Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a bi-federal state comprising two entities and one subentity. Additionally, it serves as the seat of Republika Srpska – one of its constituent entities.
At its height during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence from Yugoslavia in 1992, Sarajevo became synonymous with bloodshed during a bloody and destructive civil war that spread terror amongst its population.
History
Sarajevo, known for its vast contrasts, boasts an unparalleled history of religious diversity. Muslim, Orthodox and Catholic faiths have coexisted peacefully for centuries in Sarajevo – leading many people to refer to it as the Jerusalem of Europe. Furthermore, its multireligious heritage contributes to its rich cultural legacy.
As Yugoslavia began to disintegrate in 1992, Sarajevo quickly emerged as the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Soon thereafter it came under siege by Serbian nationalists determined to ethnically cleanse it and join Greater Serbia – years of attacks ensued and over 12,000 civilians lost their lives as a result of these attempts at ethnic cleansing.
The Dayton Accords provided an end to the siege with multireligious state government governed by Bosnian Muslims and Croats; unfortunately 65% of its buildings were damaged while 80% of utility infrastructure was completely destroyed during its tenure.
Visitors to Bosnia can see many buildings carefully rebuilt since the end of war, both showing evidence of destruction as well as showing new construction that stands out against its former versions. Two such examples are the Bosnian National Library and City Hall – both were severely damaged during war but have since been meticulously rebuilt into replicas of their former selves.
There are countless memorials and monuments commemorating victims of war. Some are more basic, like Veliki Park’s Memorial to Children Killed during the Siege of Sarajevo while more elaborate ones, like Nermine Dodi’s statue commemorating those lost at Srebrenica are more striking.
A memorial of particular note is the Stone of the Fallen, an impressive stele made from white marble that stands nearly 50 feet high and honors those who died during the siege. Located in the city center near Latin bridge, its presence serves as a stark reminder of what occurred during that period of history.
Other significant sites in the city include the historic apljivac market, Gazi Husrev-Kadija mosque and Bravadziluk Street (“brava” = English for “lock”) which used to be lined with blacksmith shops that specialized in making locks and padlocks; nowadays it serves as an ideal spot for fast food dining while enjoying its old world charm.
Architecture
Sarajevo’s architectural tapestry embodies its history, culture, and resilience. From Ottoman-era bazaars to Austro-Hungarian townhouses – every brick in Sarajevo tells a tale – from Ottoman-era bazaars and Austro-Hungarian townhouses, each has its own story to share; every structure from monumental Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque to charming Sebilj Fountain speaks of Bosnian peoples tenacity as well as deep-rooted sense of community spirit.
Established in 1949, the Faculty of Architecture in Sarajevo is one of Europe’s oldest architecture schools. For decades it has produced generations of architects whose works have made an important contribution to Sarajevo and its surrounding region’s cultural legacy. Due to its distinct curriculum focus and emphasis on multicultural environments such as existing art/architectural heritage elements as well as housing traditions, environmental concerns, proximity of nature/neighborhood/community organizations etc, Sarajevo School of Architecture has emerged.
Dom Penzionera was an iconic structure of Sarajevo’s modern architectural style when it first opened its doors. Now mostly abandoned and overgrown with overgrowth, it exemplified both modernism and postmodernism through bold playfulness, fragmented geometric shapes arranged irregularly, various architectural styles being utilized together to form a dynamic built environment, as well as the use of local materials like spruce wood and clay plaster to reduce condensation for healthier home environments.
Mladen Gvozden was born and raised in Sarajevo and became greatly impacted by its culture and history. Influenced by Otto Wagner and the Viennese school of architecture, he adapted indigenous forms into contemporary architectural forms using materials like spruce wood and sandstone sourced locally as building materials; further reducing wood waste required in construction. Furniture pieces using locally grown steamed beechwood was also employed throughout construction projects to reduce wood usage requirements.
Le Corbusier was known to openly reject Mies van der Rohe’s rationalist principles with buildings that exuded warmth and spontaneity, such as his use of gable roofs – once considered “rubbish” during Modernism but which were now integral elements of his designs. One key example is his use of an iconic shape such as this in his designs; something Le Corbusier did by reclaiming and reinserting into his built environment.
Economy
Sarajevo is one of the Balkan’s most captivating cities, boasting gorgeous streets and buildings nestled amid green mountains that create an idyllic retreat. Additionally, its history is extensive and varied – there are various museums such as Museum of Young Bosnia that document its development since 1878 and it also houses hospitals and schools including its university.
Sarajevo boasts a dynamic economy comprised of industrial, agricultural and service sectors. Manufacturing industries specialize in producing a range of food and beverages products as well as automobiles, furniture and pharmaceuticals; furthermore the city boasts significant banking sectors as well as numerous high-end retail shops and has a significant tourism industry with many visitors coming annually to witness its popular film festival which showcases local and international films.
Sarajevo’s long history and unique culture have helped create an active cultural scene. For instance, its Museum is host to year-round exhibits on local and international art and history; additionally it houses the Sarajevo Haggadah (an illuminated manuscript dating back to 1350 that serves as its centerpiece).
Sarajevo has since overcome its turbulent history to emerge as an idyllic city filled with beauty and life. The Sarajevo Film Festival brings cinephiles from around the globe while its many parks, galleries and monuments testify to its resilience. However, some scars from war remain visible today with abandoned buildings and bullet holes still dotting its streets.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is an EU member and benefits from free trade with other EU nations. Furthermore, its social welfare system includes universal healthcare and education services as well as an unemployment rate well below European norms compared with former socialist republics. Economically speaking, Sarajevo has made notable strides since the end of war to become an attractive destination for business and tourism in its region.
Religion
Religion remains central to everyday life in postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina, elevated in importance by the collapse of communism, revival of nationalism and conflict itself. Unfortunately, however, its association with national identity also creates controversy and tension within communities; furthermore some religious groups have become politicized using their sermons or services to promote particular causes.
Islam is the largest and dominant faith in Sarajevo and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), introduced to the region following Ottoman conquest of Balkan countries in 15th and 16th century. Most Sunnis adhere to Hanafi jurisprudence while there are also small communities of Shia Muslims and Sufis who practice their faith here.
Bosniak Muslims predominantly regard religion as a means to foster social cohesion and gather at mosques during Ramadan, Eid and other significant ceremonies such as significant birthdays or significant life passages such as marriage. Women only wear hijabs when performing these tasks.
Orthodox Church members in Sarajevo enjoy an influential presence as evidenced by historic icons exhibited at Sarajevo Art Museum. Meanwhile, Catholicism – which represents BiH’s second-largest denomination – also has a sizeable presence across BiH with the late 19th-century Sacred Heart Cathedral dominating its western skyline and being used for Catholic holidays as a focal point.
Sarajevo’s Jewish community is small but vibrant, including people of Sephardi and Ashkenazi descent. Their longstanding relationships with other city residents provide evidence of tolerance between different religious groups in the past. Additionally, its culture draws from Ottoman, Slavic, Central European traditions as well as Yugoslav socialist experience – giving rise to an inimitable cultural identity unique to Sarajevo’s Jews that maintain close ties both within its city limits as well as with wider Jewish society throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina.