Photographs from Bosnia and Herzegovina
This series is a personal journey through Sarajevo’s past—my way of understanding the siege that lasted from 1992 to 1996.
I visited places where key events happened, traces of war, memories of sport, and where the spirit of the city somehow survived.
Banja Luka
On my way to Sarajevo I made a stop in the city of Banja Luka which is the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina
and administrative center of the Republika Srpska, one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Way to Sarajevo
Sarajevo
After the first visit to Sarajevo, I’ve returned to explore the city for three weeks one day at a time. I was interested to see various locations linked to the history of the siege of the city. Each day was a new discovery, which I capture through spontaneous photographs that reflect my evolving impressions of the city.
The Burning Library
a tragic event that occurred during the Siege of Sarajevo when the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina was severely damaged by a fire.
In 1992, the library, which housed thousands of valuable manuscripts, rare books, and historical records, was set ablaze by artillery fire. The destruction was symbolic of the cultural and intellectual losses suffered during the conflict. The fire gutted much of the building, and although some materials were salvaged, many irreplaceable texts were lost.
During the War, Ilidža, a suburban area of Sarajevo, was heavily affected by the conflict. Strategically located, it was caught between opposing forces, suffering significant damage and constant crossfire. The area also became a refuge for displaced people, with shifting frontlines keeping it in a state of tension.
Coca-Cola as a Symbol of Resistance: Coca-Cola's presence in Sarajevo during the war was more than just about the product itself; it became a symbol of resistance and survival. The ability to obtain and consume something as simple as Coca-Cola was seen as a small but significant act of defiance against the siege and the forces trying to break the city's spirit.
Map showing the borders and defensive lines during the siege of Sarajevo (1992-96).
Sarajevo’s urban landscape is a mix of history and culture, with Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, socialist, and post-war architecture. Nestled between the Dinaric Alps and the Miljacka River, the city offers a unique and visually striking blend of styles.
The Sebilj fountain in Sarajevo was originally built in the late 16th century. It is a wooden kiosk-like structure with a distinctive Ottoman design, often depicted in postcards of the city. Historically, it served as a public fountain where people could get drinking water.
Hrasno is a residential neighborhood in Sarajevo, located in the southern part of the city, near the foothills of the Dinaric Alps. It is one of the many districts that contributes to the diverse urban fabric of Sarajevo, offering a mix of modern and older buildings and a distinct local character.
In Sarajevo, ćevapi are usually served in a somun (a soft, slightly thicker flatbread), along with chopped onions and a side of ajvar (a red pepper-based condiment). The combination of the smoky, flavorful ćevapi with the soft bread and tangy ajvar creates an culinary experience.
The Alipasino Polje is a residential area in Sarajevo. During the Siege of Sarajevo (1992–1996), it was one of the neighborhoods most severely affected by the conflict.
The Siege of Sarajevo was the longest sieges in modern warfare, with the city being surrounded and bombarded for nearly four years.
Winter in Sarajevo is a blend of natural beauty, with snowy landscapes, an Olympic legacy, and a festive spirit, making it an unforgettable destination for winter enthusiasts.
The Sarajevo 1984 logo features a stylized snowflake combined with Bosnian embroidery patterns, symbolizing both the winter theme and the region's cultural heritage. The mascot, Vučko, a friendly wolf, represents courage, strength, and a connection to the wilderness. Vučko became one of the most beloved Olympic mascots due to its universal appeal and emotional resonance.
The Sarajevo Roses are a poignant and emotional symbol of the devastating siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War (1992–1995). They refer to the remnants of bomb craters in the city's streets that have been filled with red resin or concrete, transforming them into memorials for the victims of the war. These memorials are scattered throughout the city, marking sites where deadly mortar or artillery shells fell, leaving behind the scars of the violence that ravaged Sarajevo during its nearly four-year siege.
After the war ended in 1995, a few individuals and organizations began the effort to fill some of these craters with red resin or concrete, creating symbolic "roses"—a powerful reminder of the bloodshed that occurred there.
Each rose represents a specific place where civilians died, and by marking these spots, the city ensures that the memory of the victims remains alive.