<ref name="p2013">{{Cite web|url=http://www.statistika.ba/?show=11|title=Naselja 2013|website=www.statistika.ba|access-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716014436/http://www.statistika.ba/?show=11#link139|archive-date=16 July 2019|url-status=bot: unknown|language=bs}}</ref>

===Population of Zenica city===
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" rules="all" width="50%" style="clear:all; margin:6px 0 0em 0em; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:85%; empty-cells:show" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|colspan="14" align=center style="background:#778899; color:white"|'''Ethnic composition'''<ref name="Савезни завод за статистику СФРЈ"/><ref name="p2013"/>
|-
|- bgcolor="#FFEBCD"
!Year
!Serbs
!&nbsp;%
!Bosniaks{{Ref|a}}
!&nbsp;%
!Croats
!&nbsp;%
!Yugoslavs
!&nbsp;%
!Others
!&nbsp;%
!Total
|- bgcolor="#fffaf0"
|1961 || 10,525||32.41%|| 5,908||18.19%|| 9,393||28.92%|| 5,517||15.31%|| -||-%|| 32,476
|- bgcolor="#f5f5f5"
|1971 || 12,779||24.93%|| 21,365||41.68%|| 13,250||25.85%|| 1,945|| 3.79%|| -||-%|| 51,263
|- bgcolor="#fffaf0"
|1981 || 12,728||20.02%|| 22,146||34.84%|| 11,716||18.43%|| 14,437||22.71%|| -||-%|| 63,569
|- bgcolor="#f5f5f5"
|1991 || 18,312||19.07%|| 43,154||44.94%|| 15,809||16.46%|| 14,703||15.31%|| 4,049||4.22%|| 96,027
|- bgcolor="#fffaf0"
|2013 || 2,296||3.25%|| 55,239||78.29%|| 6,746||9.56%|| -||-%|| 6,272||8.89%|| 70,553
|-
|colspan="14" align=center style="background:#dcdcdc;"|
|}
{{Div flex row|align-items=center}}
{{Chart|definition=Population of Zenica city over time.chart|data=Population of Zenica city over time.tab|Width=360}}

{{Balkan Census|title=Population of Zenica city
| source =<ref name="1879-1910 censuses">Earthly Government for [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|BiH]]: Population census [https://www.poreklo.rs/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Popis_1879_-_Bosna_i_Hercegovina.pdf 1879] (p. 63), [https://www.poreklo.rs/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Popis-BiH-1885.pdf 1885] (pp. 210, 211) and [https://www.poreklo.rs/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Popis-BiH-1910.pdf 1910] (pp. 310, 312, 3114).</ref><ref name="1921 census">General State Statistics of [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]]: Population census [https://www.academia.edu/35408352/Popis_stanovništva_kraljevine_Jugoslavije_1921.pdf 1921] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720170817/https://www.academia.edu/35408352/Popis_stanovni%C5%A1tva_kraljevine_Jugoslavije_1921.pdf |date=20 July 2019 }} (p. 212).</ref><ref name="Савезни завод за статистику СФРЈ">Federal Bureau of Statistics and Records of [[FNRY]] and [[SFRY]]: Population census [http://pod2.stat.gov.rs/ObjavljenePublikacije/G1948/pdf/G19484001.pdf 1948] (p. 5), [http://pod2.stat.gov.rs/ObjavljenePublikacije/G1953/pdf/G19534001.pdf 1953] (p. 62), [http://pod2.stat.gov.rs/ObjavljenePublikacije/G1961/pdf/G19614001.pdf 1961] (p. 124, 125), [http://pod2.stat.gov.rs/ObjavljenePublikacije/G1971/pdf/G19714001.pdf 1971] (p. 110, 112), [http://pod2.stat.gov.rs/ObjavljenePublikacije/G1981/pdf/G19814001.pdf 1981] (p. 30) and [http://pod2.stat.gov.rs/ObjavljenePublikacije/G1991/pdf/G19914026.pdf 1991] (p. 2).</ref><ref name="p2013"/>
| 1828 =
| 1857 =
| 1869 =
| 1879 = 2101
| 1880 =
| 1885 = 3073
| 1890 =
| 1895 =
| 1910 = 7215
| 1921 = 7632
| 1931 =
| 1948 = 15550
| 1953 = 28961
| 1961 = 32476
| 1971 = 51263
| 1981 = 63569
| 1991 = 96027
| 2013 = 70553
}}
{{Div flex row end}}

===Population of the municipality===
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" rules="all" width="50%" style="clear:all; margin:6px 0 0em 0em; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:85%; empty-cells:show" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|colspan="14" align=center style="background:#778899; color:white"|'''Ethnic composition'''<ref name="Савезни завод за статистику СФРЈ"/><ref name="p2013 territories and not settlements"/>
|-
|- bgcolor="#FFEBCD"
!Year
!Serbs
!&nbsp;%
!Bosniaks{{Ref|b}}
!&nbsp;%
!Croats
!&nbsp;%
!Yugoslavs
!&nbsp;%
!Others
!&nbsp;%
!Total
|- bgcolor="#fffaf0"
|1961 || 20,369|| 24.15%|| 31,177||36.97%|| 20,509||24.32%|| 10,755||12.75%|| -||-%|| 84,341
|- bgcolor="#f5f5f5"
|1971 || 21,875|| 19.45%|| 61,204||54.43%|| 24,658||21.93%|| 2,133||1.90%|| 2,577||2.29%|| 112,447
|- bgcolor="#fffaf0"
|1981 || 21,204|| 15.97%|| 66,930||50.42%|| 23,595||17.78%|| 17,536||13.21%|| -|| -%|| 132,733
|- bgcolor="#f5f5f5"
|1991 || 22,592|| 15.52%|| 80,377||55.21%|| 22,651||15.56%|| 15,651||10.75%|| 4,306||2.96%|| 145,577
|- bgcolor="#fffaf0"
|2013 || 2,409|| 2.17%|| 92,988||84.02%|| 8,279||7.48%|| -||-%|| 6,987||6.31%|| 110,663
|-
|colspan="14" align=center style="background:#dcdcdc;"|
|}
{{Div flex row|align-items=center}}
{{Chart|definition=Population of Zenica municipality over time.chart|data=Population of Zenica municipality over time.tab|Width=360}}
{{Balkan Census|title=Population of Zenica City {{Resize|80%|(Municipality till 2014)}}
| source =<ref name="1879-1910 censuses"/><ref name="1921 census"/><ref name="Савезни завод за статистику СФРЈ"/><ref name="p2013 territories and not settlements">{{Cite web|url=http://www.popis.gov.ba/popis2013/doc/RezultatiPopisa_SR.pdf|script-title=sr:Попис становништва, домаћинстава и станова у Босни и Херцеговини 2013. — коначни резултати пописа|publisher=Агенција за статистику Босне и Херцеговине|website=popis.gov.ba|year=2013|access-date=26 July 2019|language=sr, en|page=66}}</ref>
| 1828 =
| 1857 =
| 1869 =
| 1879 = 4174
| 1880 =
| 1885 = 6261
| 1890 =
| 1895 =
| 1910 = 10637
| 1921 = 11211
| 1931 =
| 1948 = 35399
| 1953 = 38152
| 1961 = 84341
| 1971 = 112447
| 1981 = 132733
| 1991 = 145577
| 2013 = 110663
}}
{{Div flex row end}}

===Common surnames===
In Zenica-Doboj Canton, as of February 2020, the most common surnames are as follows:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forebears.io/bosnia-and-herzegovina/federation-of-bosnia-and-herzegovina/zenica-doboj-canton#surnames|title=Most Common Surnames in Zenica-Doboj Canton|work=forebears.io|access-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228200003/https://forebears.io/bosnia-and-herzegovina/federation-of-bosnia-and-herzegovina/zenica-doboj-canton#surnames|archive-date=28 February 2020|url-status=unfit}}</ref>
{{Colbegin|colwidth=7em}}
# Hodžić
# Halilović
# Delić
# Spahić
# Bašić
# Imamović
# Kovačević
# Kadrić
# Tadić
# Marković
# Babić
# Begić
# Alić
# Šehić
# Selimović
# Beganović
# Hadžić
# Muratović
# Tomić
# Šišić
# Dedić
# Karić
# Smajić
# Sinanović
# Jukić
# Vidović
# Ramić
# Dizdarević
# Brkić
# Softić
# Avdić
# Pavlović
# Matijević
# Bošnjak
# Pašalić
# Šabanović
# Fejzić
# Radić
# Kovač
# Lukić
# Petrović
# Hasić
{{Colend}}

==Economy==
[[File:Zenica (Stahlwerk).jpg|thumb|left|195px|Zenica steelworks]]

Zenica is an [[secondary sector of the economy|industrial center]].<ref name="zvanični vodič Grada"/> The main types of industry in the city are iron and steel production, as well as coal mining. Extraction of [[brown coal]] in Zenica began in 1880 and production of steel in 1892.<ref name="privredaZenice-zv">{{Cite web|url=http://gradzenica.weebly.com/privreda.html|title=Privreda|website=Zenica|language=bs}}</ref>

In 1990, the municipality produced 1.4 million tons of steel, 924,000 tons of coal, {{Convert|1,018,000|m2|ft2|abbr=on}} of cloth, and 158,000 hL of milk, among other commodities. Employed workers numbered 49,415–53,419 in the civil sector and 4,004 in the private sector.<ref name="privredaZenice-zv"/>

Even though the [[Bosnian War]] (1992–1995) did not cause as much destruction to Zenica as it did elsewhere, it damaged the economy. This is reflected in the interruption of steel processing and a decrease in its production.<ref name="privredaZenice-zv"/>

Farming and cattle breeding are a significant component of the city's economy, with potatoes, carrots, onions, corn, and wheat being the most commonly grown crops.<ref name="privredaZenice-zv"/>

{{clear}}

==Politics==
===Official symbols===
[[File:Coat of arms of Zenica (yellow half-moon).svg|thumb|left|100px|Zenica coat of arms and flag (variant, with the crescent moon coloured yellow)]]
[[File:Flag of Zenica.svg|thumb|right|200px|Zenica flag]]

The City of Zenica has a coat of arms and a flag.<ref name="grb-zastava official">{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/fileadmin/user_upload/Doc/Zvanicna_obiljezja/Grb_i_zastava_Zenice_Standardi_i_Tumacenje.pdf|title=Grb i zastava Zenice – Standardi i tumačenje|type=link for direct download of official document|work=zenica.ba|access-date=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302135218/http://www.zenica.ba/fileadmin/user_upload/Doc/Zvanicna_obiljezja/Grb_i_zastava_Zenice_Standardi_i_Tumacenje.pdf|archive-date=2 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="grb-zastava official .ai">{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/fileadmin/user_upload/Doc/Zvanicna_obiljezja/ZENICA_CoatOfArms_Flag_Construction.ai|title=Zenica City – Coat of Arms & Flag – construction|type=link for direct download of official document|work=zenica.ba|access-date=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302135241/http://www.zenica.ba/fileadmin/user_upload/Doc/Zvanicna_obiljezja/ZENICA_CoatOfArms_Flag_Construction.ai|archive-date=2 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="grb-zastava">{{Cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/363273229/Grb-i-zastava-Zenice-Standardi-i-Tumacenje-pdf|title=Grb i zastava Zenice – Standardi i tumačenje|work=www.scribd.com|access-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720181644/https://www.scribd.com/document/363273229/Grb-i-zastava-Zenice-Standardi-i-Tumacenje-pdf|archive-date=20 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref><!--the following document is with obsolete look of the flag i.e. other variant with background colored in two colors--><ref name="grb-zastava 1">{{Cite web|url=https://imgv2-2-f.scribdassets.com/img/document/363273229/original/f1e145bf11/1551224227?v=1|title=Grb i zastava Zenice – Grafički standard i tumačenje|work=imgv2-2-f.scribdassets.com|access-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720181844/https://imgv2-2-f.scribdassets.com/img/document/363273229/original/f1e145bf11/1551224227?v=1|archive-date=20 July 2019|url-status=live|language=bs}}</ref><ref name="zastava-bijela">{{Cite web|url=http://centar72.ba/sites/default/files/slike-prijava/11755178_10205238591543546_5004259657307104523_n.jpg|title=Image of hanging white colored flag of Zenica near Kameni spavač, monument at the city square|access-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720191711/http://centar72.ba/sites/default/files/slike-prijava/11755178_10205238591543546_5004259657307104523_n.jpg|archive-date=20 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

The coat of arms bears several symbols that represent the city of Zenica. On the left side, following the frame, the contour of the [[Bosna river]] can be seen, cut by two horizontal lines in the lower part—a symbol of communication. Within the main portion of the shield, there are four circular symbols. Clockwise: the symbol of Vranduk—the northern gate of the city; one of the six crosses from ban Kulin's plate and a symbol of Christianity; a crescent moon—symbol of Islam and the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman period]]; and crossed hammers—a symbol of coal mining and heavy industry.<ref name="grb-zastava official"/><ref name="grb-zastava official .ai"/><ref name="grb-zastava"/><ref name="grb-zastava 1"/> The city's flag is in the shape of a rectangle divided into a yellow upper part and a light green bottom, colours that match the coat of arms, which is positioned in the centre.<ref name="zastava-bijela"/><ref name="grb-zastava official"/><ref name="grb-zastava official .ai"/><ref name="grb-zastava"/><ref name="grb-zastava 1"/>

===Governance: seats of administration===
The city of Zenica is administered by the Authority of the City of Zenica and the seat of the City of Zenica (Municipality until 2014). The Authority consists of a City Mayor (Municipality Mayor until 2014), the Council of the City of Zenica (Municipality Council until 2014), and the City Attorney's Office (Municipality Attorney's Office until 2014).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/gradska-uprava/|title=Gradska uprava|work=zenica.ba|access-date=23 July 2019|language=bs}}</ref>

====Mayors and city mayors====
{{Multiple image
| direction         = horizontal
| image1            = Abdulah Mutapčić.jpg|thumb
| caption1          = [[Abdulah Mutapčić]] (b. 1932),<br />24th mayor (1970–1974)<!-- Commented out: |image2=Fuad Kasumović CIN.jpg -->
| caption2          = [[Fuad Kasumović]] (b. 1958),<br />36th mayor (2016–present)
}}

Below is a list of former Zenica mayors<sup>1–36&thinsp;+&thinsp;</sup>* and city mayors**.

{{Colbegin|colwidth=25em}}
# Suljo Arnaut (1878)
# Ahmetaga Mutapčić (1889–1895)
# Esad Alikadić (1898–1905)
# Ali Harmandić (1906–1913)
# Mahmud Tarabar (1913–1917)
# Osman Mutapčić (1917–1923)
# [[Ivo Ghey]] (1923–1925)
# Ahmed Mutapčić (1926–1931)
# [[Abdulaziz Asko Borić]] (1932–1935)
# Eniz Mutapčić (1935–1936)
# [[Mehmedalija Tarabar]] (1936–1941)
# Ismet Salčinović (1941–1946)
# Mustafa Čolaković (1945)
# Mustafa Mujagić (1945)
# Abdulaziz Asko Borić (1945–1946)
# Jozo Marčinković (1946–1948)
# Veljko Bilanović (1949–1950)
# [[Nikola Spaić]] (1951–1952)
# [[Safet Uzunović]] (1952–1955)
# Đuro Vekić (1955–1959)
# Milko Križanović (1959–1960)
# [[Ezher Ezo Arnautović]] (1960–1965)
# Vinko Jelčić (1965–1966)
# Muhamed Berberović (1966–1970)
# [[Abdulah Mutapčić]] (1970–1974)
# Vinko Jelčić (1974–1978)
# [[Nikola Mirković]] (1978–1982)
# Salim Tarabar (1982–1983)
# Muhamed Pašalić (1983–1984)
# Nikola Telebak (1984–1985)
# Omer Filipović (1986–1988)
# Bogdan Kolar (1988–1990)
# Ibrahim Alispahić (1990–1992)
# [[Besim Spahić (Zenica)|Besim Spahić]] (1992–1997)
# Ferid Alić (1997–2000)
# Zakir Pašalić (2000–2004)
# [[Husejin Smajlović]] (2004–2016)
# [[Fuad Kasumović]] (2016–present)
{{Colend}}
----
: ''source:'' <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/o-gradu/zenicki-nacelnici/|title=Zenički načelnici|website=zenica.ba|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331150149/http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/o-gradu/zenicki-nacelnici/|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead|language=bs}}</ref>

==Culture==
{{Multiple image
| align             = left
| total_width       = 175
| direction         = vertical
| header            = Monuments of Zenica [[National Liberation Fight|NOB]]
| image1            = NOB Zenica 20180511 180202.jpg
| caption1          = 
| image2            = NOB Zenica 20180511 180600.jpg
| caption2          = 
}}

Zenica has the following institutions of cultural importance: the Camera Symphony Orchestra, Bosnian People's Theater, Youth chorus, Art gallery, and Museum of the City of Zenica.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}

The Zenica branch of the Croat culture society ''Napredak'' ("advancement") has since 2010 organized annual [[Easter]] events.<ref name="VI. Festival">{{Cite web|url=http://www.kockice.ba/udruga/plodovi-zemlje/u-sklopu-uskrsnih-dana-u-hkd-napredak-zenica-uprilicen-vi-festival-prirodnih-rakija-i-vii-uskrsna-tucijada/ |title=U sklopu Uskrsnih dana u HKD Napredak Zenica upriličen VI. Festival prirodnih rakija i VII. Uskrsna tucijada |work=www.kockice.ba|language=hr}}</ref> Another regular Easter event that takes place is the "Festival of [[rakija]]s and [[liqueur]]s".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.svjosip-zenica.com/zupni-oglasi-za-2016-godinu/zupni-oglasi-13-ozujka-2016-5-korizmena-nedjelja|title=Župa sv. Josipa – Zenica, ''Župni oglasi – 13. ožujka 2016. / 5. korizmena nedjelja''|work=svjosip-zenica.com|language=hr|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=26 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426151115/http://www.svjosip-zenica.com/zupni-oglasi-za-2016-godinu/zupni-oglasi-13-ozujka-2016-5-korizmena-nedjelja|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>
* {{Cite web|url=http://hkdnapredak.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2387&Itemid=148 |title=HKD Napredak; ''Podružnica Zenica organizira bogat Uskrsni program''|work=hkdnapredak.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426055555/http://hkdnapredak.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2387&Itemid=148|archive-date=26 April 2017|language=hr}}
* {{Cite web|url=http://hkdnapredak.com/images/stories/plakatuskrsnihdana_2014_a3.pdf |title=Plakat Uskrsnog programa|work=hkdnapredak.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426063212/http://hkdnapredak.com/images/stories/plakatuskrsnihdana_2014_a3.pdf|archive-date=26 April 2017|language=hr}}</ref>

The pop-rock band [[Nemoguće Vruće]] is from Zenica,<ref>{{cite web |title=Premijerno / Nemoguće vruće slavi 30. rođendan: Pogledajte spot za pjesmu 'Probudi se' |url=https://www.radiosarajevo.ba/metromahala/teme/nemoguce-vruce-slavi-30-rodendan-pogledajte-spot-za-pjesmu-probudi-se/230441 |website=radiosarajevo.ba |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=30 April 2025 |language=bs |trans-title=Premiere / Nemoguće vruće celebrates 30th birthday: Watch the video for the song 'Wake Up' |archive-date=27 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727221741/https://www.radiosarajevo.ba/metromahala/teme/nemoguce-vruce-slavi-30-rodendan-pogledajte-spot-za-pjesmu-probudi-se/230441 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> as are several members of the reggae/dub/rock group [[Dubioza kolektiv]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}

{{Lang|sh-Latn|Prvomajska budnica}} ({{Nowrap|"first-May"}} wake) is an annual traditional event in the honor of a 1886 [[International Workers' Day]] strike; it has been held since 1926.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zenica.ba/prvomajska-budnica/|title=Prvomajska budnica
|work=zenica.ba|date=1 May 2016|language=bs}}</ref><ref name="aa90">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/ba/balkan/tradicija-zeni%C4%8Dke-prvomajske-budnice-traje-decenijama-ovogodi%C5%A1nja-budnica-je-90-po-redu/564464|title=Tradicija zeničke Prvomajske budnice traje decenijama: Ovogodišnja budnica je 90. po redu|trans-title=A tradition of Zenica First-May wake is lasting for decades: This year's wake is 90th in order|first=Haris|last=Badžić|work=[[Anadolu Ajansı]]|date=1 May 2016|language=sh}}</ref>

===National monuments===
Source:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aplikacija.kons.gov.ba/kons/public/nacionalnispomenici?sort=idgrad&rows=50&page=16|archive-url=https://archive.today/20221207164947/http://aplikacija.kons.gov.ba/kons/public/nacionalnispomenici?sort=idgrad&rows=50&page=16|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 December 2022|title=Spisak nacionalnih spomenika po mjestima (općina Zenica)|work=Komisija za očuvanje nacionalnih spomenika Bosne i Hercegovine|access-date=13 December 2016|language=bs}}</ref><br />
There are several [[List of National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina|national monuments]] in Zenica:
{{Flowlist|
* [[Church of the Nativity of Our Lady (Zenica)|Church of the Nativity of Our Lady]]
* [[St. Elijah Church (Zenica)|St. Elijah Church]]
* [[Papirna in Zenica|Former Zenica paper factory]]
* [[Plate of the great judge Gradeša]]
* [[Sejmenska mosque (Zenica)|Sejmenska mosque]]
* [[Old mosque (Zenica)|Old mosque]]
* [[Vranduk fortress]]
* [[Sultan Ahmedova mosque (Zenica)|Sultan Ahmedova mosque]]
}}

==Attractions==
[[File:Zenica (Arena).jpg|thumb|[[Arena Zenica]]]]
* [[Zenica Synagogue]]
* [[Zenica prison]]
* [[Arena Zenica]]
* [[NK Čelik Zenica]] football club
* [[Bilino Polje Stadium]] football stadium
* [[Lamela, Zenica]] residential building

==Sports==
[[File:Tribine kamberovica.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Athletic stadium at [[Kamberovića polje]]]]

Zenica has a variety of sports facilities and clubs, and its athletic teams have performed and won trophies nationally and overseas.<ref name="gradzenica.weebly.com/sport">{{Cite web|url=http://gradzenica.weebly.com/sport.html|title=Sport|website=Zenica|language=bs}}</ref>

The [[NK Čelik Zenica]] football club is a two-time winner of the former [[Central European Cup]] and has thrice been state champion.<ref name="germanijak.hr">{{Cite web|url=http://www.germanijak.hr/nogomet/vijesti/euforija-u-srcu-bosne-navijaci-su-nasa-posljednja-nada/28260|title=REPORTAŽA Euforija u srcu Bosne: Navijači su naša posljednja nada|trans-title=REPORTAGE Euphoria in the heart of Bosnia: Fans are our last hope|website=germanijak.hr|date=1 March 2017|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229233942/http://www.germanijak.hr/nogomet/vijesti/euforija-u-srcu-bosne-navijaci-su-nasa-posljednja-nada/28260|archive-date=29 December 2020|url-status=live|language=hr}}</ref> The town's [[Rugby football|rugby]] team has also won several national championships.<ref name="gradzenica.weebly.com/sport"/> Notable local athletes include tennis player [[Mervana Jugić-Salkić|Mervana Jugić]], high jumper [[Elvir Krehmić]], and [[karate]]ka [[Arnel Kalušić]].<ref name="gradzenica.weebly.com/sport"/>

===Scouting===
[[Scouts]] (''Izviđači'') are a children's and youth movement run by adult members of the organization.
Scouts mainly learn to form relationships with each other as well as various other useful skills, both related to living in nature and in an urban environment. In 2017, the Zenica scouting organization marked its 65th anniversary. Since its founding, about 100,000 young people have passed through its ranks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://zedo-ovisnost.ba/zenica/images/download/BILTEN_04.pdf|title=zedo-ovisnost.ba|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.klix.ba/lifestyle/vise-od-350-izvidjaca-iz-regije-na-smotri-u-zenici-se-natjece-i-stvara-nova-prijateljstva/190413030|title=Više od 350 izviđača iz regije na smotri u Zenici se natječe i stvara nova prijateljstva|website=Klix.ba|language=bs}}</ref>

{{clear}}

===Club list===
{{Colbegin}}
* Atletski klub "Zenica" <small>[athletics]</small>
* Biciklistički klub "Zenica – Metalno" <small>[cycling]</small>
* Bokserski klub "Čelik" <small>[boxing]</small>
* Invalidski odbojkaški klub "Bosna" <small>[disabled volleyball]</small>
* Džudo klub "Policajac" <small>[Judo]</small>
* Karate klub "{{Nowrap|Hasen-do}}"
* Karate klub "Zenica – Mladost"
* Karate klub "Nico"
* Košarkaški invalidski klub "Bosna" <small>[disabled basketball]</small>
* Klub borilačkih vještina "Isak" <small>[martial arts]</small>
* Klub ekstremnih sportova "Scorpio" <small>[extreme sports]</small>
* Košarkaški klub "Čelik" (žene) <small>[women's basketball]</small>
* [[KK Čelik|Košarkaški klub "Čelik"]] <small>[basketball]</small>
* Košarkaški klub "Željezara – Zenica" (žene) <small>[women's basketball]</small>
* Klub sjedeće odbojke "Zenica 92" <small>[sitting volleyball]</small>
* Malonogomentni klub "Drugari" <small>[futsal]</small>
* Fudbalski klub "Borac" (Tetovo) <small>[football]</small>
* Fudbalski klub "Iris" (žene) <small>[women's football]</small>
* [[NK Čelik|Fudbalski klub "Čelik"]] <small>[football]</small>
* Fudbalski klub "Nemila" <small>[football]</small>
* Fudbalski klub "Zenica 97" <small>[football]</small>
* Fudbalski klub "Zlatni ljiljan" <small>[football]</small>
* Fudbalski klub "Željezničar" <small>[football]</small>
* Odbojkaški klub "Zenica" <small>[volleyball]</small>
* Odbojkaški klub "Ruki" <small>[volleyball]</small>
* Plivački klub "Željezara" <small>[swimming]</small>
* Rafting klub "Žara" <small>[rafting]</small>
* Rafting klub "Bosna" <small>[rafting]</small>
* [[Ragbi klub "Čelik"]] <small>[rugby]</small>
* [[Ragbi klub "Rudar"]] <small>[rugby]</small>
* Ragbi klub "Zenica 72" <small>[rugby]</small>
* [[Rukometni klub "Čelik]]" <small>[handball]</small>
* Smučarski klub "Zenica" <small>[skiing]</small>
* Stonoteniski klub "Mladost" <small>[table tennis]</small>
* Stonoteniski klub "Željezara" <small>[table tennis]</small>
* Streljački klub "Zenica" <small>[shooting]</small>
* Teniski klub "Čelik" <small>[tennis]</small>
* Tekvondo klub "Zenica" <small>[taekwondo]</small>
* Udruženje građana sportskih ribolovaca [[RD "Bistro" Zenica|RD "Bistro"]] Zenica <small>[fishing]</small>
----
: ''source:'' <ref name="gradzenica.weebly.com/sport"/>
{{Colend}}

==Transportation and infrastructure==
[[File:Train Bosnia Zenica 08-08-2008.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Electric train in Zenica]]

Zenica is connected with [[Sarajevo]] [{{Convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast] by railway and road lines—both of which follow the valley of the Bosna river. [[A1 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)|Highway А1]] connects Zenica with Sarajevo and [[Mostar]]. The railway follows further to the south, and terminates at the coast in [[Ploče]] (Croatia).<ref name="zvanični vodič Grada">{{Cite web|url=http://fipa.gov.ba/investiranje/lokacije/local_investment_opportunities/default.aspx?id=12950|title=Grad Zenica – vodič za investitore|work=fipa.gov.ba|access-date=22 July 2019|language=bs}}</ref>

The most important infrastructure and transportation companies in Zenica (all [[List of legal entity types by country#Bosnia and Herzegovina|d.o.o.]]) are Almy Gradnja, ITC, Arcon, Arel, Uniprojekt Komerc – Inžinjering, Komgrad – Ze, Almy-transport, Geosonda, Engra, and ŽGP – Zenica.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}

The closest airport is [[Sarajevo International Airport]].<ref name="zvanični vodič Grada"/>

In 2019, the city began rebuilding the Vranduk tunnel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiosarajevo.ba/metromahala/teme/iako-je-uvedena-i-treca-smjena-zavrsetak-radova-u-tunule-vranduk-tek-2020-godine/344301|title=Iako je uvedena i treća smjena: Završetak radova u tunelu Vranduk tek 2020. godine|first=N.|last=K|website=Radio Sarajevo|date=16 July 2019 |language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/bih/video-agonija-tunela-vranduk-i-smjene-469063|title=(VIDEO) Agonija tunela Vranduk i smjene|first=Oslobođenje|last=PORTAL|website=Oslobođenje d.o.o.|date=27 June 2019 |language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zenicainfo.ba/2018/12/27/naizmjenicno-odvijanje-saobracaja-kroz-tunel-vranduk/|title=Naizmjenično odvijanje saobraćaja kroz tunel Vranduk|date=27 December 2018|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/bih/nocas-obustava-saobracaja-u-tunelu-vranduk-ii-468614|title=Noćas obustava saobraćaja u tunelu Vranduk II|work=Oslobođenje PORTAL|date=26 June 2019 |publisher=Oslobođenje d.o.o.|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zenit.ba/saobracajna-nesreca-u-tunelu-kod-zenice-povrijedjena-jedna-osoba/|title=Saobraćajna nesreća u tunelu kod Zenice, povrijeđena jedna osoba|date=3 May 2019|language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ba.n1info.com/Vijesti/a321652/Potukli-se-vozaci-u-blizini-tunela-Vranduk-kod-Zenice.html|title=Potukli se vozači u blizini tunela Vranduk kod Zenice|website=N1 BA|language=bs}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Зеница 20190713 131021.jpg|thumb|215px|Technical high school on Bilimišće]]

There are nineteen elementary and twelve high schools in Zenica.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zenicainfo.ba/2019/06/18/danas-poceo-upis-u-prve-razrede-srednjih-skola-na-podrucju-zdk/|title=Danas počeo upis u prve razrede srednjih škola na području ZDK|date=18 June 2019}}</ref>
The [[University of Zenica]] consists of several [[Faculty (division)|faculties]]: {{Ill|Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Zenica|bs|Mašinski fakultet u Zenici|lt=Mechanical Engineering}}, {{Ill|Faculty of Metallurgy and Materials in Zenica|bs|Metalurško-tehnološki fakultet u Zenici|lt=Metallurgy and Materials}}, {{Ill|Faculty of Philosophy in Zenica|bs|Filozofski fakultet u Zenici|lt=Philosophy}}, {{Ill|Faculty of Law in Zenica|bs|Pravni fakultet u Zenici|lt=Law}}, {{Ill|Faculty of Economics in Zenica|bs|Ekonomski fakultet u Zenici|lt=Economics}}, {{Ill|Faculty of Medicine in Zenica|bs|Medicinski fakultet u Zenici|lt=Medicine}}, {{Ill|Islamic Pedagogical Faculty in Zenica|bs|Islamski pedagoški fakultet u Zenici|lt=Islamic Pedagogy}}, and {{Ill|Polytechnic Faculty in Zenica|bs|Politehnički fakultet u Zenici|lt=Polytechnic}}.<ref name="zvanični vodič Grada"/>

==Media==
The city has a [[public media|public]] radio and television station, [[RTV Zenica]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtvze.ba/kontakt/|title=Kontakt: JP "RTV Zenica" d.o.o Zenica|work=rtvze.ba|access-date=26 July 2019|language=bs}}</ref> a free local newspaper, ''Superinfo'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://superinfo.ba/|title=Superinfo {{!}} Prve bh besplatne novine|work=superinfo.ba|access-date=26 July 2019|language=bs}}</ref> and it distributes the official gazette ''Službene novine Grada Zenica''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenica.ba/gradska-uprava/sluzbene-novine-grada-zenica/|title=Službene novine Grada Zenica|work=zenica.ba|access-date=26 July 2019|language=bs|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603010611/https://www.zenica.ba/gradska-uprava/sluzbene-novine-grada-zenica/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The national publications ''[[Dnevni avaz]]'', ''[[Oslobođenje]]'', and {{Ill|Naša riječ|simple|Naša riječ|lt=''Naša riječ''}} also have local branches in Zenica.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}

==Notable people==
{{Colbegin|colwidth=50em}}
* [[Hasiba Agić]], [[Sevdalinka]] folk singer
* [[Bruno Akrapović]], former football player
* [[Hamza Alić]], shot putter – Balkan champion and European silver medalist
* [[Teoman Alibegović]], basketball player
* [[Anabela Basalo]], writer
* [[Sandra Bagarić]], soprano and TV presenter
* [[Kenan Bajramović]], basketball player
* [[Mensur Bajramović]], basketball coach
* [[Tarik Biberović]], basketball player
* [[Elvir Bolić]], former football player
* [[Senad Brkić]], football player
* [[Ante Budimir]], football player
* [[Aljoša Buha]], bass player, member of [[Crvena jabuka]]
* [[Jasmin Burić]], football player
* [[Dragan Čavić]], Serb politician, fifth [[President of Republika Srpska]] (2002–2006)
* [[Jasmin Dizdar]], film director
* [[Tarik Filipović]], actor and TV presenter
* [[Nikolina Grabovac]], basketball player (Croatia)
* [[Ahmet Hadžipašić]], former Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2003–2008)
* [[Adnan Harmandić]], handball player
* [[Esad Hećimović]], investigative journalist
* [[Arif Heralić]], metal worker famous for having his face is on the 1955–1981 Yugoslavian 1,000 dinar banknote
* [[Mirsad Hibić]], former football player
* [[Mirjana Horvat]], sport shooter
* [[Branimir Hrgota]], football player (Sweden)
* [[Amar Jašarspahić|Amar Gile]], pop-folk singer
* [[Darko Jelčić]], drummer, member of [[Crvena jabuka]]
* [[Mervana Jugić-Salkić|Mervana {{Nowrap|Jugić-Salkić}}]], tennis player
* [[Edin Karamazov]], lute player<ref name="glas.ba">{{Cite web|url=https://www.glas.ba/2017/05/27/zenicani-karamazov-i-jelic-spajanje-dva-muzicka-svijeta/|title=Zeničani Karamazov i Jelić: spajanje dva muzička svijeta|date=27 May 2017 |language=bs}}</ref>
* [[Dubioza kolektiv]], ska/reggae/rock/{{Nowrap|hip-hop}} band
* [[Elvir Krehmić]], high jumper
* [[Mladen Krstajić]], football player, Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
* [[Igor Laikert]], Bosnian-Herzegovinian alpine skier
* [[Otto Lang (film producer)|Otto Lang]], skier and American film producer
* [[Dejan Lovren]], football player (Croatia)
* [[Danijel Ljuboja]], theater actor, member of the ZKM ensemble (Croatia)
* [[Emir Mutapčić]], former basketball player and coach
* [[Ivan Opačak]], basketball player
* [[Semir Osmanagić]], archaeologist
* [[Srećko Pejović]], sport shooter
* [[Mesud Pezer]], shot putter
* [[Vanja Plisnić]], basketball player (Serbia)
* [[Senad Podojak]], imam and Quran reciter
* [[Emir Preldžić]], basketball player
* [[Milorad Ratković]], former football player – European cup winner
* [[Hasan Rizvić]], basketball player (Slovenia)
* [[Nermin Šabić]], football player
* [[Zoran Savić]], former basketball player – Olympic silver medalist, world and European champion; general manager of Barcelona (Spain)
* [[Vuka Šeherović]], folk singer
* [[Ivan Šunjić]], Croatian football player
* [[Danis Tanović]], film director, Oscar winner
* [[Amel Tuka]], [[Middle-distance running|middle-distance runner]]
* [[Siniša Ubiparipović]], former football player (US)
* [[Nemoguće Vruće]], rock band
* [[Jovan Ćulibrk]]
----
:''source:'' <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gradzenica.weebly.com/poznati-zeni269ani.html|title=Poznati Zeničani|website=Zenica|language=bs}}</ref>
{{Colend}}

==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}

Zenica is twinned (as 'Partner Cities', by 'Twinning Charter') with the following international cities:<ref name="partner cities">{{Cite web|title=Partner Cities|url=http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/about-zenica/partner-cities/|website=zenica.ba|publisher=Zenica|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=11 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211093808/http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/about-zenica/partner-cities/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Colbegin|colwidth=20em}}
* {{Flagicon|GER}} [[Gelsenkirchen]], Germany
* {{Flagicon|ROU}} [[Hunedoara]], Romania
* {{Flagicon|TUR}} [[Üsküdar]], Turkey
* {{Flagicon|TUR}} [[Karşıyaka]], Turkey
* {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Luleå Municipality|Luleå]], Sweden
* {{Flagicon|HUN}} [[Zalaegerszeg]], Hungary
* {{Flagicon|ITA}} [[Fiorenzuola d'Arda]], Italy
* {{Flagicon|MKD}} [[Veles Municipality|Veles]], North Macedonia
* {{Flagicon|BIH}} [[Jajce]], Bosnia and Herzegovina
{{Colend}}

==Gallery==
<!--per Wikipedia:Image use policy#Image galleries (i.e. WP is not a gallery) please don't overexpand this gallery to more than four rows (on 1920px width); it should contain about 30, max 40 images so the look is convenient and not outre; also, don't add long captions, they should not be displayed in three or more rows, one row is desired when possible-->
<div style="font-size:90%"><gallery mode="packed">
PLAN GRADA ZENICE.jpg|City map
Hadži Mazića kuća.jpg|Hadži Mazića house
Зеница 20190501 103636.jpg|Čaršija, downtown area; Bosanka mall
Zenica 72000, Bosnia and Herzegovina - panoramio (1).jpg|Sahat-kula (clock tower) on {{Ill|Kamberovića polje|bs|Kamberovića polje}}
Зеница 20180623 190735.jpg|View of the city from Pehare
Zenica 72000, Bosnia and Herzegovina - panoramio (2).jpg|Kamberovića polje (park), near [[Bilino Polje Stadium|Bilino Stadium]] polje
Zenica2007.jpg|Bosna boulevard and river
Theater in Zenica.jpg|[[Bosnian National Theatre Zenica|Bosnian National Theatre]]
Konjska česma (Čaršijska).jpg|Konjska fountain near Sultan-Ahmed mosque
Зеница 20190504 212629.jpg|Fountain on Uglovnica
Зеница Змајев 20190115 154632.jpg|Winter cityscape from Zmajevac
Smetovi Zenica 20180325 161657.jpg|Winter cityscape view from the road to Smetovi, church and hospital in the foreground
Лонџа Зеница 20180625 184640.jpg|Common architecture, Londža
Zenica05295.JPG|Old municipal building
Zenica05285.JPG|City kafana near theatre
Зеница 20190119 153036.jpg|Bus and cemetery
Зеница 20190612 121755.jpg|Memorial across city turbe
Зеница 20190427 203218.jpg|{{Abbr|Sejmenska mosque|bs|Sejmenska džamija (Zenica)}} interior at night
Зеница 20190728 191210.jpg|Čelik FC – Sarajevo FC match
Зеница 20190427 190901.jpg|Vintage shop
Зеница 20180621 072742.jpg|Wrecked monumental ship on Carina
</gallery></div>

==See also==
* [[Central Bosnia]]

==Notes==
:1.{{Note|a}}{{Note|b}} In former Yugoslavia, Bosniaks were declared as Muslims because their ethnicity was not recognized.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Colbegin}}
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/kordic_cerkez/tjug/en/kor-tj010226e-5.htm |title=IV. ATTACKS ON TOWNS AND VILLAGES: KILLINGS: 9. The Shelling of Zenica |website=[[ICTY|www.icty.org]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721012303/http://www.icty.org/x/cases/kordic_cerkez/tjug/en/kor-tj010226e-5.htm |archive-date=21 July 2019 |url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.bosniafacts.info/video-holder/zenica-massacre |title=Zenica massacre |website=bosniafacts.info |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111120613/http://www.bosniafacts.info/video-holder/zenica-massacre |archive-date=11 January 2018 |url-status=dead}}
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.zeda.ba/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PREZENTACIJA-ZENICA.pdf |title=Zenica – Grad dinamičnih promjena |trans-title=Zenica – City of dynamic changes |format=presentation |website=www.zeda.ba |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809161332/http://www.zeda.ba/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PREZENTACIJA-ZENICA.pdf |archive-date=9 August 2019 |url-status=live |language=bs}}
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/kontakti/dezurni-telefoni-u-gradu/ |title=Dežurni telefoni u gradu |trans-title=Emergency phones in the city |website=www.zenica.ba |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726150014/http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/kontakti/dezurni-telefoni-u-gradu/ |archive-date=26 July 2019 |url-status=live |language=bs}}
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.zenica.ba/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF/2019/Kontakti_Mjesne_zajednice.pdf |title=Mjesne zajednice – kontakti |trans-title=Local communities – contacts |format=direct download link |website=www.zenica.ba |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726150116/http://www.zenica.ba/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF/2019/Kontakti_Mjesne_zajednice.pdf |archive-date=26 July 2019 |url-status=live |language=bs}}
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/o-gradu/historija-zenice/ |title=Historija Zenice |trans-title=Zenica history |website=www.zenica.ba |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721040550/http://www.zenica.ba/fakta/o-gradu/historija-zenice/ |archive-date=21 July 2019 |url-status=live |language=bs}}
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.bosanskehistorije.com/historija/36-etimologija/1379-historija-grada-zenice |title=Historija grada Zenice |trans-title=Zenica city history |website=www.bosanskehistorije.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809155332/https://www.bosanskehistorije.com/historija/36-etimologija/1379-historija-grada-zenice |archive-date=9 August 2019 |url-status=live |language=bs}}
* {{Cite web |url=http://cista-rijeka-bosna.org/WP/grad-zenica/ |title=Grad Zenica |trans-title=Zenica City |website=cista-rijeka-bosna.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721220928/http://cista-rijeka-bosna.org/WP/grad-zenica/ |archive-date=21 July 2019 |url-status=live |language=bs}}
* {{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTKzxUga9tM |title=125 godina proizvodnje čelika u Zenici kroz fotografiju |trans-title=125 years of steel production in Zenica through photography |website=YouTube |publisher=[[ArcelorMittal]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809160534/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTKzxUga9tM |archive-date=9 August 2019 |url-status=bot: unknown |language=bs |access-date=9 August 2019}}
* {{Cite book |last=Kreševljaković |first=Hamdija |year=1991 |chapter=Esnafi i obrti u Bosni i Hercegovini (1463–1878) |trans-chapter=Guilds and trades in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1463–1878) |title=Izabrana djela |trans-title=Selected works |edition=II |editor1=Avdo Sućeska |editor2=Enes Pelidija |editor3=Emir Sultanović |location=Sarajevo [Novi Sad] |publisher=Veselin Masleša [Budućnost] |pages=293–381/380–381/ |url=https://vdocuments.mx/hamdija-kresevljakovic-esnafi-i-obrti-u-bih-1463-1878-5657497e093d1.html |language=bs}} {{COBISS.SR|439831}}. {{COBISS.BIH|439831}} {{COBISS.RS|439831}}.
* {{Cite web |url=http://kakanj.com.ba/v4/31-godisnjica-smrti-kemala-kapetanovica/ |title=Dogodilo se na današnji dan: 3. juna 1984. godine umro akademik Kemal Kapetanović |trans-title=Happened on the today's day: on 3 June 1984 academic Kemal Kapetanović died |website=kakanj.com.ba |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604190754/http://kakanj.com.ba/v4/31-godisnjica-smrti-kemala-kapetanovica/ |archive-date=4 June 2016 |url-status=live |language=bs}}
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.kockice.ba/ksc/na-sutliji-sa-prof-zeljkom-stapicem/ |title=Na sutliji sa prof. Željkom Stapićem |trans-title=On rice pudding with Prof Željko Stapić |website=kockice.ba |date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722150750/https://www.kockice.ba/ksc/na-sutliji-sa-prof-zeljkom-stapicem/ |archive-date=22 July 2019 |url-status=live |language=bs}}
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.slobodanpraljak.com/MATERIJALI/RATNI%20DOKUMENTI/KRONOLOGIJA%20DOGADJANJA%20SREDNJA%20BOSNA%20-%20ZBORNO%20PODRUCJE%20VITEZ/srednja_bosna_zborno_podrucje_vitez.pdf |title=Operativna zona Srednja Bosna |trans-title=Operative zone Middle Bosnia |website=slobodanpraljak.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033616/http://www.slobodanpraljak.com/MATERIJALI/RATNI%20DOKUMENTI/KRONOLOGIJA%20DOGADJANJA%20SREDNJA%20BOSNA%20-%20ZBORNO%20PODRUCJE%20VITEZ/srednja_bosna_zborno_podrucje_vitez.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=dead |language=hr}}
* {{Cite web |url=https://hdlskl.hr/svjedocanstva/zenica/ |title=Hrvatsko društvo logoraša srpskih koncentracijskih logora – Zenica |trans-title=Croat society of camp prisoners of Serb concentration camps – Zenica |website=hdlskl.hr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722170904/https://hdlskl.hr/svjedocanstva/zenica/ |archive-date=22 July 2019 |url-status=live |language=hr}}
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.jevtic.net/zenica_pjesme.html |title=Tekstovi pjesama o Zenici |trans-title=Lyrics for songs about Zenica |website=www.jevtic.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722122758/https://www.jevtic.net/zenica_pjesme.html |archive-date=22 July 2019 |url-status=live |language=sr}}
{{Colend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Zenica}}
* {{Official website|http://www.zenica.ba/}} {{In lang|bs}}
* {{Wikivoyage inline|Zenica}}
{{Geographic Location
 | Centre    = Zenica
 | North     = [[Teslić]], [[Žepče]]
 | Northwest = [[Teslić]]<br />[[Travnik]]
 | Northeast = [[Žepče]]
 | West      = [[Travnik]]
 | East      = [[Zavidovići]]<br />[[Kakanj]]
 | South     = [[Busovača]], [[Kakanj]]
 | Southwest = [[Travnik]]<br />[[Vitez]]
 | Southeast = [[Kakanj]]
}}
{{Zenica}}
{{Zenica-Doboj Canton}}
{{Political divisions of Bosnia and Herzegovina|state=collapsed|state_mun=expanded}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Geography|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}

[[Category:Zenica| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Zenica]]