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Dijana Muminović: Documentary Photography with a Bosnian-American Touch | Balkan Diskurs
Elma Hasanspahić
December 11th, 2023
Dijana Muminović, a Master of Visual Communications, is an award-winning Bosnian-American photographer who, through documentary photography, tells stories about immigrants, human rights, and the consequences of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite holding an American passport, she shares her knowledge and experience in her native homeland – Bosnia and Herzegovina – where she has chosen to return, sending messages of hope, collective action, and creation through her work.
As a result of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dijana immigrated to the United States, where she developed a love for photography. She realized that photography was her calling as a student, when she given an assignment to capture a moment from everyday life.
“I lived in the city of Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the time, and to me, it felt like a lifeless place, unlike the place my soul craved. I wanted streets filled with people, events, people strolling, children running around, working in yards, and so on. Life in this place revolved around getting in the car, going to work, then getting back in the car and going home. There was no one on the streets, sort of like Zenica during COVID-19 times in 2019-2020,” explained Dijana.
Finding the city “lifeless,” she gave up, disappointed, and headed home to complete her homework assignment. At the very moment of that decision, a woman carrying a child on her back, wrapped in a scarf, appeared in front of her. Dijana captured a photograph of the woman, which was later recognized by National Geographic. However, as she didn’t know anything about the woman, she was criticised during a photography class and told that she needed to obtain the information. She printed the photograph and went to the immigration center to request details about the woman, but they refused to share the information.
A couple of years later, during the final photography class, they had to create a photographic story about someone’s life. Dijana went to one of the five nearby immigrant settlements in the hope of finding the woman from her previous photograph. She was directed to a particular entrance, and she went upstairs. When she opened the door, she saw her photograph on the wall. She learned that the woman was from Burma.
Dijana’s describes her journey in America as not at all easy. Early on in her studies, she had to develop photographs in a darkroom, which meant buying paper, camera film, and even her own camera.
“We arrived in America from Bosnia in 1997. Like all refugees and migrants, we didn’t have much. It was a period of adaptation, both to the new environment and economically. And all of the equipment was expensive,” she recalled.
In 2000, at the age of 15, Dijana started her first job, working at a Burger King. That very same year, her mother passed away. Although Dijana was supposed to be thinking more seriously about the future, education, and better job opportunities, she was driven by her emotions and sought out what aligned with her being.
While grappling with the life-altering experience of losing her mother and surviving in a new environment, she began photographing the lives of immigrants. “We understood each other without knowing the same language, and I realized that I possess a gift – that people trust me, which helps them to open the doors of their lives,” she stated.
In order to purchase equipment, she recalled that she had to work two more jobs. Through hard work, she completed her undergraduate studies and later pursued master’s degree in Ohio. She has been awarded numerous times for her work.
She added that her work was also influenced by an initial exhibition about women from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who lost sons, husbands, and fathers in the war and were still awaiting news about the discovery of their bones.
“My goal is simple: to always inspire people, contribute to positive thinking, and be a voice for others,” said Dijana.
She also shared the story of refugees from Ukraine, photographing the first bus of women and children that arrived in Međugorje from the country. For this photograph, she won the WideOpen Excellence in Photography Award in Ohio.
Dijana is the founder of the first photography school in Bosnia and Herzegovina, open to community members of all ages. The idea for the school began to take shape while she was still in America. Upon completing her master’s degree and phototherapy, she was inspired to offer photography classes as a form of therapy. She decided to return to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a choice that she says seemed crazy to many and required extensive explanations. Finding more obstacles along her path than support, she realized that she would first need to develop a foundational program to demonstrate the power of photography to the community.
Dijana says that despite the relaxed atmosphere of her classes, she believes that under the surface, they provide phototherapy as well as productive and educational components related to photography.
“I’m proud of every piece of work and how participants demonstrate their abilities and creativity in such a short period,” stated the award-winning photographer.
Dijana’s most treasured moment was when the oldest of the participants, a 79-year-old woman who was hospitalized for COVID-19 at the time, called her and said, “Di, I’m taking this gadget off, going to the window, and taking pictures of the sunset. Oh, you should see how beautiful it is.”
“She won at life,” Dijana added.
For her, the Photography School is not just a place to learn about photography, but is deeply rooted in love for life, people, and beauty.
Dijana is proud that, through her dedication, she has been able to convey messages of hope, collective action, and creation in her homeland. She remains deeply committed to her purpose, despite all obstacles and criticism.
Although, as an American citizen, Dijana had the option to work anywhere, she says that returning to her homeland was a choice—she was not fleeing from America or merely responding to other’s judgements.
“The Photography School, whether it continues or not, is my greatest pride. That’s because I managed to convince others, instill hope, and demonstrate that it’s possible to thrive in one’s own country. I have shown that what seemed impossible is indeed possible. I put a lot of stock in faith, both faith in my abilities and in our entire society, even though it didn’t understand my return,” Dijana emphasized.
Six years after establishing the Photography School Association, Dijana stands an example of someone who returned and became actively involved in her community. Her message to the young people who have left Bosnia and Herzegovina is that they will surely develop a sense of homeland someday.
“Your homeland is nature; your homeland is all the other people who are not fortunate enough to have opportunities like you. Your homeland is not the bad leaders, because they persistently lead it to ruin. Your struggle is your knowledge, your ability, your wisdom in all of this, and everything you feel you can contribute, know that your feeling is always right and follow it. No one else will do a better job of something you feel called to do, and we all have at least one task in our lives,” conveyed the Bosnian photographer with American citizenship.

created: December 11th, 2023


text:
Overcoming Prejudices: Nurturing Diversity through Entertainment and Play | Balkan Diskurs
Rukajja Ahmić
December 14th, 2023
Amra Hrustić-Šabanović, a math teacher in a Sarajevo school, together with her son Husejn, breaks down prejudices about people with Down syndrome on a daily basis, with the message that with a little more empathy and understanding, the world can be a much nicer place. On their Instagram profile down_i_mi, you can find the unconditional support that Husejn and his mom share with the public every day.
Down syndrome affects all demographics and can occur in any family, regardless of the parents’ health or lifestyle. A better understanding of Down Syndrome is crucial to make life easier for those with the condition and their families, contributing to improved development and thus, a more enjoyable life.
Hrustić-Šabanović lived with her husband and Husejn in Visoko, where their son was born and took his first steps. Her pregnancy had proceeded smoothly at first, with almost no abnormalities discernable on regular ultrasounds. However, in the fifth month, after a special examination to which she had been referred, she was informed that there was a high likelihood that the baby had Down Syndrome and that it wasn’t too late for an abortion.
“The most difficult moment for me was when the doctor mentioned the possibility of abortion,” said Hrustić-Šabanović, stressing that for them, abortion was never even an option. She emphasizes the support of her husband throughout her pregnancy and into the present day, where he plays a significant role in their daily lives.
“Without him, nothing would be like this,” adds Husejn’s mother, explaining that her husband is involved in every aspect of their lives, providing steadfast support and the sense that she is not alone.
Hrustić-Šabanović knew little about Down Syndrome, not wanting to research the condition until after her son was born. Thus, after the birth, everything was unknown to her. Upon leaving the hospital without her baby, she realized the gravity of the entire situation.  Although she was trying to be strong, think positively, and not cry, the reality looked different.
When she left the ward, she encountered a crowd of smiling, happy faces of mothers holding their babies. “Why did they have to discharge me at the same time as the other mothers, and how must those feel who have lost their children? Why doesn’t anyone think about that, and where have empathy and compassion gone?” wondered Hrustić Šabanović.
She was aware of her responsibility to shatter prejudices about children with difficulties. Husejn is a boy who can do everything other children can do, but with a little more effort and support than other children. She noted the importance of the immense commitment to her child and shared wonderful the experiences of Husejn’s peers, their parents, and teachers who, in addition to tremendous patience, have only words of support.
Husejn currently attends elementary school in Sarajevo, where he met his best friends.
The Covid-19 era was crucial for starting the Instagram profile. Spending most of their time at home, Husejn’s mother wanted to provide him with various games, which they created together. She would compile them into a video and send different versions to her sister, who suggested starting the profile, thinking it would benefit others in similar situations.
Motivational messages and expressions of gratitude were pouring in, and she realized that it was not in vain. The profile is active, and she strives to release content every day that is both entertaining and productive.
She emphasized that desire is the greatest weapon we can possess and urged against societal limitations. “Surround yourself with supportive people and be a supporting hand yourself. Let’s spread their wings and show that they can fly. Children are ready for anything if they know you believe in them.”

source: news-balkandiskurs

created: December 14th, 2023

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

author: Rukajja Ahmić


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The Many Agents of Memorialization | Balkan Diskurs
Theresa Rauch
December 18th, 2023
War memorialization in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) remains a persistent and contentious subject. In the absence of state laws and regulations governing memorials, let alone a national commemorative strategy, the country’s memorial landscape is saturated with a wide range of memorialization efforts stemming from all levels of Bosnian society.
Alongside state authorities, numerous non-state actors have significantly shaped memorialization in BiH and continue to do so in various ways, employing bottom-up, creative, and artistic approaches to commemorate the country’s war history. While this creates opportunities for diverse voices to articulate their experiences, it also generates ambiguity regarding the responsibilities and content of commemoration.
The absence of uniform state memorialization efforts raises questions about who gets to decide what is commemorated and in what manner. In this context, non-state memorialization provides a bottom-up opportunity for marginalized voices to share their truth, particularly benefiting those whose stories do not neatly align with predominant ethno-nationalist narratives. Civil society actors’ memorialization initiatives offer a platform to commemorate those neglected by state discourses, often despite popular demands for official memorialization. However, non-state memorialization can also be viewed as providing an unmediated space that enables unregulated, potentially harmful, or divisive ideas about who and what should be remembered.
The role of non-state, artistic, and bottom-up memorialization initiatives in shaping BiH’s collective memory landscape is not so straightforward and is entangled in intricate questions.
Ahmed Kulanić, director of the Sarajevo Canton Memorial Fund observes that for the last three decades, three different versions of history have been allowed to exist in the country, which he says have “led to more division, more segregation, and not confronting the facts.”
The Memorial Fund, established in 1997 by Sarajevo Canton, is tasked with constructing and maintaining memorials to war and genocide victims and soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.  This mainly takes the form of cemeteries and memorial plaques across not only Sarajevo Canton but the whole of BiH. In this way, it represents a state institution pursuing a carefully structured and fact-based narrative in its memorialization efforts.
However, Kulanić emphasizes that the Fund is by no means alone in establishing commemorative sites and thereby shaping public memory related to the war. There is no central agency overseeing BiH’s memorials, nor is there legislation dictating what and who is memorialized. In a post-war context that has not produced a clear consensus on the “winners or losers,” this has given rise to a patchwork of memorials and commemorative sites across Bosnia and Herzegovina. While many are committed to ensuring the remembrance of otherwise forgotten stories, they are also highly politicized, and lend themselves to polarizing narratives.
Kulanić warns of the historical revisionism accompanying un-regulated memorial narratives. At the same time, however, he notes that institutional authorities, especially at the entity level, also pursue memorialization agendas that are more divisive than reconciliatory. Kulanić is one of many voices speaking out against the glorification of convicted war criminals and their commemoration in public spaces across the country.
On the other hand, unregulated, bottom-up memory initiatives led by non-state actors have the potential to constructively shape collective memory by amplifying voices that are otherwise marginalized, as well as by facilitating grassroots level dialogue and interaction.
“Since the beginning of the White Armband Day campaign, survivors and local activists have been fighting for a memorial for all of the slain children of Prijedor,” states artist Emir Hodžić, one of the activists behind White Armband Day, an event commemorating those killed during the ethnic cleansing campaigns in and around Prijedor. In 2012, he staged a public demonstration at Prijedor’s main square to draw attention to a story deliberately omitted by the city’s official commemoration programs.
Researcher Zoran Vučkovac documented how members of Izvor, a local women’s association, were denied access to Prijedor’s main square for a commemorative gathering. Hodžić stood alone, a white armband tied around his arm, symbolizing the white cloth that the local non-Serb population was forced to wear following the Serb occupation of the town in May 1992. During this period, 3,176 people, including 102 children, were killed in Prijedor and its surroundings.
Hodžić’s symbolic act was soon endorsed by other activist groups, in an effort to reclaim local public space. Today, May 31st is officially commemorated as White Armband Day in several Bosnian cities, evolving from the grassroots initiative to resist exclusionary state narratives.
Džana Brkanić, Deputy Editor at the BiH branch of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), echoes Hodžić and Kulanić, emphasizing the divided and unregulated nature of the Bosnian memory landscape. She states that there is “no systematic planning for monuments” and that memorialization has, in many ways, become “a private problem for victims and their families.” According to Brkanić, these families are often instrumentalized for election campaigns, but their demands and needs are seldom met once the political momentum fades.
Brkanić highlights the significance of non-state actors like victims’ associations as drivers of a just, accountable, and sensitive commemoration landscape. For the future, she urges authorities at the federal, entity, and municipal levels “to ask victims what they want,” stressing the shared nature of their grief and the need to consider the emotions of victims. In doing so, Brkanić raises the crucial aspects of emotionality and storytelling in any memorialization endeavor – a feature of remembrance at the very center of artistic commemorative projects championed by civil society organizations like KUMA International.
The inherently artistic dimension of remembrance is central to Kuma International’s commemorative work. Claudia Zini, Kuma’s founder and director, works alongside artists who, in their work, predominantly focus on “the consequences of war, genocide, and events that have happened in their lives in the last 30 years in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, where many of them relocated during and after the conflict.” Such narratives, she continues, reveal how artists, in times of crisis, can respond and reflect.” Art thereby functions as an individual processing mechanism while also conveying shared sentiments and experiences. In this vein, Zini emphasizes its unique capacities to connect people as well as preserve and make sense of a shared and traumatic past.
As a non-state actor contributing to the mediation of Bosnian collective memory, Kuma assumes a dual role: supporting local artists and providing a platform for their testimonies, while concurrently engaging local audiences and educating international ones. Much of this is done through educational activities, such as the Kuma International Summer School, which has been in operation since 2018. Kuma has also been supporting performative and participatory art installations, such as Smirna Kulenović’s “Our Family Garden” (2021), where 100 women planted marigolds in abandoned war trenches on Sarajevo’s first line of defense.
“If you ask me, possibly the most valuable tool we have is the performativity of art,” says Zini, a trained art historian and curator. She explains that asking a community to engage with and contribute to an art project in an interactive way renders these art projects more accessible and turns passive “consumers” into active actors.
Aida Šehović’s nomadic participatory monument to the Srebrenica Genocide, “Što te nema,” is perhaps the most famous example. Passersby are invited to fill coffee cups with freshly brewed Bosnian coffee in memory of the 8,372 victims killed in the 1995 genocide – all of whom will forever be absent from Bosnian coffee tables. Her work not only defies traditional, permanent, and static conceptions of memorials, but also engages onlookers and bystanders as “custodians of collective memory.”
Commemoration through the arts thus offers an alternative, engaging, and often more accessible avenue for processing war-related memories on both the individual and collective levels. As a “universal language,” Zini reflects that “art gives you freedom to understand according to your own background.” Speaking for the multiplicity of non-state memorialization actors, it raises questions about authority and monopoly over public memorialization and the physical manifestations of collective memory in everyday life.
Although Zini recognizes the limitations of Kuma’s artistic project and her own privilege and position as an “outsider” in Bosnian society, as stressed by Kulanić, memorialization is and will continue to be a “full society project.” It requires continuous implementation “through NGOs, through public institutions, through educational institutions [and] the media” to foster a collective memory landscape of responsibility, sensitivity, and accountability.

created: December 18th, 2023

author: Theresa Rauch


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Tuzla Youth Theater: Not ‘Me in the Theater,’ but ‘the Theater in Me’ | Balkan Diskurs
Selmir Smajić
December 21st, 2023
Mirza Mujagić is a 26-year-old actor from Lukavac who didn’t embark on the path to the stage in a typical manner. However, his impressive repertoire and accomplishments in recent years at the Tuzla Youth Theater and Tuzla National Theater, in productions such as “Path,” “Comrade, You Are My Wife,” “The Last Love of Hasan Kaimija,” and many others, demonstrate that fate dealt him a very fortunate hand.
Mujagić never dreamed of becoming an actor. In choosing the course of his college education, he initially considered a mining college. However, his experience with the Tuzla Youth Theater’s Drama Studio in 2016 changed everything, and just ten days before the application deadline, he decided to take the entrance exam for the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Tuzla. He passed this exam and enrolled in the Acting Department.
In college, Mujagić’s practical experience working at the Tuzla National Theater proved invaluable. “Getting involved at the Tuzla National Theater while still in our junior year was a significant stroke of luck for me and my cohorts. It was a leap forward in our careers and lives. Those initial steps are unforgettable and remain in my memory. These were the moments when I felt that what I was studying was paying off, that I was maturing, and that everything in life made sense,” recounted Mujagić.
Today, Mujagić is an active member of the Tuzla Youth Theater, where he collaborates with young people to promote and develop theatrical art. With his dedication, he inspires generations that will one day shine on the Bosnian-Herzegovinian stages and beyond.
Mujagić is not just an actor but also an advocate for youth art. His role in educating and supporting the young members of the Youth Theater reflects his efforts to support and inspire young talent. He firmly believes that art is crucial for the development of creativity, self-confidence, and expression, which is why he strives to create a safe space for young people in the Tuzla Youth Theater to express themselves and develop their talents. His passion for his work is evident in his interactions with young people, inspiring them to dream and aspire to artistic expression.
With his enthusiasm and commitment, he shows that art has the power to shape the future of young people and leave a deep and lasting impression on society.
The Tuzla Youth Theater, with its mission to raise cultural awareness and educate audiences of all ages, brings together children, young people, and adults from diverse backgrounds. Inviting all young people who share a passion for acting to join this inspiring journey, Mujagić says, “I advise them to work sincerely with a lot of love, and to remember: it’s not ‘me in the theater,’ but ‘the theater in me.’”
Adnan Mujkić, the driving force behind the establishment of the Tuzla Youth Theater, describes the institution as representing an exceptionally important step in the development of Tuzla’s cultural scene.
“Our passion for art and theater has inspired us to come together and create this organization to promote artistic expression and education through theater,” Mujkić said, emphasizing that their main purpose is not only to stage performances but also to raise awareness about the importance of culture and art in our society.
Rooted in a desire to educate different generations about the richness of theater and its ability to shape society, he says that using drama education to foster critical thinking and creativity in young people is a crucial aspect of their vision.
“What makes us unique is the diversity of our members. Our community includes people of all ages and backgrounds, allowing us to create a dynamic environment for artistic development. We work together to empower individuals and prepare them for the challenges of everyday life, encouraging them to contemplate moral dilemmas and find creative solutions,” Mujkić explained, adding that he and his colleagues are dedicated to the promotion and professionalization of theatrical art.
“Our association is not just a place for creating art but also for building a community of artists who share a passion for theater and art. Our openness to different motives and life stories makes this organization an inspiring space for all who want to develop their creative potential and grow as individuals,” reflected Mujkić.
The Tuzla Youth Theater is a cultural initiative registered under the Tuzla Youth Association and a group of acting and production students from the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Tuzla. The mission of the Youth Theater encompasses the development and sustainability of educational programs, the production of cultural and artistic projects, the professionalization of the performing arts, and the promotion of film, television, multimedia, and audio-visual arts. The main goal of the Tuzla Youth Theater is to raise cultural awareness and educate audiences of different ages about theater.
Those wishing to join the Tuzla Youth Theater can contact them at +38761365600 or via social media – “Pozorište mladih Tuzle” on Facebook and @mladituzle on Instagram.

created: December 21st, 2023

author: Selmir Smajić


text:
The Ostojić Couple: Multiethnic Family Backgrounds and Love | Balkan Diskurs
Kristina Gadže
December 26th, 2023
The love story of 35-year-old Vahdijana from Serbia and 39-year-old Momir from Bosnia and Herzegovina began with an introduction through mutual friends. Vahdijana, a teacher working developmentally challenged students, and Momir, a computer programmer, faced no significant obstacles in their love story, despite encountering a few disapproving glances. Their love eventually culminated in marriage, and today, they reside in the Brčko District with their two children.
“Everything was normal for us. We didn’t face any obstacles. As for our surroundings, everything was fine, considering we were part of the same social circle,” Vahdijana reflected, with Momir adding that at times, however, there were some “disapproving glances.”
Although they prefer not to define themselves by ethnicity, Momir says that if he had to, he would identify as Serbian, while Vahdijana, being from Serbia, cannot call herself Bosnian. Both agree that they wouldn’t trade the city of Brčko, where they live, for any other, even though Momir recalls the saying that “the grass is always greener on the other side.”
“From our perspective, looking at how relationships are in other cities, perhaps mono-ethnic ones, it might even be easier for us in the Brčko District. On the other hand, our perspective is distorted—we only have one viewpoint and can only see from that angle,” Momir acknowledged.
Momir and his wife became close in 2006, a decade after the war, but they disregarded all associated negativities. Momir believes that this is simply in their nature, adding, “For us, it just became everyday life.”
He has encountered the term “mixed couple” throughout his life, a term that makes it easy for them to relate to others. However, he notes that in Brčko, there are fewer marriages, especially multiethnic ones.
“Brčko has this national element. What keeps us together here is the dividing line because there’s always a clearly defined boundary between nationalities,” explained Momir. Vahdijana pointed out that in Brčko, it’s necessary to declare one’s nationality when seeking employment, which is something neither of them want to do. This is one of the reasons why Momir became self-employed.
Although they don’t consider themselves religious, they say they still celebrate the religious holidays of their parents out of a respect for tradition. “The biggest problem is with these overlapping holidays, when we want to visit both sides. That’s our first problem. So, our mix is perhaps a facilitating factor, at least when it comes to holidays. We have a lot of holidays to celebrate, and we enjoy it,” shared Momir, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
Having been together for 17 years, Vahdijana says that they are quite similar, while her husband adds, “to me, my wife is half of my life.” He appreciates her enthusiasm and her dedication to work and family, describing her as a good person.
“I was 18 years old when we met. We’re best friends, and I think that’s the most important thing of all, along with the trust we have in each other,” said Vahdijana.
In addition to love, Momir also characterizes trust as an important factor in preserving their relationship. “I don’t know any other couple that spent so much time together while dating. We’re truly dedicated to each other, and that’s very important to us in life. We strive to pass on these values to our son because we believe it’s important for him to love,” said Momir.
They advise young people that in today’s world, viewing others through the lens of nationality shouldn’t be acceptable.
“I know it was easier for us because we come from mixed backgrounds and multiethnic marriages. We’re more tolerant in that regard. But I really think that when we stop looking at people through the lens of religion, nationality, color, or whatever else, we have the opportunity to progress,” Vahdijana concluded.
This story is part of the “Love Tales” project implemented by the Post-Conflict Research Center (PCRC) with a group of Balkan Diskurs youth correspondents. The project is implemented with financial support from the VII Academy, the BOLD program of the US Embassy in BiH, and PCRC’s core grants, with the aim of challenging the common narrative that real connections between Bosnia’s different ethnic groups are unattainable by documenting stories of successful interethnic relationships across the country.

created: December 26th, 2023

author: Kristina Gadže


text:
Healthy Aging with a Smile | Balkan Diskurs
Kristina Gadže
January 8th, 2024
The elderly population in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically those over 60, often don’t have enough available activities to fill their free time. A growing number of Healthy Aging Centers seek to address the needs of older people, offering numerous workshops and activities they can enjoy every day without having to spend large sums of money. These are not nursing homes, as is commonly assumed.
Ešref Slatina has been attending the Healthy Aging Center in Novo Sarajevo Municipality since 2016 and emphasizes that he has found “his own peace” there. He recommends the Ccenter to everyone, believing that it’s a place where they can find their true selves. “I visited the premises before because I knew people who were going to the Center, and I liked it. I’ve been hanging out there for about seven or eight years, and I enjoy it,” said Ešref.
He explained that people at the Center are open and always willing to help, so he has made new friends. “Here, anyone who’s interested can find something for themselves. We have a range of possibilities, from computer classes, languages, chess, card games, access to the library. I familiarized myself with computer science at the Center because I had a need to communicate with people on social media, which was very important to me. The Center also gives us the opportunity to attend the theater,” Ešref elaborated, listing some of the Center’s activities.
At the Center, they celebrate religious holidays and birthdays together, which Ešref points out is something he couldn’t find at home. He has two children and four grandchildren, and he started going to the Center a year before losing his wife. “When I’m alone in the room, that loneliness kills me, and that’s hard for children to understand. The Center is a wonderful thing for this population,” said Ešref.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the proportion of elderly people in Bosnia and Herzegovina will reach approximately 37 percent of the total population by 2050 as a result of low fertility rates and the emigration of skilled young people. UNFPA, in collaboration with the Public Health Partnership and researchers from the University College London, found that healthy aging centers represent an “economical way of organizing activities and providing support to improve the health and well-being of the elderly, thereby increasing the number of years they will live a healthy life.”
Edina Bašić, the manager of the Healthy Aging Center, explained that the idea for establishing the Healthy Aging Center in Novo Sarajevo came from the Public Health Partnership, which is also the umbrella organization for the Center. She pointed out that the centers are still in the project phase. The Healthy Aging Center has operated for 12 years, serving as a successful model for the opening of 17 new centers, not only in Sarajevo and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina but also beyond. The Center combines four types of activities: recreational, creative, entertaining, and educational programs. It is not a nursing home, as people often assume.
The recreational program includes preventive and corrective exercise, which is held daily in the center in six groups. According to Bašić, those who perform these exercises daily, as indicated by research, significantly improve their mobility. “It’s very satisfying when a member comes to you and says they’re getting up better, moving better, and are more mobile and flexible,” said Bašić.
They also offer table tennis at both beginner and advanced levels. She noted that interestingly, some of their oldest members attend the advanced group. One of these is 93 years old, and another, a 90-year-old, won first place in the giant slalom at Jahorina last year in skiing. Bašić pointed out that the Healthy Aging Center offers over 25 activities.
At the Center, which serves about 80 members daily, activities are conducted in five groups. With a symbolic monthly membership fee of five Bosnian marks, they can access the aforementioned activities as well as enjoy a creative program that includes various creative workshops such as decoupage, aluminum foil work, painting, and sculpture. The educational workshops offer language courses in English and German, and international days are marked with lectures by students or experts. The entertainment program includes two choirs, ‘Golden Autumn’ and ‘Sevdalije,’ which perform not only in this center but also in other centers and municipalities.
The Center also provides volunteer opportunities for students and fosters intergenerational collaboration through gatherings organized with kindergartens, schools, and other centers. Bašić mentioned that they often celebrate anniversaries, organize outings, hold intergenerational visits and events, and visit nursing homes, which is especially nice.
“Older people have a certain empathy towards younger ones, and many younger people learn from their elders, which brings a smile to their faces,” said Bašić. She notes that members appreciate the value of these centers and recommend membership to their friends. It’s important that they don’t close themselves off in their homes and understand that retirement isn’t the end of life and that they can continue to be active and socialize.
Outside the Center, members also get together, going for coffee and taking care of each other, which Bašić says makes them especially happy.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a signatory of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, aiming to ensure a dignified and secure old-age based on the principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The country has also signed the revised European Social Charter, which emphasizes recognizing and respecting the rights of older people to a dignified life, independence, and participation in social and cultural life.
Professor Sanela Bašić, from the Department of Social Work at the University of Sarajevo Faculty of Political Sciences, stated that, although Bosnia and Herzegovina was obligated to work on the implementation of international and European policies regarding the elderly, “in our impoverished and neglected society, a society of destroyed values and institutions, most of the elderly population is on the margins.”
“The basic sources of the rights of older persons are contained in laws governing pension and disability insurance, social protection, healthcare and health insurance (the right to health and access to healthcare services), and to a very limited extent, in family legislation. These are actually fragmented among entities, districts, and cantons, with an absence of an integrated policy towards older persons focused on ensuring a better quality of life at the economic, health, social, and cultural levels,” stated Professor Bašić.
She explains that social protection for older people in Bosnia and Herzegovina is implemented within several weakly connected and insufficiently coordinated systems, providing fertile ground for their rights to be neglected and ignored in this intersectoral vacuum that has been created.
According to Professor Bašić, challenges faced by the elderly in Bosnia and Herzegovina include low pensions resulting in a low standard of living, unsatisfactory healthcare services, especially for rural populations, the absence of alternative daily care for older people, and ageism or ingrained stereotypes and prejudices about old age and older people.
She highlighted the major challenge in old age of successfully resolving the crisis of “integrity versus despair” by accepting one’s own life as it has been and taking responsibility for the life one has led. “Erickson calls this acceptance of one’s small place in the order of things ‘ego integration,’” she explains, adding that in a collective sense, this could be called ‘wisdom,’ a quality often associated with old age.
To successfully overcome this (final) developmental challenge, it’s necessary not only to support the adjustment of older people but to adapt the family and social system. The professor emphasizes that without this step—when the broader social system is unresponsive and, on the contrary, limits, excludes, and discriminates—it’s to be expected that the consequences for older people in terms of mental health will be negative.
Depression and dementia are two clinical conditions common among the elderly. Additionally, Professor Bašić highlights loneliness, which “can lead to serious mental health difficulties for older people.”
She regards Healthy Aging Centers as an important resource for social support and community involvement, as their activities focus on three crucial aspects of life: health, independence, and productivity. She believes that they should also be accessible in rural areas, where people often rely on family resources and support.
“Active aging is defined as ‘the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security to enhance the quality of life as people age.’ From the perspective of active aging, the crucial emphasis is on the word ‘active,’ which implies continuous participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and civic issues—not merely the ability to be physically active or participate in the labor market,” said Professor Bašić.
Social protection for the elderly in Bosnia and Herzegovina includes financial compensation, subsidies, social services, as well as institutional and non-institutional care.
“The underdeveloped system of community-based social services is a deficiency of the existing social protection system for the elderly. To initiate social change and create conditions for a humane, dignified, and inclusive life for older people in this society, the current paradigm needs to be changed with regard to the relationship and responsibility of public institutions for the consistent and systematic implementation of adopted policies at all levels,” asserted Professor Bašić.
According to Professor Bašić, older people should be treated as first-class citizens with “the capacity to decide what makes their life meaningful, to choose activities they personally deem good and high-quality, to act as they see fit, autonomously, in accordance with the motto ‘nothing about us without us!’”

created: January 8th, 2024


text:
Mirza Mustafagić and the “You Can Be That Person Too” Campaign for Oncology Patients | Balkan Diskurs
Ramo Tučić
January 11th, 2024
Gaining people’s trust is a challenging task, but once achieved, it should be utilized in the most positive way possible. This is how influencer Mirza Mustafagić begins his story, which is well-known to the public in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond. He is an advocate for young people and all those who express and stand by their opinions – a rare and valuable quality today that should be encouraged. Mirza is the force behind the “You Can Be That Person Too” campaign, supporting the Oncology Department of the University Clinical Center (UCC) in Tuzla.
It sometimes seems that there are limits to what a single person can accomplish on their own. However, this story from Tuzla, with Mirza at its center, shows that good people can bring about significant progress, even with small steps. He initiated a campaign to benefit oncology patients at the Tuzla UCC, where he says the linear accelerator, a crucial radiation therapy machine, has been non-functional for almost a year, and the conditions under which oncology patients receive treatment are unfit for human beings.
His commitment to the fight for oncology patients was initially sparked when he was summoned to an emergency meeting at the UCC by Irfan Halilagić, the Prime Minister of the Tuzla Canton. “This culminated in all of us coming together to assist the daily clinics of the Oncology and Hematology Department. The conditions in which patients receive chemotherapy, sitting on wooden chairs or waiting on the floor due to a lack of chairs, are not normal,” explained Mirza.
He emphasizes that anyone can be that person, but circumstances must be improved. “I absolutely agree that there is budgeted money for these things, and it’s not my job to deal with this, but that’s no excuse for allowing patients to suffer. If we wait for the situation to improve on its own, it certainly won’t,” he asserted.
Oncology patients, likely out of desperation, sent him messages detailing their current situation, which he decided to publicize. This triggered a flood of responses describing similar or even worse experiences. Leveraging the size of his audience, he proposed to his colleagues that they take action, giving rise to the “You Can Be That Person Too” campaign.
“I have to say, I’m proud of the campaign’s results. Over 300,000 BAM [150,000 euros] was raised in just two weeks through donations from over 4,000 legal entities and individual donors, along with contributions from city budgets. Additionally, a sizeable portion of these donations includes supplies and equipment donations, so at the end of the whole story, we’re going to publicly disclose the total amount and exactly how it was used,” said Mirza.
He added that a portion of the funds will go to centers in Zenica, Banja Luka, and Mostar. “It’s certain that the Tuzla Community Foundation will procure all the necessary equipment, and work has already begun. The company Deling Invest is preparing the space, and I believe that the entire project for the Day Clinic will be completed in the first quarter of this year. Additionally, with the resources we’ve received, we will undertake renovations and improve the conditions for patients in the Hematology Department, followed by the Oncology Department at the Tuzla UCC,” said Mirza.
This is not the only initiative consciously or unconsciously initiated by Mirza. When asked if he expected a response, he replied that he had thought about it, as high expectations often lead to great disappointments in everything, including this. However, he believes that when you act with your heart, it always works out, every time.
“I’m lucky to have an audience of over 90,000 people, which is truly a blessing. My stories and posts, as well as those of my colleagues, are more read and watched than many platforms today, so I make an effort to use that. Gaining people’s trust is challenging, but if you earn it, then it should be used in the most positive way possible. I’m just a person who shares a particular story with the public, and everything else is in the hands of the people who follow me. I express my daily gratitude to God for that trust and for the people who support me in these stories,” Mirza added.
He explains that ideas for initiatives often come to him while driving, which was the case with this one: “I remember it well, it was at the toll booths in Kuzmin when I was coming back from Belgrade, and as foreigners say – the rest is history.”
Asked how demanding influencer engagements are, he responds that it depends on the perspective you take.
“This job is demanding, not so much physically, but it’s very tough mentally. You’re constantly exposed to all kinds of people sitting behind their keyboards, thinking they know everything and can comment on anything that comes to their mind, regardless of whether it’s true or not. I really believe that only people who are mentally stable can handle this job. On the other hand, I definitely know from the experiences of people close to me how difficult it is to work for a certain sum of money and be disrespected by an employer or boss. Fortunately, that’s not the case in this profession. Also, as demanding and burdensome as the job may be, if you approach it with the right attitude, it’s a wonderful job where you get to meet a lot of people every day and encounter fantastic people from the business world. Many opportunities arise, so when everything is added up, I’m happy, and this is my life,” explained Mirza.
He describes himself as an ordinary person, just like anyone else. “I love spending time with loved ones, traveling, and unwinding at the end of the day. Throughout the day, I meet a lot of people, and what I often need is just to change clothes and relax with a TV series or a book,” he said.
Regarding how young people like him have a voice and a desire to change the world in today’s world, he states, “Desire and opportunity are two different things. Many have the desire but lack a voice, and vice versa. Fortunately, my opportunities allow me to have both, and I’ve decided to use them. I truly believe that my purpose in this life is to do something that will make life better for others, as well as for myself. Sadly, many people are afraid to express their opinions, but I’m not. We live in a democratic state and society, and believe me, it’s wonderful to have a stance and have the courage to express it. We can never know how far someone’s voice can be heard, and I believe in trying things that have been proven to make a difference in a particular community. I’ve always been a supporter, not only of the youth but of everyone who expresses their opinion and stands behind it. It’s a rarity that’s really valuable today and should be preserved.”

created: January 11th, 2024

author: Ramo Tučić


text:
University of Sarajevo on the Global Path of Change | Balkan Diskurs
Zerina Sirćo
January 14th, 2024
At all levels of the education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is very little space for young people to voice their concerns in any way about the issues that interest and affect them. The University of Sarajevo Faculty of Political Sciences is providing opportunities for young people to make their voices heard and thereby encourage positive changes in Bosnian society.
Dr. Sarina Bakić, a lecturer at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo, has taken her dedication to education a step further, exemplifying how it can be wielded as a powerful tool for social transformation.
Together with Professor Dr. Amila Ždralović from the University of Sarajevo Law Faculty, she held a lecture and participated in a discussion with Political Sciences students at the General Conference of the United Nations (UN) in Paris last November. Students had the opportunity to express their opinions on globally relevant issues and social challenges, presenting their own perspectives on working towards long-term solutions.
The discussion took place as the result of the University of Sarajevo’s selection to be among the seven global universities participating in the UNESCO debate “(Re)thinking the Commons, Acting Together to Protect Them.”
“This is just one of several attempts to answer very important questions from the perspective of young people,” said Bakić, noting that young voices are often ignored by the academic community.
According to Bakić, people bring about change through personal action. She emphasizes the importance of making progress in education, recognizing young people as a vital resource for a better future.
“Young people have been such a potent force throughout history, so why wouldn’t they be now? But it seems to me that we elders don’t take the youth seriously. We don’t hear you, we don’t see you. I’m trying to hear and see you. I hope I succeed in that,” Bakić stated.
At the heart of every community are individuals who not only teach, but also inspire and motivate others to action. With their passion and dedication, these figures not only enrich the research community, but they are also a source of inspiration for young people at large.
Abdulah Cuplov, a student at the Political Science Faculty in Sarajevo who participated in the discussion, stressed the importance of professors in motivating young aspiring academics:
“Professors are a crucial aspect of the development of every future academic. Without a real professor who is passionate about their field and possesses considerable charisma and social intelligence, young people wouldn’t have any academic role models, and without role models, we have no notion of the success and knowledge that we want to achieve.”
In addition to being a key figure in the project, Bakić also works to bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the real world. Her approach encourages students to think critically and take an active role in shaping society.
“Everyone involved in the education system, not only professors but also administrative staff who can contribute in their own way to working with young people, has to get involved in order to avoid falling into the trap of the neoliberal world view of ‘me, myself, and I,’ and to be socially engaged in this context,” asserts Bakić.
Professors are not just transmitters of knowledge but should also be initiators of change. Participants in the UNESCO debate describe youth initiatives such as these as sources of inspiration that encourage them to think and take action towards collective long-term solutions. As one student who participated in the discussion at the Sarajevo Faculty of Political Sciences observes:
“This example shows that education has the power to be the driver of positive transformations, and youth engagement is a key resource for building a more sustainable future.”.

created: January 14th, 2024

author: Zerina Sirćo


text:
Meyacota: Fashion that Pushes Boundaries | Balkan Diskurs
Elma Hasanspahić
January 19th, 2024
Sumeja Arifović’s love for fashion dates back to her early childhood.
During kindergarten, she often drew clothes and fashion models, and her artwork was even published in children’s magazines. Her first coloring book featuring models, a beloved gift brought from Ljubljana by her aunt, was the beginning of her passion for fashion design.
In high school, she branded this passion under the name of “Meyacota,” with the support of her friends. She began to experiment with her own style, infusing it into her creations. “Fashion fulfills me both creatively and in design and allows me to experiment in my own style. While for many it’s just a piece of fabric, I used to find myself spending the last of my money in shops because some shoes or fashion piece enchanted me,” said Arifović.
She describes midi-skirts, cowboy boots, and summer tops in various shades as must-haves in her wardrobe. “I’ll always be in love with fashion and experiment with various styles,” said the “Meyacota label owner.
She believes that once you establish credibility, you encounter fewer obstacles, but getting to that point isn’t easy. Her first fashion show will forever be a special memory, but organizing it was very difficult because at the time, she was considered a novice and lacked the credibility of a serious designer.
“I’ve tried to give all of my collections a personal touch. The first collection was a combination of fashion and film, because at that time, I was thinking about my post-high school education, and my two options were fashion and acting,” Arifović recalled.
One of her collections, called “Rebel,” consists of creations inspired by topics that we often turn a blind eye to, such as the fight for LGBTQ equality, violence against men, and feminism. She explained that some of her pieces feature references to Cher’s famous declaration “Mom, I am a rich man,” while another is dedicated to a girl who was sexually abused in Kosovo. One of her creations, “O is not a size,” symbolically challenges the idea that beauty is based on weight.
Arifović points out that she has never received any negative comments and has had support from the very beginning.
“I’m not someone who thinks too much about the past or future. I like to live in the present. I like to carry out every plan and idea immediately,” she noted.
Last December, she held her third fashion show, called “I am woman,” drawing inspiration from feminism. With this collection, she wanted to convey the strength that all women possess, incorporating feminist motifs into her creations.
“Your gender is not a deciding factor or a barrier to success. For example, fashion design is classified as a ‘female’ profession, but we know that many of the best fashion designers in the world are, in fact, men. So, entrepreneurship or any occupation shouldn’t be associated with any one gender,” asserts Arifović.
Her message to all women hesitant to enter the world of entrepreneurship is that “constant work, innovation and a sense of marketing are the keys to success. If you’re afraid to start something or pursue the life you dream about because of what others say, you’ll never succeed. Value your own opinion and the opinions of people close to you—everyone else is just a spectator and has no real influence on your life, nor do their comments”.

created: January 19th, 2024

author: Elma Hasanspahić


text:
The Fight against Appearance-Based Discrimination | Balkan Diskurs
Almedina Alihodžić
January 21st, 2024
Arabella Lakić is a business economy student and young entrepreneur from Breza, near Sarajevo, who has managed to overcome discrimination due to her weight.
Psychologists warn that appearance-based discrimination usually starts in early childhood but add that encouraging proper social values offers a promising solution.
“When you’re a teenager and still developing yourself as a person, every negative comment affects your self-confidence and habits,” Arabella reflected, adding that while she wouldn’t say that she experienced severe bullying, certain remarks led her to become shyer and more withdrawn.
Psychologist Ajla Gljiva-Cikotić explains that appearance-based discrimination “starts at a young age, causing children, and later adults, to grow silent and suppress their emotions.”
“It’s important to understand that a five-year-old child doesn’t learn to treat others badly on their own, but from the environment, usually the parents,” said Gljiva-Cikotić.
The Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination defines discrimination as “any differential treatment, including exclusion, limitation, and favoritism, on real or assumed grounds,” directed towards individuals or groups on the basis of “race, skin color, language, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, national or social origin, national minority affiliation, political or other belief, property status, trade union membership, sexual characteristics, or any other circumstance,” which intentionally or unintentionally hinders the equal exercise of their rights and freedoms in any aspect of life.
Arabella describes her experiences of discrimination and rejection based on her physical appearance as painful. “In elementary school, I was in a situation where a modeling agency visited us, and they wanted to hold modeling classes for children. It seemed great to me, and I wanted to sign up and learn something new.” However, she said that the judgmental looks and remarks she received afterwards were enough to extinguish her desire to pursue this new experience.
She believes that education starts at home but acknowledges the difficulty of explaining to children starting school it is wrong to judge people on the basis of religion, economic status, appearance, or similar grounds. Thus, she emphasizes the need for a greater focus on these topics in schools, which could be achieved with workshops, exercises, or even introducing a specialized course to prepare students for encountering these issues in the real world.
According to Gljiva-Cikotić, a universal and effective rule is that every change begins at the individual level. “The first stage in combatting discrimination should be in the family, which can be supported by psychological workshops in schools. On the other hand, the media can also play a significant role. As the most effective means of modern communication, they can make helpful contributions,” said Gljiva-Cikotić, emphasizing the need to reflect on and adopt proper social values.
In coping with appearance-based discrimination, Arabella’s strategy is to remain focused on her desires and dreams. “When I started high school, I joined a national association of high school students, which really helped me in finding myself. I went to camps, various seminars, and workshops where I met open-minded, unprejudiced people around whom you can be your true self,” said Arabella.
Her advice to everyone facing discrimination on any grounds is to pursue their dreams, and to make this pursuit their main priority in life.
“Everything they’re going through right now will be behind them one day, and it will help them grow into better people, for themselves and the community,” Arabella concluded.

created: January 21st, 2024

author: Almedina Alihodžić


text:
Call for applications: PEACE Festival ’24 | Balkan Diskurs
Balkan Diskurs
January 23rd, 2024
The Post-Conflict Research Center (PCRC) and Balkan Diskurs invite young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in the third edition of Peace Festival in Vitez from February 22 to 26, 2024.
The Peace Festival is a unique PCRC initiative which aims to strengthen the active engagement of young people and local communities in the process of building peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina through collaboration on art projects, activities and workshops dedicated to conflict transformation and social reconciliation. Video from last year’s Festival is available here.
This year’s Peace Festival includes a variety of activities for young people, including music concerts, theater performances, photo exhibitions, art workshops, screenings of documentaries, and promotions of various peace activities of domestic and international organizations. The festival is held on the premises of Čardaci Ethno village in Vitez, on the banks of the Lašva River.
Selected participants are expected to be present during all days of the Festival. The costs of transportation, accommodation, and food will be paid by the organizers. If you are interested in participating, fill out the form that you can find ovdje and send it to [email protected]. The deadline for applications to the Festival is February 12, 2024.

created: January 23rd, 2024

author: Balkan Diskurs


text:
Love for Nature Portrayed through Art | Balkan Diskurs
Dženisa Joldić
January 26th, 2024
Retired life doesn’t have to be dull and unproductive, and Zaim Isić, a former teacher, is living proof. In retirement, he has channeled his love for the outdoors into crafting useful tools, including wooden knives with durable aluminum blades, sheaths, and grinders for things like apples and corn, and more. Visitors often describe his handmade products as works of art.
He says that crafting a knife is not an easy task, and he dedicates his maximum attention to each one, ensuring that every knife is unique, as are the covers he makes for them. It takes him anywhere from 25 to 30 hours to create a single knife and sheath set.
“Every profession has is a process to follow, and knife-making is no exception. The process involves finding materials, sketching, cutting, forging, filing, and tempering, among other things,” explains Isić.
He has set up a workshop next to his house where he makes knives with unique handles and sews covers for them, ensuring sharpness while minimizing the possibility of causing harm.  In his work, he utilizes a drill, drilling disc, cutting tools, anvil, emery disc, polishing disc, polishing paste, ruler, forge fire, and various types of files.
When it comes to obtaining the materials to make knives and sheaths, he says that he purchases some and finds others in nature. His knife handles are made from various types of wood, such as walnut, mulberry, plum, yew, Brazilian walnut, ash, and beech, while the blades are foraged from durable aluminum.
“People are very interested, especially hunters, hikers, and outdoorsmen, but there are many others who enjoy using them around the house. I’ve sold a great many knives as well as given many as gifts,” said Isić.
Asked if he has a favorite knife out of all those he has crafted, Isić responds that while all of them are special and unique, there is one of which he is particularly fond because he made it using a combination of five types of wood. When visitors come to his workshop, he says they notice this knife right away, adding, “That knife attracts a lot of attention.”.
In addition to crafting knives, Isić fills his retirement days by making meat spits, grills, apple and corn grinders, and other items.
“Everything can be made with the right attitude. If a person wants to work, they’ll find a way,” Isić asserts.
He believes that a person has to love what they do in order to accomplish great things. Given that skilled craftspeople are becoming increasingly scarce, he says he would like to see more interest in his craft among young people. “We from the older generations will do this as long as we can, but when we’re gone, it will be difficult to find craftsmen,” notes Isić.
He gives away some of the handmade products as gifts and sells others. The interest of his visitors inspires him to create more and more interesting designs, which they refer to as the art of Master Isić.

created: January 26th, 2024

author: Dženisa Joldić


text:
Lana Ferizović-Karađole: I Have Forever Remained a ʻThumbelinaʼ and Proudly | Balkan Diskurs
Muamer Zukanović
January 28th, 2024
During the siege of Sarajevo, the longest siege of a capital city in modern history, Lana Ferizović, as a young girl, sang in Palčići [Thumbelinas]—a children’s choir that sent messages of peace and love to the world.
During this time, she wrote a book of songs, as well as acted, sang, and recited her poetry. Today, along with being a medical doctor and professor, Lana Ferizović-Karađole continues to nurture her passion for music. As she says, “I do most of my work through music because I believe that the best things come from the heart and it’s easier to remember something if it’s sung.”
“Once you become a Thumbelina, you remain one forever. I sang for peace before the war, during the war, and I sing now. I use music as a tool in education to promote health and prevent disease,” said the Sarajevo native who currently lives in Dubrovnik.
During the war, she explains that the Thumbelinas sang in the RTV House, the destroyed City Hall, basements, private homes, or “wherever we could under the rain of shells.” In addition to children’s songs, they sang songs dedicated to Sarajevo, recipients of the Zlatni Ljiljani [Golden Lilies] military medal, and even the Operetta Europa.
She became a member of the Thumbelinas at the age of eight and emphasizes: “I have forever remained one and proudly bear that title.”
The majority of the poems in her collection Iskre u tami [“Sparks in the Darkness”] were written during the siege of Sarajevo. She participated in the children’s radio show “Radiodrom,” hosted by Velimir Milošević, a children’s poet and a former star of the Radio Television Sarajevo morning program. She acted and recited her poems, some of which were later set to music and performed on the Mali šlager children’s singing competition. Later, she released a pop music album titled Nešto [“Something”], which she wrote and recorded herself, with musical arrangements by Nermin Dedić-Fićo.
“I took my first steps into singing as Thumbelina in the children’s Thumbelinas choir under the baton of Professor Slavko Olujić and I’ve really carried the title of Thumbelina proudly from an early age. I was even born prematurely, after seventh months, just like Thumbelina,” Ferizović-Karađole says with a smile.
She recollected that during the cold days of the war, on military cots in basements with other neighbors and local children, with candles or lanterns providing at least a little light in the darkness, she practiced solfeggio, sang, and tapped with frozen hands to overcome the hardship and suffering they were experiencing.
She adds that while she practiced her first notes under faint candlelight, a barrage of shells, cannons, and mortars echoed in the background. “Those aren’t pleasant sounds, but I tried to overcome them with song,” she emphasized. She added that under that same rain of grenades, she ran to attend rehearsals for the Thumbelinas choir, “Radiodrom,” the drama club, and for a time, a basement school, located in a former butcher shop.
She recalled that once, when she was in front of the building with some friends, the detonation of a grenade blasted them onto the stairs. The children were covered in blood, some were missing limbs, many were wounded, and others were gone—they had perished. By some miracle, she survived, bearing witness to the struggle of children against the ravages of war.
Back then, as a young girl, and even today, as a mother of a boy, she didn’t understand why war was happening and doesn’t understand why it still happens in the world. From her parents and older siblings, she says she learned the importance of helping other people. “Just before the war in Sarajevo, my family helped refugees from Vukovar by welcoming them into our small, modest home in one room that we had. That’s when I learned that it’s not about how much you have, but what you share with others,” emphasized Ferizović-Karađole.
At that time, they were featured as the family of the year in the magazine Mila, and she wears a sweater in the family photo that says PEACE. “Then and now, I want peace. In that sweater, I sang for peace with my dear Thumbelinas,” she stated.
The iconic Thumbelinas children’s choir reunited 20 years after the siege of Sarajevo. As Ferizović-Karađole describes “It was wonderful, after so many years, to find former Thumbelinas, now grown mothers, singing songs with our children—Sarajka, Volim Sarajevo, Skenderija, and so on—on the same stage that means life,” said Ferizović-Karađole.
Thumbelinas also received the Sloboda award in 2017 because, as little ones, they opposed the cruel war with songs.
“We were little Thumbelinas, small but truly important,” Ferizović-Karađole adds, emphasizing that it taught them that there is always hope, that there is a spark of light in darkness, and that song is stronger than any evil in the world. Because of songs and companionship, children in Sarajevo had a childhood, a wartime childhood, which could fill books.
Ferizović-Karađole graduated from the Sarajevo University Medical Faculty, where she met her husband, who is also a medical doctor. They studied together, took exams together, and graduated together. Currently, they are employed at the Medical School and the Maritime School in Dubrovnik.
“I sing those songs to my child and to the students of the Dubrovnik Medical School, where I work as a professor, but I also write new ones,” she said, adding that she passes on what she learned as a little girl—the knowledge, experience, song, pain, joy, and happiness found in the little things that make life meaningful—because the best lessons are learned by example.
She strives to set a positive example and be role model for children navigating the treacherous waters of life, because their lives and the lives of others are in their hands.

created: January 28th, 2024

author: Muamer Zukanović


text:
Roma Language as a Guardian of Identity | Balkan Diskurs
Amina Bašić
February 2nd, 2024
The Roma language and education play a crucial role in preserving Roma culture and identity. However, given the insufficient support and integration within today’s educational system, the Roma language is increasingly less spoken and is nearing extinction within Roma communities, which are considered the largest minority in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Emin Fafulić, a young Roma whose proficiency in the Roma language is at a beginner level, explains that he had no opportunity to use the language during his education: „The Roma language was never mentioned in the curriculum, nor was it used in any way during instruction.”
In the modern age, according to Emin, the Roma language is hardly spoken among the younger generations in some Roma communities, resulting in its gradual disappearance. To prevent this from happening, he emphasizes that the educational system should ensure opportunities to learn the Roma language as well Roma language instruction in other subjects, which would facilitate the learning process for Roma children, enabling them to master materials that are exclusively in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian. Emin adds that encouraging the learning of the Roma language would also help support Roma children on their educational journey.
Despite some teachers showing interest in Roma language and culture, Emin still notices a general lack of attention to Roma culture within the educational system. He believes that with additional support and changes, the Roma language can be integrated into the curriculum, ultimately leading to greater recognition of Roma culture.
According to official estimates, between 25,000 and 50,000 Roma live in Bosnia and Herzegovina, making them the country’s largest minority. They are also recognized as the most neglected and vulnerable minority group, with the majority of Roma families living in conditions that can be characterized as a multidimensional poverty. According to available data, only 47 percent of Roma children old enough to enroll in primary school attend the first grade.
As a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Bosnia and Herzegovina has committed to respecting the rights listed in the Convention and guaranteeing them to every child, irrespective of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic, or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.
Emin believes that integrating the Roma language into the educational system would provide Roma with a sense of belonging, self-confidence, and better educational outcomes. This integration, accompanied by additional support and investment, would constitute a meaningful step towards a more inclusive and just educational system.
On International Roma Day, observed on April 8, last year, the president of the Euro Rom Association, Nedžad Jusić, told the media that they want to introduce Roma language and elements of Roma traditional culture into the education system.
“I’m confident that the relevant ministry and Pedagogical Institute will recognize this need and introduce the aforementioned subject. We have experts, we have literature, all the prerequisites to introduce this subject,” said Jusić, emphasizing that establishing a Roma cultural center in Tuzla would lay the foundations for preserving Roma culture in the area.

created: February 2nd, 2024

author: Amina Bašić


text:
The Ditrih Sisters: Symbols of Resistance and Peace | Balkan Diskurs
Elma Hasanspahić
February 5th, 2024
Tihoslava, Borislava, and Miroslava Ditrih, three young sisters who were brutally murdered during the Second World War, are symbols of peace and resistance in Zenica. There is limited information about their activities due to the lack of archival material and the clandestine nature of their work. However, the great importance attributed to their story is reflected by the central street in Zenica named in their honor.
The sisters, affectionately known as Lina, Borka, and Mira, were collaborators of the National Liberation Movement (NLM) in Zenica, supporting the Partisan anti-fascist resistance. By providing intelligence on the movements of occupying armed forces, they contributed to the efficacy and safety of this covert movement’s operations.
Mirza Džananović holds a PhD in historical sciences and works as a professor at the University of Zenica, in addition to serving as the president of the Zjenica Association for the Protection of Human, Intellectual, and Cultural Values. He explains that the Ditrih sisters and other NLM collaborators were required to work with the utmost caution and secrecy so as not to endanger their own lives or those of other members of the movement.
Despite their efforts to uphold this operational principle, the Ditrih sisters were discovered and arrested during a raid carried out by the occupying intelligence services in mid-December 1944. They were then taken to Zenica Prison and ruthlessly tortured before being transferred to the Jasenovac concentration camp, where they were eventually executed in April 1945, just a few days before the territory’s liberation.
“The fate of the Ditrih sisters is perhaps the best illustration of the brutality and lawlessness of the occupying regime. The sisters’ tormentors and murderers didn’t even care that their victims were young girls,” says Džananović.
According to official records from the Jasenovac camp, Lina, the oldest sister, was born in 1925 in Nemila near Zenica, Borka in 1927, and Mira in 1928 in Pale (Eastern Sarajevo).
Like many cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Zenica fell under the brutal occupation of Nazi and Ustasha forces during the Second World War. Upon seizing the city in mid-April 1941, these forces introduced a series of measures aimed at persecuting residents who did not fit into the regime’s plans, primarily Jews and Serbs. As time passed, an increasing number of inhabitants residents were killed, tortured, and persecuted.
Speaking about the horrors endured by Zenica residents, Džananović estimates that around 1,000 people perished, including nearly the entire Jewish population of the city. He noted that the occupation of Zenica was especially severe due to the strategic importance of the city’s industrial capacities.
“There were several intelligence services operating in the city, which continuously worked to eliminate all opponents of the regime, suspicious persons, and especially associates of the National Liberation Movement. The resistance movement in Zenica was completely destroyed several times in seizures and raids by the occupiers, with many members either killed on the spot or imprisoned in Zenica Penitentiary or one of the concentration camps like Jasenovac, from which most never returned,” Džananović said.
The story of the Ditrih sisters testifies to how little this chapter of Zenica’s past has been explored as well as to the uncertain and sometimes unreliable nature of the information that is currently available. In most accounts, they are referred to by the nicknames Mira, Borka and Lina, while on the monument erected to them and in the Jasenovac registry, they are listed as Miroslava, Borislava and Tihoslava. In other sources, the name Angelina even appears instead of Tihoslava.
Džananović stresses that although the Ditrih sisters’ fate was tragic and shocking, it is important to share their story and remember the courage of these young women who, in harsh and harrowing times, risked their lives to help fight against the fascist regime.
“The price they and their families paid for this courage was terrible. Almost the entire family was wiped out. For all of these reasons, I hold the opinion that the Ditrih sisters’ story must not be forgotten,” Džananović added.
During the socialist era, an elementary school in Zenica was named after the Ditrih sisters and a monument bearing their image stood in the school yard. However, the school was renamed during the last war and the monument was moved to another location. Džananović believes this was a disgraceful and discourteous act. He says that the street named after the sisters is downtown Zenica near the administrative headquarters is potentially misleading, as he doesn’t believe the sisters have been shown sufficient respect and reverence.
“The street is both short and hidden, so many people from Zenica who live in that part of the city don’t even know it has a name, much less that it’s named after these sisters,” Dženanović points out.
The professor notes that according to some reports, there was a fourth Ditrih sister, Marija, who is believed to have survived and contributed to live in Zenica, where she contributed to the city’s post-war recovery. According to Džananović,  Zenica’s reconstruction has been complicated, but in brief it can be said to have been an intensive process driven by strong industrial development.
“During the socialist period, Zenica was transformed into a modern city with many educational, cultural, athletic, and other facilities. In fact, that’s when our city took on the shape and appearance it has today. The term we most commonly use to describe the Zenica of that era is “bustling,” and indeed, that description is very fitting. At the time, Zenica was a large construction site and people moved there from all over the country,” explained Džananović.
Asked whether anyone stands out as having followed in the Ditrih sisters’ footsteps during the last war, the professor acknowledges that many people made substantial contributions to the defense and development of the city during wartime. However, he says that drawing a direct comparison with the Ditrih sisters is impossible given the fact that as much adversity as Zenica faced during the 1992-1995 war, the city was not under occupation and freedom was being defended there. This is the reason, according to Džananović, that tens of thousands of refugees from numerous cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Croatia came to Zenica. He points out that in 1991, the first refugees from Vukovar and other fallen Croatian cities arrived in Zenica, a fact that is often forgotten.
“Later on, unfortunately, the number of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina rose continually, with some estimates from 1995 suggesting that the city’s population exceeded 200,000, of which there were over 50,000 refugees and displaced persons,” notes Džananović.

created: February 5th, 2024


text:
Nurturing the Heritage of Sevdalinka and the Revival of the Saz | Balkan Diskurs
Amir Barleci
February 9th, 2024
The Sevdah Foundation is an association of music professionals and creators dedicated to preserving and nurturing the Bosnian folk music tradition of Sevdalinka. Young people, determination, knowledge, and enthusiasm are the main resources and the driving forces at the center of their work.
Ethnomusicologist Damir Galijašević, founder and director of the Sevdah Foundation, explained that through the project Sevdah of Bosnian Podrinje, they have curated around 60 of the most beautiful Sevdalinka classics by renowned composers of the genre, as well both traditional and original melodies from the Podrinje region. The project includes audio recordings featuring young as well as prominent interpreters and esteemed performers from the Bosnian Podrinje area, and is accompanied by a book containing musical notations, lyrics, historical sources, and portraits of notable Sevdah performers from the region.
“Our aim is to gradually encompass and thoroughly explore the entire Sevdah territory in this manner,” said Galijašević. He emphasized that special attention has been given to the traditional Bosnian instrument known as the saz, which was once a common accompaniment in Sevdalinka music and has been experiencing a revival in recent years. They have released an album featuring the masterful saz player Rajko Simeunović from Bijeljina, and there are plans to release an album by another prominent saz player, Avdo Lemeš.
The promotion of talented young Sevdah interpreters is also a focal point for the foundation. Its digital platform features an album by the young Emina Grahić, one of the most refreshing Sevdah surprises today. An album by Alma Subašić has also been recorded in collaboration with the music production team of the radio and television broadcast service of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Galijašević proudly predicts that “with ten traditional songs and one new addition, featuring specific arrangements and interpretations of Sevdalinka with accordion, piano, orchestra, saz, and violin, this album will undoubtedly push the boundaries of Sevdah.”
He observes that the popularity of Sevdalinka today is considerable, which can be largely attributed to a plethora of Sevdalinka interpreters adapting this music to contemporary times. These include Damir Imamović, Amira Medunjanin, and the Divanhana ensemble, among others.
“Their individual international successes have allowed us here to rediscover the true beauty we have in our Sevdalinka, the greatest cultural treasure of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Galijašević.
Youth Interest
Interest in Sevdalinka among young people is evident. Galijašević notes that they often hear from young interpreters as well as students and researchers of the musical genre from all over the world. Via social media and email, they receive requests for assistance with better interpretive accompaniment or in accessing archival resources for academic use.
“The audiences at our concerts include young and old Sevdah enthusiasts alike,” says Galijašević, recalling seven concerts held in various cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Goražde, where young people filled the front rows.
Comparing Sevdalinka’s standing to other traditional folk genres worldwide, such as Chanson, Canzone, and Fado, Galijašević believes that Sevdalinka has its place and isn’t lagging behind others. “This has yet to be confirmed with Sevdalinka’s inclusion on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. The selfless and substantial dedication of the Sevdah Foundation is crucial in this effort,” he adds.
The Sweetest Remedy
Reflecting on how people can contribute to the popularization of Sevdalinka, Galijašević says that it’s enough to love and enjoy the music. He acknowledged the need for greater media focus on Sevdalinka, emphasizing the potential benefits of backing from a major media outlet, as was the case with Radio-Television Sarajevo during its peak.
At the end of the conversation, Galijašević addressed a message to all Sevdah enthusiasts: “I’d like to end with a verse by the legendary Joza Penava, one of the most important song-writers of the Sevdalinka tradition: ‘Sevdah isn’t the murky Drina that leaves devastation in its wake, but rather the sweetest remedy for those who ail to heal! May Sevdah be our remedy, forever!’”

created: February 9th, 2024

author: Amir Barleci


text:
Balkan rap: Activism in music will never die out | Balkan Diskurs
Melani Isović
February 12th, 2024
Music cares not for geographic and other boundaries. Fans and admirers of the same kind of music may easily find each other and be connected, ignoring everything that divides them.
Among the most popular musical genres of recent years is rap music, which is based on rebellion and addressing topics of social significance. The rap music of the region speaks about the issues that are common to all the countries of the Western Balkans, so easily reaches its audience. Simply put, it speaks a language that everyone understands because it is street music.
Mirela Priselac Remi, a fighter for women’s rights and gender equality and a member of the Elemental group from Croatia, says that any kind of art can connect not only the Balkans, but also bring the Balkans closer to the international audience.
“One of the advantages of art is its universal language, even in cases when we do not understand the language, as is the case with music in the Balkan languages. I believe that in music in the Balkan languages, there are universals of messages and feel that make it understandable not only to the Balkans, but also to international audiences,” explains Remi.
“Its popularity further contributes to the opportunities that rap as a – potentially – engaged genre has. In the case of engagement, its role and impact are enormous – it can serve as a pan-Yugoslav link among nations for which cultural cooperation should be a priority, for a number of reasons. One of them is certainly the fact that the music markets individually do not have a particularly wide reach, but joint efforts can create such a significant territory for the presentation and harnessing of art,” said Remi.
She believes that the Western Balkans have not yet realized the importance and capacity of rap, because of which no one has paid enough attention to the analysis of rap and trap music.
“I would say that due to the lack of a more serious sociological or musicological analysis, the public – and to a large extent, the protagonists of the scene – are not even aware of the huge potential influence of local rap and trap. There has been no more serious approach to these two genres in the Balkans, except for a few articles that dealt with comparative analysis at the level of ‘Is trap the music of the future?’. Such an analysis has been simplified, already seen, and indicates a complete lack of interest in a more serious study of new genres,” she states.
Remi was inspired by the protagonists of the African-American rap scene in her early teens, but they were not the reason she started making music.
“In fact, it is quite difficult to determine the exact reason. Maybe I was just responding to a desire to express myself creatively in a genre that I thought was the least restrictive. Despite the image of a macho musical direction, rap as a genre attracted me with its engaged nature and interesting rhythmic patterns, offering me the opportunity to express myself textually beyond the classical constraints of pop music,” explains Remi.
The full effect and influence of this genre are insufficiently utilized for social change. The full potential of rap, as a conscious mechanism, is often not even realized.
“Those who exploited it the most are mostly from the marketing sector, where we often find rap music in promotional videos of various brands. Civil society organizations, activist initiatives and platforms, or prominent individuals may use it as a training ground for raising awareness and social change. Socially or politically engaged artists are much more than mere rebels – they are people with an agenda and a plan whose primary task is to raise awareness but then to act in the arts and the public, with a call for concrete change. It is much more than rebellion, sarcasm or provocation,” she emphasizes.
Messaging and Social Engagement
Dejan Dedović Dedduh, a member of the group Who See from Montenegro, says that music is mostly divided into good and bad. The only difference is that good music is listened to for much longer.
“Rap is widely known as a narrative genre, with the text often being the most important part of the composition. The message is delivered to the listeners directly. Later, it is up to the end consumer to digest that amount of information exactly as they would digest a movie or television show. Messages are sent in various ways, through all types of media, and we never know when they affect someone. I guess that due to geography and history, not even some rap songs affect every Balkan person in the same way,” explains Dedduh.
He further states that rap music contributes to the fact that some things are not forgotten, despite our tendency to do so.
“Let’s take into account that rap started from rebellion. We can easily conclude that it is an important part of social engagement. I am not in favor of telling the same story non-stop, but of telling that story once and for all. The great names of Yugoslav music have described some important socio-political moments and events and rap will contribute to not forgetting some things. And we are prone to forgetting,” emphasizes Dedduh.
The Merging of Genres
Music has changed in recent years by merging different genres and thus increasing the audience of rap music in the Western Balkans.
“We rappers have a unique way of expressing our views on life. Music has changed in the last few years and got a more modern sound. And when turbo-folk singers started working with rappers and with trap rhythms, they raised the popularity of hip hop to number one,” explains Benjamin Mujadžić from the Slovenian group La Bagra.
He highlights the fact that the Western Balkans has gone through wars and recession, people have been out of work, and have gone through all kinds of struggles.
“Our music is the streets’ music and it belongs to the people. They can feel and understand what we write, as well as it motivates them not to give up on their dreams. We are not on our own. That is a very important message,” emphasizes Mujadžić.
A Tool for Young People
Bosnian rapper Edin Osmić, better known as Edo Maajka, points out that music and art in general can connect this region and connect different people who have similar problems.
“I became convinced of that with the work of my entire generation of musicians, and older ones as well. In the most difficult times, there have been musicians who, through their songs and performances, bring harmony and take the madness out of people’s heads, at least for some period of time,” says Edo Maajka.
The importance of rap music is great and can serve as a tool for young people against the social problems they face every day.
“It is important as it serves as an icebreaker. It encourages communication and cooperation. Also, rap is a tool and a medium in which you can say a lot in a short time, it is an outlet for young people in times of injustice, corruption, social problems, etc. Rap is definitely important for the Western Balkans,” says Edo Maajka.
He points out that there is no generation without problems, nor a perfect society. Rap music can make people aware, but it is questionable how much it can actually change things. Although raising awareness alone is a great success and a great victory in itself.
“In music, punk and rap are very similar to my mind, in terms of consciousness among listeners. I have to add, though, that the new generations are a little saturated with this awareness in the songs. It is felt in the newer trends. One guy told me that he was tired of being bombarded with reality, with content from portals, television and radio. Such songs are too tiring for him. I fully understand him. But I think that activism in music will never die out,” states Edo Maajka.
Sarcasm as a Weapon
Macedonian Rap Skillz member Jordan Ivanov explains that sarcasm and rebellion are key in rap music. It all started with social upheavals.
“Specifically, the Western Balkans are inhabited by people who have the same socio-economic problems that transcend them and form the same framework through which we see the world. That is why cooperation among artists from the countries of the Western Balkans is important and can contribute to the rapprochement of cultural differences between nations, enabling the artists themselves to break into another scene outside their country. It is important from the aspect of developing critical thinking and highlighting all the issues in society, and to give the younger generations a different perspective, that is, the prism through which the world is observed,” he says.
Rap music has influenced other musical directions as well. Merging with other genres in the last few years, rap music is getting closer to a wider audience.
“Rap music is certainly a driving force and a key factor in both music and pop culture. At the top of the music industry for several years now, we have mixed music genres that include genres like trap, followed by pop and folk music. Rap has definitely been more and more present in the last few years and although the focus of some artists is on other genres, they are trying to incorporate it or collaborate with rap artists in order to expand and gain a wider audience,” says Ivanov.
He calls his audience ‘followers’ and ‘supporters’, not fans. He believes that as a group, they have positively influenced many people who, through their music, first encountered the culture of rap.

created: February 12th, 2024

author: Melani Isović