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Studio Theater: Art, Culture, and Youth | Balkan Diskurs
Elma Hasanspahić
September 10th, 2023
Studio Theater, a theater group from Zenica, has been introducing and promoting theatrical art, and art in general, among young people for the past six years. They are raising awareness about the importance of the performing arts through various projects, including those involving young people from other communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Studio Theater was born out of the ambitions and vision of actor Nusmir Muharemović, specifically to establish an open-air festival called “Summer Evenings of Studio Theater.” With this festival, they sought to provide Zenica and its citizens with the opportunity to see and enjoy performances by professional theater groups.
In organizing the first “Summer Evenings of Studio Theater” festival, Muharemović says he encountered numerous challenges. Apart from his friend Mirza Begović, no one believed in the festival’s potential. “What’s more, most of them told me it was prostitution of the theater. However, I continued to believe in the idea, and it continues to thrive to this day,” Muharemović emphasized, noting that the lack of faith in the festival idea added to the wind at his back.
The first festival, as Muharemović explained, was organized without any financial assistance. He made all the necessary contacts himself – for everything from the stage equipment to the chairs for the audience – and all of the actors came and performed for free.
“The festival lasted for five nights, and each night, about 150 people attended the performances. To me, that’s a measure of success,” added Muharemović.
In the years that followed, more and more people started believing in the idea of the festival, and young people became increasingly involved in spreading the vision of this organization through various projects. Currently, Studio Theater has five plays in its repertoire, which are: the comedy “State Thief,” the duodrama “Death and the Dervish,” the musical-poetic feature “Stay Here,” the children’s play “The Boy who Doesn’t Want to Grow Up,” and the youth production “Youth in the Time of Corona.”
Sven Zrnić, a graduate of Zenica’s Medical High School, witnesses first-hand how Studio Theater brings the performing arts closer to young people and thus nurtures actors-to-be. He is one of many in whom Studio Theater has instilled a love for acting, influencing their decision to pursue acting as a professional career.
“My plan is to enroll in an acting academy, and Studio Theater is one of the main reasons for this. Their approach and methods of operation ‘made me’ fall in love with this vocation. Since the project “Youth in the Time of Corona,” my passion for this work has begun to grow enormously. I’m extremely grateful to Studio Theater for everything they’ve done for me as an individual as well as for the community, by promoting culture and art,” said Sven.
He explained that his collaboration with Studio Theater began three years ago with the play “Youth in the Time of Corona,” which was a beautiful experience that he says he will cherish for the rest of his life. After that, he worked on the project “Theater on the Square.”
“I was deeply impressed by Studio Theater because each project carries an exceptionally beautiful message and is a wonderful chance for people from Bosnia and Herzegovina and across Europe to socialize,” said Sven. He highlighted his participation in the five-day workshop “Reflection in the Water,” where met artists from all over Europe.
Sven places particular emphasis on the fact that Studio Theater promotes culture and art in places where it is less prominent and provides young people with the opportunity to showcase their drive and talent.
For the play “Youth in the Time of Corona,” the founder of Studio Theater explained that they spoke with young people about the challenges they were facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on their stories, they created a play, directed by actress Lana Delić from the Bosnian National Theater.
“The stories of the actors in this play are connected to the stories of all young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The play addresses an issue that they have in common, and which isn’t determined by nationality, religion, or economic status. The play was performed in Zenica, Breza, Stolac, and Prijedor,” Muharemović elaborated.
Regarding the “Theater on the Square” project, he described it as a combination of acting and performative play, music, and dance, which allows young actors to highlight the pressing issues faced by youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the problems in Bosnian-Herzegovinian society. Young people from Zenica, Busovača, Novi Travnik, and Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje participated in the project.
“The performances were held in these four cities and gathered thousands of spectators,” added Muharemović.
The play “Reflection in the Water” seeks to erase formal boundaries between learning and artistic creation, striving to make theatrical creation and practice the heart of lifelong, cross-sectoral, and multidisciplinary learning. This approach centers on the dynamics of skill acquisition, experience, knowledge, and creation. The first part of the project is based on a series of workshops, encompassing theater, music, literature, and similar domains. These workshops are designed to explore cultural heritage, facilitate the exchange of experiences among participants from three countries, and create a methodology that will serve as a foundation for a series of activities that will be carried out over the next two years.
One of the activities, according to Muharemović, is the production of a play featuring contributions from authors, artists, actors, musicians, performers, dancers, along with amateurs and young people involved in the project.
“The play will have its European tour, connecting Vichy, Sigmaringen, Vienna, Cluj, and Timisoara, as well as Sarajevo, Zenica, Brescia, and Oulx,” remarked Muharemović.
Studio Theater’s other projects include “Paths of Heroes,” the docudrama film “Without a Voice,” “The Theater of the Future,” and many more.
This year, Studio Theater held the seventh edition of the “Summer Evenings of Studio Theater” festival. When asked about the secret of their success, Muharemović emphasized that it lies in their loyal audience, who follow and support them, as well as in the organization of Studio Theater itself.

created: September 10th, 2023


text:
Young Mostar Women Shift from Leaving Bosnia to Promoting Own Products | Balkan Diskurs
Muamer Zukanović
September 15th, 2023
A pressing issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is the exodus of young people to foreign countries, be it temporarily or permanently, following the completion of their high school education, between the ages of 18 and 24.
However, two young women from Mostar have defied this trend, making their artistic dreams a reality while still in high school. They founded their own clothing brand, VERT, creating attire for all occasions, and not only for the Bosnian and Herzegovinian market.
According to research from the August 2021 report titled “Survey on Youth Emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina,” published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the most pronounced desire to emigrate was observed among males, young people aged 18 to 24, high school graduates, those not actively participating in the labor market, part-time workers, unmarried or divorced persons, those holding dual citizenship, individuals whose family members and friends live abroad, those less satisfied with their immediate environment, those lacking trust in public institutions, and those exhibiting a particular interest in political and civic engagement.
The main motivations behind emigration aspirations, according to a study encompassing 5,001 people aged 18 to 29, can be attributed to the youth’s pursuit of better living conditions and their endeavor to escape subpar living standards, which are linked to adverse economic factors as well as the prevailing political climate.
While their peers are eager to leave BiH or have already departed, two young entrepreneurs from Mostar, Merjem Novalić and Dalila Vila, are defying discouraging statistics. In the same year that the UNFPA research was published, these high school students started their own business, founding the VERT clothing brand.
“Considering my various connections to the arts, I wanted to channel my path towards something creative and beneficial,” said Dalila. She shared that she began brainstorming ideas with her colleague that could cater to the local market. This is how their first clothing designs began to take shape, which have now evolved into a thriving business.
“Several years before founding VERT, I started sewing clothes for myself, which I wore daily and shared on social media. I received positive feedback from my followers and many inquiries about whether I would sell my creations, so I can say that due to the interest of the audience and my own desire, the idea for founding VERT was born,” said Merjem, Dalila’s business partner.
Through the collaborative efforts of Dalila and Merjem, VERT Design was established, offering clothing tailored to every style and personality.
According to Dalila, the inspiration for their collections came from sketching a variety of designs and motifs. Although they initially focused exclusively on clothing, these entrepreneurs have since complemented their collections with handmade jewelry and watches.
The innovation and craftsmanship exhibited by these young women from Mostar have been recognized beyond the borders of BiH. They soon plan to expand their market reach to other countries.
Despite their remarkable success in a short period of time, Dalila and Merjem have not neglected their education. They share a belief in balancing education and business, and soon expect to surprise their clients with new and even higher-quality VERT collections.

source: news-balkandiskurs

created: September 15th, 2023

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Muamer Zukanović


text:
Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Rise of Identity Politics | Balkan Diskurs
Molly Munro
September 18th, 2023
A fundamental part of state unity is a shared sense of national identity, embodied in a flag, anthem, or passport. Despite their many differences, both Canada and Bosnia have witnessed a rise in identity politics and division which have threaten the social cohesion and national identity in both countries.
On the surface, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) may seem like very different countries. Digging deeper, however, into the rise of identity politics and issues of national unity, they are more similar than one would expect. The experiences of two young individuals from the Balkans who have lived in Canada and contributed to the recent trend in identity politics can be used as learned lessons.
Marko Kljajic, born in Sarajevo in 1991, moved to Canada in 1995. Currently a PhD student in politics and international relations in the United States, his primary research interests are the political psychology of polarization, reconciliation in the aftermath of civil conflict, and the impact of collective victimhood beliefs on intergroup dynamics and political mobilization.
Lydia Perović, born and raised in Montenegro, moved to Belgrade in 1992 to pursue a BA in Journalism and Political Science. In 1999, she moved to Canada, where she earned an MA in Political Theory and has since been working in publishing, teaching, and PR, among other fields.
Identity politics, as stated in the 2015 book “Social Statistics and Ethnic Diversity,” can be understood as the use and expression of cultural characteristics or identities in political undertakings and is a key factor in contemporary power struggles, particularly in societies where identity-based conflicts have become violent.
As stated in the book, ethnic, national, and religious identities are the main identities mobilized in such conflicts, while gender identities rarely become explicit conflict lines during or after wars. “The appeal of identity politics lies in the human need for belonging, meaning, and recognition. The instinctive tendency to favor one’s own identity-group, however, can exacerbate conflicts in ethnically divided societies, where grievances often stem from feelings of marginalization, repression, and exclusion from accessing power and resources.”
“The Importance of Canadian Identity”
In Canada, identity politics has taken a strong hold in recent years, sharing some similarities with the context of BiH. The three main reasons for this: the history of national identity, reckoning with the actions of past generations, and the influence of digital media. The history of national identity in Canada is both complicated and simple. In a nation where nearly 95% of the population has ancestral roots outside the country, people have historically left their families, homes, and even traditions behind to build a new homeland. This process has led to the formation of new identities and communities, resulting in a paradoxical view of identity. On one hand, identity is viewed as “natural,” as the true essence of the self. On the other hand, identity is socially constructed and shaped in relation to the ‘other’ (Kukutai and Thompson, 2015).
Kljajic sees “Canadian identity as important, because when people from different ethnicities identify as Canadian, regardless of their background, it mitigates this ingroup-outgroup mentality. For me, sharing the identity of ‘Canadian’ with others, say from Pakistan or wherever, is possible in Canada.”
Pierre Trudeau’s multiculturalism policy in 1971 created a distinct image of Canada, with citizens bound together by their commitment to equality, diversity, tolerance, compassion, and fairness.  This created a sense of values-based uniformity across the country. Today, however, rather than embracing diversity, differences have become a tool of division. “Canadian identity” is rarely articulated publicly, and in 2015, Justin Trudeau, characterized Canada as the world’s first post-national state.
When asked about how he identifies in Canada, Marko explained, “I would say I have kind of a unique perspective in that I attach significance to my Bosnian and Canadian identity as well as to my class identity. Bosnian identity is not constitutionally recognized in Canada, but it signifies something else. It’s an inclusive identity where Croats, Bosniaks, and Serbs are all the same – Bosnian. On a larger scale, Canadian identity is similar, where you can come from anywhere in the world and identify as a Canadian. The Canadian identity ties people of many identities together. In the former Yugoslavia, the Yugoslav identity served a similar function.”
In the former Yugoslavia, the approach to addressing social cohesion was a federal framework granting autonomy to the six republics, the recognition of different languages and religions, and equality among ethnic groups. Ethnic quotas were also used to ensure proportional representation in national bodies.
The identity politics that emerged in the 1980s was a response to economic crisis and the crumbling communist authority. This led to a revival of ethnonationalism, which became the dominant political force following Yugoslavia’s collapse.
“One of the differences we can see here between the identity politics of Canada and Bosnia is that, at one point, choosing one’s identity was a life-or-death decision,” says Kljajic.
Indeed, the burden of dealing with the actions of past generations is another factor contributing the prevalence of identity politics in both countries. In Bosnia, anger, fear, and resentment continue to linger nearly 30 years after the war, making it difficult to move forward towards a unified society.
Narratives of victimhood and trauma
The historical narratives of victimhood and trauma which are well-established in Bosnia are a fairly new and growing trend in Canada. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada revealed that 3,201 children had died in residential schools, with the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at these schools across the country. These revelations have forced Canadians to confront the dark past of their ancestors, resulting in a serious identity crisis in which both the colonized and the colonizers have held tight to their ancestor’s perceived roles in Canada’s history.
“[I]t is difficult to accept that your group did something wrong. Acknowledging that these things happened is a fundamental step. The struggle for recognition needs a baseline of acknowledgement that can lead to deeper conversation of nuances. Ultimately, all people want their suffering to be recognized,” says Kljajic.
The effort to create a more equal society and make up for past atrocities has led to a tendency to view identity-specific discrimination through the lens of victimhood, the oppressor versus the oppressed.
Politicizing victims can create an incentive to vilify oppressors, leading to a dynamic of competitive victimhood. This can lead to negative intergroup outcomes and aggressive policies. However, this worldview is appealing in that it offers a positive social identity centered around specific demands.
Finally, the rise of identity politics in both countries can be attributed to the influence of online media, which fuels polarization. Online platforms empower people to express their opinions about different races, religions, and genders with few repercussions. In Bosnia and Canada alike, these forums reinforce hatred and division.
Perović also highlights how cohesion in Canada may also be impacted by the decline of social life as a whole. Fewer people join hobby groups, book clubs, and church gatherings. COVID-19 exacerbated this trend, pushing more people to seek community and connection online.
Putting so much focus on identity can have harmful consequences. Kljajic notes that it can lead to “an assumption that racism is structurally inherent in society. This means that often people may perceive a negative situation as racist, whether it is or is not, and there becomes this assumption and question of the ways racism impacted this situation, individual or politics.”
However, Kljajic adds that identity politics isn’t all bad. “The main benefits are that it continues to remind us that there are social inequalities that exist, and we need progress continually. When looking at public service data, racial and sexual discrimination are on a decline.”
When asked for advice for fostering greater unity, Perović responded, “Make friends. Keep your friends. Meet people face to face, which is a decreasing choice for a lot of people. I think exposure is the best long-term, probably not short term, but long-term antidote to fears about difference.”
Kljajic asserts that “we need a dialogue in good faith to address the past and move forward. There needs to be a process of truth telling and mutual acknowledgement of ingroup wrongdoing and outgroup suffering. This doesn’t imply relativization of each groups’ acts, but a fundamental recognition that innocent people suffered.”

created: September 18th, 2023

author: Molly Munro


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History Museum of B&H: Defiant Guardian of History | Balkan Diskurs
Amina Sejfić
September 21st, 2023
In times of unpredictability, museums defiantly safeguard history. The History Museum, which is dedicated to the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina from its first mention until today, is no exception.
Due to the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the four leading state museums (History Museum, National Museum, Museum of Literature and Theatrical Arts, and Art Gallery of BiH) are in an unenviable situation. Instead of being institutional pillars of culture, developing, proposing and showcasing positive cultural policies, these museums simply survive.
The History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina was declared a national monument in 2012, but this unique national monument – which enjoyed a golden age during the 1960’s – suffered a great defeat after the last war. The state renounces it, abandoning it to the fate of being “nobody’s museum”. The museum has been left to take care of itself for years. Authorities at every level, from cantonal, to entity, to state, have abandoned this cultural institution, refusing to provide it with regular funding and legal status.
“We are surviving because we have imposed a sense of the museum’s importance on ourselves and we are trying to raise awareness of that importance among the community. That is why we believe that we are here: not because of some unconditional state of being, but precisely because of the community and individuals in the museum,” says Elma Hašimbegović, director of the History Museum.
Searching for alternative solutions, the History Museum has become a symbol of defiance and one of the few cultural institutions that manages to survive without state aid. It is a reflection of the strong will of its employees, who did not succumb to the burden of state indifference even in the most difficult times. The History Museum strives to present to its visitors a different angle on stories of Bosnian pride, defiance and the desire for life.
The History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina was founded after the end of the Second World War, on November 13, 1945, as the Museum of National Liberation. It was originally located in the Sarajevo City Hall and, in 1963, it was moved to a purpose-built building at the Marijin Dvor. Its architectural structure makes it one of the eminent examples of the architecture of the former Yugoslavia. It was then that it experienced its golden age, which lost its luster at the beginning of the last war in BiH.
It was renamed several times, along with which its thematic structure was also changed. From 1967 to 1993, it was called the Museum of the Revolution of BiH, and in 1993 it was given its current name – the History Museum of BiH.
As the principal institution for the study and archiving of the history of BiH, the thematic structure of the museum includes the period following the arrival of Slavs on the Balkan Peninsula, the creation of the first medieval South Slavic states – in particular the medieval Bosnian state –, Bosnia and Herzegovina under Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the periods from 1918 to 1945 and from 1945 to 1990.
The Museum is home to approximately 400,000 artifacts, and its specialist area of research is the period from 1990 until today. The museum is the guardian of several permanent exhibitions, the most popular of which is Besieged Sarajevo, which testifies to the life of Sarajevans from 1992 to 1995. This setting tells the story of the perseverance of Sarajevans who lived under a siege for 1,335 days without electricity, heating, drinking water and, very often, food.
Melisa Forić, senior assistant in the Department of History at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, believes that with the help of the History Museum of BiH, this society can explore its past in a “visual, meaningful and interactive way in accordance with the results of modern historical science and museology”.
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past,” wrote George Orwell in 1984. The novel also raises the question of where the human past is located, whether in physical or mental form, and this sentence in particular has a symbolic meaning for BiH – a country where the process of memorialisation is tailored to national group narratives.
We are always hearing about the importance of history for the survival of each national group, or for the nation as a whole, but this comes accompanied by a contradictory stifling of the real history that is housed within the walls of the History Museum.
On the importance of preserving the history of a country for the future, Elma shares that, for her,  it is devastating when young people say that history does not concern them.
“And that is a devastating thing to hear because they are obviously not aware of how much the war past and the fate of post-war society is a responsibility that new generations have to deal with. But, on the other hand, it is a completely normal reaction for young people whose mental and public space is poisoned by those who impose on them what and how they should think, what history is, and how and what to remember.”
Pedagogical activities are an important part of regular museum work, and they play a significant role in shaping awareness of different narratives. Modern information technology has caused the development of museum pedagogy in BiH to be neglected .
“We know that good education is the foundation of a healthy society, and we are aware that Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have this foundation. This is where we see our chance. Our aspiration today is for the museum to be an educational institution, but for us to teach young people to critically question the past and other issues, that is, to think for themselves. We believe deeply that this is possible if we work continuously, thoughtfully, and in step with new trends,” points out Elma.
Melisa Forić highlights the dedicated work of the History Museum in the field of education. They regularly interact with young people and educational institutions, turning this Museum from “nobody’s” to “everyone’s”. It is a museum that is open to all.
In a conversation with young people, museum director Elma Hašimbegovic noticed that they had become saturated with stories about the war. “Unfortunately, beyond the main discourse and official policies, there is little room for a constructive dialogue about the past, which the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been trying to offer for years. Museums preserve and remember history for much longer than the lifetime of the political systems in which they were built, systems that try to create memory policies and control what and how we remember. Even when the museums themselves are built for those systems, they usually outlive them,” she explains. .
And indeed, for all those who appreciate history presented in a different way, this museum stoically safeguards just that. The History Museum survives thanks to the enthusiasm of a valuable group of people who refuse to allow any authority to relegate it to the position of silent, irrelevant witness.
This article was initially published within the first edition of MIR Magazine. MIR, which means ‘peace’ in Bosnian is an annual publication and platform for young inventive people developed by the Post-Conflict Research Center and Balkan Diskurs. It is dedicated to individuals and organizations that left us a legacy of strongly built foundations to continue our fight for peace and justice.

created: September 21st, 2023

author: Amina Sejfić


text:
Denial of genocide more and more radical, but changes are possible | Balkan Diskurs
Džana Borović
September 25th, 2023
Despite the overwhelming evidence, including numerous firsthand testimonies, forensic findings from mass graves, recovered items, and documented records, genocide denial and hateful rhetoric continues to plague Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the wider region.
At the core of this hateful narrative is the dismissal of the Srebrenica genocide, in which over 8,000 men and boys were targeted and killed in July 1995, solely because of their ethnic background and religious beliefs, within a UN-designated safe zone.
During this year’s commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide, representatives from local and international organizations held discussions with 40 young individuals who were participating in the Srebrenica Youth School, organized by the Post-Conflict Research Center in collaboration with the Srebrenica Memorial Center. While genocide denial remains prevalent, meaningful change can be achieved through greater youth engagement, judicial activity, and support from the international community.
Ahmed Kulanić, Director of the Sarajevo Canton Memorial Fund, set the stage for the discussion by shedding light on one of the root causes of genocide denial: the commemoration of war criminals. Throughout BiH, there are artistic memorials that glorify the heinous acts committed during the war. Kulanić calls this a “memorial culture,” highlighting that Ratko Mladić, also known as “the Butcher of the Balkans,” is among the war criminals who are celebrated.
One of Mladić’s memorials is situated along the main road leading to his birthplace in the municipality of Kalinovik. At this site, Mladić is depicted saluting, in his military uniform, with the words “Mark of a Hero” (“Trag Heroja”) written in Cyrillic script above him. Next to this display is a sign that reads “Welcome,” which is clearly visible to all incoming vehicles as they enter the municipality, as is the image of Mladić.
During the panel discussion, Agnes Picod, Senior Advisor at the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, went on to illustrate how these elements are weaponized by political leaders for their own agendas, often at the expense of dividing the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Central to their political influence are media outlets that are typically state-owned and affiliated with specific political parties. This enables parties to shape the messages they broadcast, with each party striving to concoct and disseminate their own tailored narratives of events, even those that deny genocide.
Picod remarked, “The repetitive nature of the genocide denial is extremely serious, but not enough transitional justice reforms are embraced by institutions.” While acknowledging that transitional justice is a contested topic in the Balkans, Picod said it still needs to be addressed.
She called for a collective effort to learn from the past so that the focus can shift toward rebuilding socio-economic well-being in BiH, rather than contesting historical narratives.
Halisa Skopljak, a legal advisor to the OSCE mission in BiH, drew on her legal expertise to provide a fresh perspective on the issue. Skopljak emphasized the fact that genocide denial, as a form of hate speech, was criminalized in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina back in 2016. However, the lack of earnest investigative and prosecutorial action in genocide denial cases has allowed it to proliferate in everyday life. The media also serves as tool for disseminating these false messages about the genocide, which Skopljak notes is spread mainly by ordinary people online. She observed that “the situation is getting more radical, but new generations can bring forward progress.” Skopljak firmly believes that this transformation can only be realized with the engagement of the judiciary in upholding the law, supported by the international community and domestic institutions.
In this context, another solution was offered by Fermin Cordoba, the European Union’s Senior Political Advisor in BiH, who looks to the country’s education system as the framework for addressing genocide denial. Cordoba  asserts that the current system must be changed because it fails to prioritize the development of critical thinking skills among students. Instead, there is a focus on molding students’ mindsets to align with the preferences of specific political parties. The underdevelopment of critical thinking capacities can facilitate the perpetuation of genocide denial and foster a lack of empathy towards other ethnic groups. Cordoba contends that “Education should aim to promote mutual understanding and social healing, focusing on balancing the cognitive, emotional, and ethical dimensions in history instruction.”
Amidst the echoes of the dark past, the seeds of unity, hope and reconciliation are being planted by Srebrenica’s youth, who envision a brighter future. Cordoba’s vision for the future is being realized by Ismar Porić, the General Manager of Ensemble House – EMMAUS & The House of Good Tones in Srebrenica.
Porić also introduced the participants of the Srebrenica Youth School with the work of the House of Good Tones, which was established with the mission of creating a safe environment for the youth of Srebrenica. Their aim is to ensure that these young people feel accepted and have access to educational, cultural, artistic, and volunteer opportunities within their local community.
Some of the activities that the youth engage in include singing, dancing, cooking, baking, and playing musical instruments, among others. The House of Good Tones welcomes children from all religious and ethnic backgrounds, inviting them to come together to set a positive example of bridging divides within the community.
“Our main goal is to offer an alternative for Srebrenica’s youth to all of the bad things that are happening here for,” Porić stated.
By engaging young people to make a difference in their local community, the House of Good Tones stands as a beacon of hope in a place burdened by a dark past.

created: September 25th, 2023

author: Džana Borović


text:
PTSD: A Normal Reaction to Abnormal Circumstances | Balkan Diskurs
Jasmina Horić
September 28th, 2023
Life can become entangled with distressing events, the consequences of which can be so overwhelming that they surpass a person’s capacity to cope with them. This is the fundamental basis for the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Dr. Naser Balić, a licensed attorney, psychologist, and psychotherapist, is actively engaged in the treatment of PTSD and providing expert assistance to survivors of war.
Naser Balić was born in Kozarac near Prijedor. In the early 1990s, he moved to Germany where he continued his education, earning a master’s and doctoral degree at the University of Cologne. He later went on to establish a counseling practice in Wuppertal, where he primarily worked with clients online. Balić considers the term ‘Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder’ inadequate and prefers to use the term ‘Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome,’ emphasizing that the label ‘disorder’ diminishes the experiences of trauma survivors, particularly those who have endured severe wartime traumas.
“We talk about Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome when the psychological consequences of trauma do not naturally heal on their own within a certain time period. At the core of PTSD is the traumatic experience, that is, trauma as a normal human reaction to abnormal situations,” said Balić.
Balić identifies flashbacks as the most common symptom of classic PTSD. These episodes are characterized by the vivid remembrance and reliving of traumatic events. Because these recollections are extremely unpleasant, people often try to avoid anything that may trigger memories of their past trauma.
“A traumatized person isn’t able to relax, calm down, pursue their goals, or experience joy,” Balić emphasizes.
In addition to the classic form of PTSD, there is a more severe variant known as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which, as Balić explains, is diagnosed in cases of particularly severe traumatization. These cases result from experiencing extreme threats to one’s life and well-being, where escape from the situation is very difficult or impossible. Such circumstances can include genocide, torture, prolonged physical or sexual abuse, and similar experiences.
“This more severe form of PTSD results in difficulties in regulating and controlling emotions and reactions, persistent negative beliefs about oneself and others, a lasting sense of worthlessness, guilt, or complicity, as well as a permanent inability to establish connections and closeness with other people,” Balić adds.
Despite the fact that most people have heard of PTSD, public discussions and awareness of the condition in Bosnia and the region are relatively recent. This has resulted in a situation where many people are not aware of its symptoms and thus may not even realize that they are suffering from PTSD.
“All those suffering from PTSD experience its symptoms. However, there is often a lack of awareness that it is PTSD. A large number of victims of severe trauma, especially war-related trauma, have sought help and turned to doctors, but there are also many who have not, and who bear the heavy burden of their past on their own. It’s necessary to explain to trauma victims that they are not ‘crazy,’ that what’s happening to them is a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances,” said Balić.
The effects of PTSD aren’t limited to those afflicted, but rather they extend to their entire families and broader social environment. For the children of a parent suffering from PTSD, the impacts can be particularly acute. Balić explains that the traumatization of children under these circumstances can occur in two ways: “On one hand, children can be traumatized through the ‘transfer’ of their parent’s emotions. Parental fear and panic can be passed on to children, especially in early childhood, even if the children don’t fully understand what’s happening. On the other hand, the inability of parents to control their emotions and behavior, particularly anger and rage, along with their emotional unavailability as a result of being ‘trapped’ in trauma, can be one of the causes of children’s traumatization.”
A substantial number of people suffering from PTSD is one of the consequences of the international armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balić identifies intensity as a fundamental difference between PTSD caused by other factors and that caused by armed conflict. He describes the latter as a more severe form of PTSD, reflecting a disturbance at the core of the affected individuals’ psyche. One of the most common forms of assistance for individuals suffering from severe PTSD is medication. However, Balić points out that this approach alleviates PTSD symptoms but does not lead to a cure.
“Healing from PTSD symptoms through medication alone isn’t possible. Often, psychotherapy is needed in addition to medication. Modern trauma treatment methods, with EMDR [Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing] standing out, have the capability to heal those affected. Statistical research shows that trauma treatment using the EMDR method is successful in 80% of cases. This means that these people are permanently relieved of the emotional burden and consequences of traumatizing events,” Balić explains.
He notes that victims of severe and traumatic wartime experiences expend a significant amount of energy in suppressing unpleasant memories from the past. These recollections can be extremely painful, to the point of endangering the individual’s physical health and even their life.
“If a traumatized person doesn’t want to talk about their past experiences, they have a reason for it. Their decision should be respected,” said Balić.
One of Balić’s goals is to motivate those who may have become resigned and believe that insomnia, depression, panic attacks, and fear are simply their fate. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and not giving up until the right treatment and therapy are found. He also stresses that it’s never too late to start living a happy life.

created: September 28th, 2023

author: Jasmina Horić


text:
PRONI: Young People are Invaluable | Balkan Diskurs
Benisa Bibuljica
October 1st, 2023
“Just imagine, dare and ask – the PRONI team has the answer,” says Miroslava Milivojević, a student at the PRONI Academy of Youth Work in Banja Luka.
The Center has been operating on a national and international level since 1998, when it was launched in Brčko. Its main goals are the education of young people and the promotion of peace and activism among citizens.
“The strategic goals of the PRONI Center for Youth Development have changed over time, as have the needs of young people and the socio-political context in which we operate. However, some of the strategic goals have remained the same, namely the contribution to building a democratic society in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the social education of young people, peacebuilding, intersectoral cooperation, support for youth activities, and promoting European integration,” says Adnan Pečković, external collaborator of the PRONI Center for Youth Development in Brčko.
Twenty-three years of working with young people have led to the publication of their Handbook for Youth Work. They say, however, that working with young people is still a relatively new profession in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that it is still not recognized as a profession. Youth work unquestionably deserves a better status in our country because of the huge contribution it makes to improving young people’s lives.
PRONI is the founder of the largest network of youth clubs in BiH, with 42 clubs in total. In addition, thanks to the STaR BiH (Societal Transformation and Reconciliation) and YouVolution projects through the BHRI initiative, several more youth clubs have emerged. It is a space intended for young people, which they can use both for their personal and professional development, as well as just for socializing.
More than 40,000 young people are, directly and indirectly, part of the activities that the organization implements across the country. More than a hundred projects aimed at improving their personal and social development through non-formal education have positioned PRONI Center as an important part of the non-governmental sector. All of this is part of their mission to encourage as many young people as possible to be active members of the community, understand the world around them, and influence problem solving.
PRONI Center has over 20 full-time employees based in different cities who continuously strive to maintain continuity and connect young people from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They do this through activities that promote cohesion regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender and other territorial and non-territorial identities. Young people cite PRONI as an exemplar in the non-governmental sector, and some consider this NGO to be the best in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The way that the work of the organization is established is something that every institution should follow as a model of how to work with youth, as well as what the principles of work should be. It is a highly collegial environment, each of the employees and volunteers is always ready to help and contribute to the implementation of activities to the very best standard. All members of PRONI are equal, there are no differences, because they all have the same goal – to enable young people to have a better perspective,” says Milan Sofrenić, a student of the PRONI Academy of Youth Work and a volunteer at the youth club in Bijeljina.
Alma Mustafić, a student of PRONI Academy of Youth Work in Sarajevo, ranks PRONI among the best NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina because, she says, the competence and expertise of staff allows them to transfer knowledge in the best possible way, and innovation and dynamism further improve the quality of work.
In addition to creating a safe space for young people, ensuring equal opportunities for the development of their capacities regardless of who they are and where they come from, and building peace, tolerance and coexistence through cohesive policies, PRONI also works on the economic empowerment of young people. They offer European connections through the European Youth Card program, while also promoting youth mobility as an Erasmus+ Youth Contact Point. As the only licensed representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, PRONI opens up new opportunities for young people with this program.
“Since joining PRONI until today, I have seen so many positive changes in myself and I have so many more opportunities. Those are things that everyone needs. In addition to expanding knowledge, the best possible thing for every young person is to socialize and meet other young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond. By participating in activities, I made friends for the rest of my life and with whom I am still in contact even though we are miles apart. For me, every city in the country is associated with one or more people I have met and made friends with. The greatest thing in life is when you know that you are welcome wherever you go,” says Milan Sofrenić.
They refuse to allow young people to be left behind, not even during the global COVID-19 pandemic. They have adapted their work to the new conditions and redirected their education to the online world, thus preventing youth potential and development from suffering the consequences of the new situation.
Participants in their online education tell us that they were skeptical to start with and had a whole host of different fears of online activities, for example that they would only be silent observers. However, now, they emphasize that their experiences were richer and better than they expected.
“It was all just silly fears. I got a lot more out of it than I expected and I really pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone. But none of that would have been possible had it not been for the great PRONI team that made that online world and online workshops look so much less scary and less embarrassing. It’s an experience that has changed me but also directed the path of my life towards new things and challenges. I came out of my comfort zone thanks to the PAOR program. I dared to stand out from the crowd, to be that individual who changes things,” says Elma Mulić.
In addition to the wide range of programs offered, PRONI opens its doors to all young people and their ideas. This enables them to gain experience working both by themselves and with others in the implementation of activities that are in their own spheres of interest. This approach promotes them as young leaders and advocates for change in the community.
Those who have already taken advantage of this opportunity are the first to recommend that other young people join in with the PRONI Center’s activities in order to be able to do better things for themselves and for the people around them.
“The PRONI story is a story of inclusion. I am talking about the needs of all of us, especially the young. The need for our voice to be heard, for our ideas to be realized, and for them to be seen as examples of practical, positive drivers for our community. The need for coexistence, for living productively with those who are different. It is not just an abstract idea, but an imperative and an inspiration for a brighter future for young people in our country. Do you think it is impossible to meet all these needs? Just imagine, dare and ask – the PRONI team has the answer!” encourages Miroslava Milivojević.
The PRONI Center for Youth Development has years and years of recognizing the needs of young people behind it. Non-stop activities tailored to the development of youth potential show that this organization really sees young people as invaluable.
This article was initially published within the first edition of MIR Magazine. MIR, which means ‘peace’ in Bosnian is an annual publication and platform for young inventive people developed by the Post-Conflict Research Center and Balkan Diskurs. It is dedicated to individuals and organizations that left us a legacy of strongly built foundations to continue our fight for peace and justice.

created: October 1st, 2023

author: Benisa Bibuljica


text:
Heroes Among Us | Balkan Diskurs
Velma Saric
October 6th, 2023
Heroes are all around us, often unnoticed, unrecognized and unappreciated. At a time when internet portals, newspaper columns and social networks are bombarded with daily political chaos, heroes are changing the harsh reality with small but determined steps.
Activists, peacekeepers, students, taxi drivers, and farmers show by their example that the future, with a little effort, can be brighter, and that dealing with the past is the moral obligation of each of us.
The heroes among us break down ethnic and national barriers, fight for education without segregation, combat nationalism and chauvinism, and dream of a country without hate speech that is equally good for everyone.
Among them is Ajna Jusić, president of the Forgotten Children of War association, who describes herself as a woman, daughter, friend, activist, feminist, fighter and optimist. She knows how strong one’s heart and soul must be in order to be able to resist hatred towards those who have done one injustice.
Ajna was born in 1993 as the first baby in the Medica Zenica association. Her place of birth was determined by the fate of her mother, who survived rape during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). She found out the truth about her birth by accident, as a high school student. She overcame the trauma this knowledge caused thanks to the selfless love of her mother and stepfather with whom she grew up. All this has turned her into a brave person who is ready to speak publicly about the most sensitive topics. She continues the fight for her own rights and the rights of children “born because of the war” through the Medica Association. Its mission is for the system to finally recognize and accept children born because of war.
“The very fact that I was born as a result of the worst crime – rape – made me quite eager to defend the concept of the family for the rest of my life. My mother and stepfather gave every ounce of their strength just to protect me from a society that is still not aware of how and in what way it discriminates and interferes with the normal course of life,” says Ajna.
It is estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 women and girls were raped during the war in BiH. After more than 20 years, no one is asking what happened to children born because of these crimes or out of relations with foreign officials who returned to their homes after the war without accepting these children as theirs. Ajna and friends, united together in the Forgotten Children of War association, are trying to remedy the issues revolving around the forgotten children of the war.
Ajna Jusić is an example of courage and of resistance to a system that to this day does not recognize children of war as a special category in Bosnian society. These children have so far experienced all possible violations of children’s rights. She believes that young people need to understand how important it is that human differences, starting with religion, culture and history, should not be perceived as a force that separates, but a source of richness, from which to learn about community.
“For me, the greatest success is the fact that society has started to get acquainted with this topic. That simply, when we say ‘children born because of the war’ they know what we are talking about. When people offer support, it is the most important thing. We are taking small steps but, I believe, towards great success,” concludes Ajna.
A group of teenagers in Jajce achieved a great success when they opposed the decision made by the Central Bosnia Canton Assembly in July 2016 to establish a new school in the city under the “two schools under one roof” principle.
These young people realized that it was a matter of segregation and started protesting against this decision. The authorities did not take them seriously, but their persistence and courage, together with public pressure, resulted in the reversal of that decision.
These young people once again pointed to the dysfunctionality of the education system in BiH, which is a direct reflection of the post-war division in the country. Schools in the Republika Srpska are predominantly monoethnic, while in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the phenomenon of “two schools under one roof” is present in as many as 56 schools. They were created as a temporary solution to encourage the return of displaced citizens to their homes and as a systemic protection of their rights at the cultural and linguistic level. However, schools work using that system throughout the Federation even today.
Instead of separating school systems into two monoethnic curricula, students from Jajce sought to continue to be able to attend all subjects together with the exception of so-called ‘national subjects’ such as language, religion, geography and history. And they succeeded in that.
They knew that a compromise to accept some separate curricula is not an ideal solution, but it is better than complete segregation. Ignored by politicians and the local community, young activists from Jajce took matters into their own hands, spoke out, and made a difference. Now, aware of their strength and the power of their voice, they serve as a reminder of the power of youth to direct BiH towards the path of reconciliation.
The peacemaker and humanist Goran Bubalo supported the young heroes from Jajce, as well as many others. He worked selflessly at the reconciliation processes to his last breath. Bubalo, director of the Network For Peace Building, passed away on June 9, 2020, at the age of 49, in Sarajevo, after a short and severe illness. National borders never limited his efforts to achieve peace. In fact, quite the contrary, he was a true cosmopolitan in his acceptance of all people, never standing for any kind of discrimination.
“Unfortunately, politicians are the ones who mostly emphasize differences among people via the repeated use of hate speech to separate us, pointing to the most common fictional differences, and targeting other religious groups and nations, as well as migrants and refugees. They spread claims of our nation’s supremacy over theirs, sowing poison against everyone they believe is different,” said Bubalo in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Bubalo saw and treated people as entirely equal. He never looked through the prism of nationality or ethnicity in his work, actions or private life. Everything he did was aimed at helping people of all faiths, nations, races, and generations.
Štefica Galić, editor of the Tacno.net portal, a journalist, activist and, above all, human rights activist, from Ljubuški, has never cared about one’s nation, religion or age. During the war in BiH, she and her husband Neđo saved Bosniak civilians from the Croatian army by falsifying their documents so that they would not be taken to the Heliodrom, Dretelj or Gabela camps.
Twenty years later, she addresses topics such as freedom of speech and hate speech recognition, but her engaged activism, which began during the war, has often not been welcomed by those around her. She faces numerous threats almost daily, either because of her activism or because of her editorial policy.
“I lost everything of material value and I had to leave the city where I lived. A lot of my friends, and even parts of my family, gave up on me. For them, I was and still am a traitor to ‘my people’, a communist whore… For others, I am a heroine, a brave woman. I’m a normal person doing what I believe to be right,” says Štefica, who had to move from Ljubuški to Mostar.
In 2018, she received the Johann Philipp Palm Award for Freedom of Speech in Germany, which is an acknowledgement of her many years of activism. In a society full of stereotypes, it is difficult to fight lies, corruption, and alienation, but Galić continues on.
“I believe in what I do, I believe we can do better because we are not how they present us to the world and to themselves. I do not want to believe in what the worst of society imposes on us, I believe what I see and in my own judgment, in the good as such, in good people and in good energy,” she says.
There have always been good people, even in the most difficult times. Sarajevo taxi driver Hasan Jusović is rightly nicknamed Duša (‘Sweetheart’). At the beginning of the war, he saved Aco Nenadić, a soldier from the Yugoslav People’s Army (YPA).
On May 3, 1992, in what was then Dobrovoljačka Street in Sarajevo, members of the Territorial Defense forces intercepted a YPA column leaving Sarajevo based on a withdrawal agreement. The column started from the barracks on Bistrik, and the plan was for the YPA soldiers to go to Lukavica, today East Sarajevo. The column with YPA vehicles and soldiers was cut off and stopped and 215 soldiers were captured. Among them was nineteen-year-old soldier Aco Nenadić.
As he lay on the asphalt, head down, someone prodded him with their foot. Aco turned and saw a familiar face. It was Hasan Jusović. When Hasan saw Aco captured with the other soldiers in the column, he realized that he had to save him.
“He won’t survive, I thought to myself. The war has already started in the country, in Sarajevo, people are dying. I just thought about how to save him, so he could go alive to his parents,” says Hasan.
While the detainees were being taken to the Sarajevo FIS department store, Hasan remained nearby.
“When they were placed there, I asked the commander to let Aco go with me. The commander then asked Aco if he would stay or go with me, and he decided to go with me,” says Hasan, who then took Aco to his house in Sedrenik.
Aco lived in that house for a month, after which Hasan and one of his neighbors managed to take him to Špicasta stijena, a place known as one of the most dangerous sniper strongholds during the three-year siege of Sarajevo. Aco managed to cross over to the side controlled by the Bosnian Serb Army.
Duša and Aco met again in 2008. They are still in contact today.
Daut Tihić, a former soldier of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Dane Vasić, a former soldier of the Army of the Republika Srpska, are also in contact. The two met on the front line in Skelani near Srebrenica in the fall of 1992. Daut shot Dane and for 14 years believed he had killed him, until they met in completely different circumstances.
For the first time since the course of the war, the two met in a tavern. Daut immediately recognized the man he thought he had killed. The meeting in the tavern changed them from war enemies to best friends.
In 1994, Daut went to live in Sweden, from where he returned after a few years, first to Breza near Sarajevo, and then to his native Skelane on the Drina. He opened a cow farm, sells milk, and is engaged in agriculture.
From the meeting in the tavern, they began to see each other more often, exchanging war memories but also today’s experiences – one with agriculture, the other with growing herbs. The idea of the two of them cooperating was easily reached.
Dane lives on the other bank of the Drina in Bajina Bašta in Serbia. He sells herbs, forest fruits and berries, and has his own refrigerator and a chain of souvenir shops. The system has prevented them from setting up a joint farm, but the two of them are not giving up on the plan. Dane says that he and Daut are determined to cooperate and he is sure that they will succeed in that.
They did not want the war, like so many other ordinary heroes who fight for cooperation, coexistence, tolerance, and a better life for all.
This article was initially published within the first edition of MIR Magazine. MIR, which means ‘peace’ in Bosnian is an annual publication and platform for young inventive people developed by the Post-Conflict Research Center and Balkan Diskurs. It is dedicated to individuals and organizations that left us a legacy of strongly built foundations to continue our fight for peace and justice.

created: October 6th, 2023

author: Velma Saric


text:
Peace Monument in Bosanski Petrovac | Balkan Diskurs
Kristina Gadže
October 8th, 2023
Peace monuments in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are increasingly more present as of the ways of establishing peace in a post-conflict society.
One of three such monuments in BiH is the Peace Monument in Bosanski Petrovac. This town of just over 7,000 inhabitants – half of whom are Serbs and the other half Bosniaks – has been hard at work in the local fight against ethnic hatred and a divided society.
The Mayor of Bosanski Petrovac, Mahmut Jukić, emphasizes the importance of erecting this monument: “In our community, we must build peace, coexistence and respect, and do good deeds, as much as we can. The greatest gifts we can give our children are the pillars of responsibility and the wings of independence, and if we want true peace, let’s start with the children.”
The Peace Monument was also visited by representatives of the international community, whose visit on the occasion of International Peace Day was organized by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together with the representatives of the Municipality of Bosanski Petrovac, the visits were attended by representatives of the Office of the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in BiH as well as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to BiH, Kathleen Kavalec. The erection of the monument was also praised by the UN Under-Secretary-General, Alice Nderitu, in her video address in Srebrenica on July 11, noting further UN support and efforts in the community.
As Ivan Lupis, UN Political Affairs Officer, points out, the visit served not only to highlight Bosanski Petrovac’s successes in promoting mutual trust, constructive dialogue and cross-nationality cooperation, but also to inspire other communities to follow suit. “We hope to continue highlighting and promoting such positive narratives. They are powerful counterexamples to the rhetoric and agendas of division of some public and elected officials and media organizations. We hope to help these champions of peace connect with other partners across the country so that more joined-up peacebuilding and cooperation efforts can be replicated across the country,” says Lupis.
Over the last two years, the OSCE Mission to BiH has been implementing the ‘September: Month of Peace and Tolerance’ initiative, within which they have organized numerous activities for young people on the topic of reconciliation. Of the activities that took place during September of this year, preschool children in Bosanski Petrovac created and sent messages of peace, and primary and secondary school students studied materials celebrating the cross-nationality of this town in their religious and historical curricula. In addition, they held quizzes on local history and knowledge of each other’s religions, and visited churches and mosques.
Tarik Družić, 20, from Bosanski Petrovac believes, however, that the newly erected monument has no significance or in any way affects the everyday life of young people in his local community. “The social environment currently offers more risks and uncertainties than chances for a better present and future. It is not monuments that speak about building peace and dealing with the past, but individuals and their life stories,” he insists, adding that the culture of memory cannot be created only by one side, but with the interaction of government and of people of different nationalities.
He highlights informal education as a space that provides young people with the opportunity to interact and collaborate with each other. “I hope that there will be a change and that young people will get a chance to express themselves as they deserve, by taking that step that leads us to peace and progress. The voice of young people does not lead to conflicts, because young people do not want conflicts. We want quality time with our peers and to be able to choose sneakers and mobile phones regardless of price and politics,” believes Tarik.
On the other hand, his fellow citizen and youngest president of the Municipal Council in Bosanski Petrovac, Nemanja Davidović, states that peace as an atmosphere is created with both monuments and people. “The Peace Monument in Bosanski Petrovac is a personal reminder to me to resolve things in a peaceful way, to seek both internal peace and dialogue and peace among people. Bosanski Petrovac is a great example of coexistence and this monument certainly presents it to the world in a great way. I think that young people see the importance of peace and the importance of peace talks, monuments and all joint initiatives,” says Nemanja. He adds that Bosanski Petrovac is an environment where there is no division and where young people participate together both in progress and in discussions about the past.
Adnan Družić, Youth and NGO Officer in Petrovac Municipality, says that for him, the Peace Monument is a beautiful and symbolic act to show that Bosanski Petrovac stands for peace and that, as a community, they want to work to strengthen the reconciliation process. “For me, this monument represents hope. Hope that in the future our municipality will develop even more and be more successful. Hope that nobody will ever again leave this city due to a war. The monument is also a message to children and young people, to  the new generations of Bosanski Petrovac, to know what kind of community they live in, and to constantly work on preserving and building the coexistence for which this city is known. I think young people don’t even see how big a move this is in our community,” says Adnan.
He hopes that in the future, through activities with young people from other communities in BiH, young people from Bosanski Petrovac will feel how big a step their small town has made. He hopes that they will see that they can become leaders of positive narratives and reconciliation processes throughout BiH. “For a long time now, children and young people in our country have been living together. This is not made up, it’s real. We go to kindergarten, elementary school, and later to high school together. Young people are often the bearers of initiatives aimed at strengthening the process of reconciliation and dealing with the past. I am convinced that the Peace Monument not only recognizes, but also crowns, all previous activities and projects on this topic,” concludes Adnan.
Although of different opinions, young people support one thing, and that is peacebuilding work in their local communities. Peace monuments represent a continuation of this process and they replace those monuments that instead seek to promote hatred towards other peoples or that glorify war criminals.
This article was initially published within the first edition of MIR Magazine. MIR, which means ‘peace’ in Bosnian is an annual publication and platform for young inventive people developed by the Post-Conflict Research Center and Balkan Diskurs. It is dedicated to individuals and organizations that left us a legacy of strongly built foundations to continue our fight for peace and justice.

created: October 8th, 2023

author: Kristina Gadže


text:
The Invincible Royal City of Bobovac | Balkan Diskurs
Sajra Talargić
October 13th, 2023
The Royal Town of Bobovac is located where the municipalities of Kakanj and Vareš meet. It was first mentioned during the reign of Ban Stjepan II Kotromanić in 1349/1350 and is considered one of the oldest cities in Bosnia.
This famous site has been recording an increase in the number of visits year on year. According to Visit Vareš travel agency, Bobovac is visited by just over 13,000 tourists a year. Expert on tourism in Vareš, Almir Čikmiš, says that this destination is the most beautiful in autumn, during September and October.
“This is one of the most popular locations for one-day visits and excursions. From experience, I can say that many of the tourists visit the Royal City of Bobovac more than just once. The breathtaking configuration on which the city was built, the mausoleum of Kotromanić with the tombs of Bosnian kings and queens, and a well on the location of the royal court all add to the popularity of the place,” adds Almir.
Visitors, he explains, are most interested in the beautiful nature that surrounds the former Royal City. He also emphasizes that Bobovac is the most important historical site and cultural-historical monument in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Due to the importance of Bobovac, I would recommend a mandatory visit for primary schools, be it a history class in nature or a school trip,” he adds.
Talking about Bobovac is a responsibility and it demands several points of view, says Emina Musić, a history teacher at the Mješovita middle school in Busovača. As a historian, she first mentions the position and natural fortification of the city and recalls how it stood out not only in the Balkans but also in Europe for its defense capabilities.
“It is often mentioned in the sources as ‘tough’ because it was practically invincible, which many Bosnian enemies confirmed with attempts to conquer. Another characteristic of Bobovac that sets it apart is its status and significance. As the seat of Bosnian kings and capitals, it was where archives and treasuries were located, and the Bosnian crown was kept,” she explains.
In the late 12th century, attacks on Bosnia became more frequent, influencing the rulers’ decision to seek protection in the surrounding hills. Ban Stjepan Kotromanić is credited with making Bobovac the military and administrative seat of the Bosnian kings. Professor Emina Musić says that the most beautiful stories from her childhood are connected to Bobovac. She was born in Visoko, but her origins go back to Kraljeva Sutjeska.
“Like any girl, I loved stories about the castle and its kings and queens. Later, I became disappointed because the image of Bobovac in my mind’s eye was not the same as reality. However, the more I researched, that old dilapidated city hidden in the greenery of the Bosnian hills was getting bigger and more impressive in my mind. For me, the whole locality is a holy land that testifies to Bosnian statehood, stability and sustainability. Our glorious history, which can be envied by the great nations of the world, is shrouded in oblivion, but if we take a look we will realize that we Bosnians have our own Rome, and it is called Bobovac.” She recommends that everyone visit this city and says, “It generates a special energy, especially in autumn.”
Her childhood was marked by legends, and one of them is about a hidden treasure that is located somewhere around the city or along the city walls. Historical arguments prove that the hidden treasure is in fact keys to the city handed over to Sultan Mehmed II Fatih by Prince Radak, and many have hoped to find them.
“Namely, the legend says that the Ottomans had tried to conquer the city for seven years. What they would demolish during the day, the defenders would rebuild at night. The Sultan pondered and sought a solution. He decided to tell Prince Radak that he would reward him richly if he handed over the city to him. It was tempting for Radak, so he betrayed his king and handed him over to Sultan Mehmed. Having captured the city, the sultan divided the people into three groups: the first group was left in the city; he gave the second to his pashas; and he sent the third to Constantinople. When Radak came and asked for a reward, the sultan was ruthless. He ordered a soldier to take the traitor out of the city onto a large rock where he beheaded him. That rock, which remains to this day, is called Radak’s rock – Radakovac – so that, as the locals say, it would stand as a warning as to the fate of traitors,” says Emina.
Those who decide to visit Bobovac and get to know the history, but also hear the legends, can find accommodation in several rural households.
The mayor of Vareš, Zdravko Marošević, explains that there some obstacles yet to overcome, such as the improvement of the road and parking facilities.
“The problem with the expansion of this road is that there is an inhabited village where houses were built next to it and, if they expanded it, they would have to demolish a good part of that settlement, which is impossible. The municipality of Vareš itself cannot do anything about it. The responsibility for the roads is on the canton and the state, which have not done anything so far,” says Marošević.
Although Bobovac belongs to Vareš, it was connected with Kraljeva Sutjeska, and many important events took place there. Precisely because of this connection, along with Bobovac, you should also visit Kraljeva Sutjeska. Marošević says that Bobovac is actually “an unfinished story, all the facts of which will take many years to reveal”.
While waiting for someone to finish its story and bring as many tourists as possible, Bobovac defies time and, despite all the difficulties, is always busy welcoming those who come to learn about its long, glorious and difficult history.

created: October 13th, 2023

author: Sajra Talargić


text:
Women with Disabilities Forum: From a Whisper to a Shout | Balkan Diskurs
Iman Duvnjaković
October 15th, 2023
The Tuzla Canton Women with Disabilities Forum was established within the framework of the “Here I am – Visible and Proud” project.  Working with women with disabilities, it aims to bolster their self-confidence, familiarize them with the experiences of victims of violence, and advocate for their reproductive health, right to education, and similar issues. Some of these initiatives are carried out through performances, such as “Silences,” which was based on the personal stories of women with disabilities.
According to the 2013 Census, 176,499 women with disabilities live in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite this considerable number, the participation of these women in public life, as well as in organizations for persons with disabilities, remains remarkably low.
Adisa Kišić, the project coordinator of “Here I am – Visible and Proud,” says that women with disabilities are discriminated against in a variety of ways. Their potential is often overlooked, including as mothers and wives, and they are not generally acknowledged as sexual beings.
“Women with disabilities are not sufficiently encouraged to look after their reproductive health or undergo regular examinations. There is no adequate, adapted medical equipment for examining women with disabilities, and they’re discouraged from taking care of their health,” said Kišić.
Kišić asserts that disability increases the risk of experiencing violence, be it physical, economic, or psychological. She notes that in many cases, people with disabilities aren’t even aware that they are victims of violence.
Kišić emphasizes that women with disabilities are also denied access to education, even by their own families, due to the fear of losing disability benefits. This results in a significant number of people with disabilities remaining uneducated, further hindering their ability to find employment and achieve independence from their families.
Through the Women with Disabilities Forum, Kišić explained that they have witnessed very low levels of self-confidence among new members. For this reason, one of the goals of the Women with Disabilities Forum and “Here I am – Visible and Proud” project is to nurture the self-confidence of its members and help them recognize violence in their lives. This is achieved through various workshops and educational activities, including sessions on the rights of people with disabilities.
“The forum teaches them to stand up for themselves,” explained Kišić, adding that women and girls who have participated in these educational programs are more self-confident, have a better understanding of their rights and needs, and are simply “happier.”
Recently, a play titled “Silences” was produced by the forum to raise awareness about the everyday challenges faced by women with disabilities. The script was written and performed by forum members, drawing inspiration from their own personal stories. The second part of the play was interactive, giving volunteers from the audience the opportunity to step into the shoes of the main characters in the scene and portray how they would react in a similar situation. The idea of this element was to illustrate that discrimination against women with disabilities does not have to be the norm.
This play, along with the forum’s other initiatives, was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
Although Kišić believes that the situation has improved compared to previously and acknowledges the support provided by the Tuzla cantonal government and other FBiH authorities, she says much more is needed to support the work of organizations like this one. The existing financial investment is insufficient to ensure a dignified life for people with disabilities.
Despite being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Bosnia and Herzegovina has made little progress toward improving urban infrastructure and institutions to make them more accessible to people with disabilities. Many places remain inaccessible, schools lack the necessary assistive devices and personal assistants, and many healthcare devices are not adapted to their needs.
The advances made toward enabling a dignified life for people with disabilities have been made largely thanks to the advocacy of activist groups and associations.
Kišić underscores the need to be partners and collaborators in this mission to ensure that the human rights of people with disabilities are respected, recognizing that everyone needs support in some aspect of their lives. Employers must comply with legal regulations and be open to hiring people with disabilities.

created: October 15th, 2023

author: Iman Duvnjaković


text:
Three Decades of Waiting for Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence | Balkan Diskurs
Nedžada Avdić
October 20th, 2023
It has been more than thirty years since war erupted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, yet the quest for justice remains a central concern for most survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. This is primarily fueled by the absence of a transitional justice strategy and the impunity of war criminals.
Despite the drafting of a transitional justice strategy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it has never been adopted, rendering path towards justice fraught with obstacles.
For two decades, the organization Žena Žrtva Rata has been supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, filling the void left by the state’s failure to fulfil its responsibilities. The organization’s goal is to provide assistance to survivors, to shatter the silence surrounding these atrocities, and to advocate for greater justice.
At the heart of their efforts lies a database and an archival system, accessible to judicial bodies, research institutions, scientific endeavors, and professional projects. In this way, Žena Žrtva Rata ensures that the truth and the stories of survivors are preserved. Žena Žrtva Rata diligently records and preserves these accounts, contributing to a broader understanding of the multifaceted impacts of conflict. Moreover, the organization extends its commitment to future generations by documenting and safeguarding data on children born as a result of wartime rape.
According to administrative and judicial proceedings, as well as informal NGO records, the number of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence ranges from 20,000 to 50,000. However, it is important to acknowledge the high number of unreported cases, and the fact that people of all genders were victims of sexual violence during the conflict.
Many survivors have not yet had the opportunity to testify in court, even though the whereabouts of a number of perpetrators are known. Amela Međuseljac, an active member of Žena Žrtva Rata, says that a significant number of these criminals are today living in neighboring countries, often holding citizenship status in those respective states. This makes the extradition process even more difficult. In light of this, she suggests that the most pragmatic step the judicial system could take would be to issue judgments in absentia, thereby ensuring that at least a substantial number of verdicts are delivered.
Another challenge for survivors is the inadequacy of support from the country’s judicial institutions. To address this critical gap, Žena Žrtva Rata collaborates with partner organizations to implement projects that provide assistance to potential witnesses before, during, and after their court appearances. Through this project, the organization strives to meet the diverse needs of survivors and fill the void left by the absence of government institutions undertaking this task.
While therapy sessions are an essential part of the initiative, many survivors are not yet ready to talk openly about their traumatic experiences. Amela poignantly notes, “There are women who never managed to escape the clutches of the war. They’re still living with it today.”
Furthermore, Amela underscores the importance of parallel procedures for reparation, a major stride forward in the quest for justice. This approach ensures that once a verdict is validated, financially capable perpetrators bear the responsibility of compensating their victims.
At the same time, it is crucial to also provide support to victims whose perpetrators lack the financial means to fulfill reparations.
“It’s a failure on the part of both the state and its constituent entities that there exists no fund or mechanism to provide reparations to these survivors. Requesting reparations is problematic in any case. The outcome of these claims is unreliable, and in the rare cases where they are awarded, it is difficult to obtain it,” says Amela. She adds that victims who try to file these claims in civil proceedings often lose the case and have to pay extremely high court costs.
Adding another layer of complexity to this predicament, victims are granted protected witness status in the courtroom. However, this protective shield is lifted once the reparation procedure is set in motion, leaving victims in a precarious position.
Looking ahead, a new law, set to take effect in January 2024, will introduce several new benefits for civilian victims of war in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes the right to priority medical care and medical spa rehabilitation. Moreover, the law recognizes children born of wartime rape as a special category, granting them equal rights in society.
When it comes to the sentencing of perpetrators, a shift has emerged over the years. In the past, survivors were often dissatisfied with the severity the of punishments imposed. As time has passed, however, there has been a transformation in perspectives. Nevertheless, as Amala points out, “today, when we monitor the sentencing decisions, we’re satisfied if the court so much as delivers a guilty verdict. Only a few people pay attention to the severity of the punishment.”
For Žene Žrtve Rata, justice is the most important thing, Amela explains, adding that without it, society cannot heal, and trust cannot be rebuilt. She emphasizes that “until all the cases are completed, society must recognize victims as victims and criminals as criminals, regardless of their religion or nationality.” However, according to her, the current political system is not conducive to this understanding, without even adequate measures in place to sanction those who deny the reality of these events.
She firmly believes that the public and the media should speak out more about the crimes committed during the war, with the objective of ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated again anywhere in the world. Survivors are aware that not all war criminals will be punished, nor will all the victims be able to provide evidence of what was done to them, what they survived, and what they saw.
Crucially, she underscores the challenges faced by many survivors, a significant number of whom continue to grapple with life-altering consequences. Many women and men among them are, in her words, individuals who encountered limitations in various aspects of their lives. They are predominantly single mothers, most of whom were unemployed before the war, and often left unable to work in the post-war period.
Recognizing these multifaceted challenges, in addition to their testimony collection and prosecution efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the organization is also dedicated to implementing rehabilitation and economic empowerment programs to support the families of its members. This holistic approach reflects a commitment not only to justice, but also to the comprehensive well-being and empowerment of people affected by the war.

created: October 20th, 2023

author: Nedžada Avdić


text:
People as inspiration, photography as a joy | Balkan Diskurs
Kristina Gadže
October 23rd, 2023
Realizing that photography was her true love, Aida Redžepagić, a Kakanj girl with a Sarajevo address, left her job as a university professor and devoted herself completely to what brings her the most joy.
Her first artistic activities began in childhood, a talent she inherited from her mother. Nowadays, it is very difficult to leave a safe job and start working as a freelance artist, but, she says, she has not repented.
“Before I quit my job, I was just imagining 50 year-old Aida remembering how she used to love photography, but was afraid to leave her job, never daring to explore that part of herself. Just as I inherited a talent for art from my mum, I think I inherited good business sense from my dad, meaning understanding how to run a business with discipline and invest appropriately. These are very important components that artists often forget,” explains Redžepagić, who describes herself as a “fashion photographer in love with documentary photography”.
She has tried out a number of photography styles, such as product photography and wedding photography, but she is most attracted to working with people, because that is where she can express herself the most.
She says that her lectures allowed her to organize a photography course for students, where she recognized many talented young artists.
“It would be difficult for me to single out just a few of them, but what I can say is that rivalry is the best thing that can happen to any of us. Every time I see an excellent editorial made by one of my colleagues, I rejoice with equal zeal, but I also get the desire to do something new myself. I think that with lack of healthy competition and rivalry, we would all be worse at the jobs we do,” Redžepagić points out.
She believes that photography in general has flourished in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the last 10 years. In addition to participating in festivals like the Rovinj Photodays Festival, Aida is also active on social networks and has close to 15,000 followers on her Instagram account.
“Social networks have certainly increased interest in photography. People tend to have a negative connotation of photography on social networks, because we automatically imagine never-ending identikit selfies. However, I also see the beautiful expression of young people who photograph nature, food, portraits, documentary photography… They capture great moments and shots, and sometimes all the equipment they have is a phone camera,” explains Redžepagić.
In her own photography, she likes to capture real, honest and unposed moments. Among her most intimate collaborations with public figures, she singles out her project with the current ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Czech Republic, Martina Mlinarević, where, as she says, she took matters into her own hands and approached the shoot differently.
“Martina and her partner Goran came to the studio with the goal of photographing them together. We spent hours talking and I refused to do studio photography. It was too ordinary and planned for me. I wanted to catch them together. The essence of their story. Then I suggested that I spend a day with them in their apartment as they went about their daily routine, as if I wasn’t with them. That is how such an honest photo story was created instead of a studio portrait,” recounts Redžepagić. It was a series of photographs that won her first place at the Rovinj Photodays Festival.
The fact that being a freelance photographer is not easy is illustrated by a particular administrative flaw in the law system. As Redžepagić points out, in the Federation of BiH’s official classification of professions, until this year, code 74.2 stated: “Traditional photographer without the use of digital technology”, demonstrating administrative obsolescence and maladaptation to today’s way of doing professional photography. However, she emphasizes that this does not necessarily reflect the situation on the ground, and that finding a job is not a difficult task.
This passionate artist is not just into photography. Ten years ago, she was in fact fashioning handicrafts with a needle and thread – something in which she says she could no longer imagine herself working. She advises young photographers who have yet to find their audience to not even look for it.
“Photography should be the only focus. The audience and clients will find their way to you. Even today, some of my favorite photos are the ones with the least ‘likes’. It should never be a measure of your quality or success. It is very important to separate work from this aspect nowadays. It sounds selfish, but it is more important to listen to your instinct than to be guided by applause, likes and the taste of the audience,” concludes Aida Redžepagić.
This article was initially published within the first edition of MIR Magazine. MIR, which means ‘peace’ in Bosnian is an annual publication and platform for young inventive people developed by the Post-Conflict Research Center and Balkan Diskurs. It is dedicated to individuals and organizations that left us a legacy of strongly built foundations to continue our fight for peace and justice.

created: October 23rd, 2023


text:
Artistic Responses to the Past and Present | Balkan Diskurs
Amina Sejfić
October 26th, 2023
As part of the interdisciplinary project “PRESENT PAST” organized this year by the Goethe Institute in Zagreb, Belgrade, Sarajevo, and Skopje, a group of artists crafted an artistic response to the cultural and political neighborly relations among their respective countries—past and present. The initiative included four authors from Croatia, five cartoonists from Serbia, two photographers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one performance artist from North Macedonia.
The goal of the project was to explore regional perceptions of the past and the connections between former Yugoslav countries through a variety of art workshops. These diverse workshops and exhibitions aimed to encourage cooperation in the region.
One outcome of the project was a photo exhibition featuring the works of two photographers, Mitar Simikić and Dijana Muminović, which was displayed at the Goethe Institute in Sarajevo. Working together under the mentorship of photographer Ziyah Gafić, the director of the VII Academy, they produced their own exhibitions within the project: “The Janja River” and “Faiths of My Family.”
“It’s difficult to separate the present from the past in Bosnia. The past lurks in every corner of our lives, and it defines and shapes our present. That’s exactly what Mitar and Dijana’s photographs are saying. They tell the story of a country whose people are leaving. They speak of little-known places that are inaccessible to the media,” said Gafić.
Mitar and Dijana, both graduates of the VII Academy, tell their own subtle personal stories about the past and present through soft and sophisticated visual language. Their stories are, in fact, stories of all of us, and through their photographs, they have revealed a part of the past.
“This project holds a special significance for me. I spent my summers on the Janja River, and this river deserves to have its story told, especially because it’s since been completely destroyed. My journey along the river’s course is part of an ongoing project that explores, depicts, and reveals the complex cultural, economic, and ecological situation along this relatively small river. My goal is to create a space where the audience can feel empathy for my subjects and engage with their stories,” stated Mitar.
The project deals with the transition from former Yugoslavia and its cultural reflection, as well as the broad and often oversimplified conceptualizations of the Balkans. The former Yugoslav states have a long shared history and, as Gafić puts it, a ‘common cultural space.’ However, the transition processes in these nations, from the 1990s to the present today, have unfolded and manifested differently.
Although she was raised and educated in the United States, Dijana’s work has always been connected to Bosnia and Herzegovina. With the “Faiths of My Family” project, she presented the story of a mosque in Zagradje (Kakanj) and a shrine in Olovo.
“My own experience in Olovo moved me deeply, and I have come to understand the depth of my grandmother’s faith. However, I’m also the child of my Muslim father, and I felt drawn to the land of his distant past in the village of Zagradje, in Kakanj. I couldn’t have imagined how these two holy places, these two lands, and these two peoples would enrich my life at just the right time, as I was seeking the connection between my past and present,” Dijana explained.
Gafić described how photography, when used properly, can elevate and underscore the importance of places or things that we often take for granted, as demonstrated by the exhibitions in the cases of the Janja River, the Olovo shrine, and the mosque in Kakanj.
The outcomes of this project will be publicly displayed from May to November in each participating country. The final exhibition of all of the works collectively is scheduled for June 2024, as part of a festival in Rijeka, Croatia.

created: October 26th, 2023