"The Bosnian Identity" Top 5 Page for this destination Bosnia and Herzegovina by travelife

Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Guide: 3,706 reviews and 7,429 photos

Sarajevan children - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Not surprisingly, Bosnia & Herzegovina brings on the picture of war-reporting and the overused term of 'ethnic cleansing'.

Both Serbian and Croatian scholars tend to identify Bosnians as their own people, thus to claim a larger territory of their own. But the Bosnians say something else: The all three people living in this area were always isolated by mountains or river (Drina, Sava etc.) and share more in common within than with... though historic Croatian border was at some point upto Jaice. Even after the announcement of independence of Bosnia there were 'peace rallies' from all sides in support of the Bosnian state and against the intervention of Belgrade. A reason for those peace rallies was that a large number of mixed marriages among Catholics, Muslims and Orthodox. As the question concerns whether Bosnians are former Catholics or Orthodox ---- the answer would be some from both of them but the most from the members of Bosnian church which was loosely related to Rome and severed ties with international Roman catholicism around 12th century. Bosnian Church remained a low key church without any control over the state and tolerated by the later Catholic rulers until 1459 when Papal aid against the Turks became conditional, i.e. elimination of the Bosnian church. A weak institution throughout its existence, members overwhelmingly converted to Islam to avoid persecutions from kings and also gained positions in Ottoman hierarchy.

As there has been a sense of differentiating from the sister Serbo-Croatian language and because of a new religion, many words from Arabic, Persian and/or Turkish were incorporated into Bosnian language. A slightly distinctive accent has also been developed this way. The term 'Bosniak' is used to refer Muslims. But the term 'Bosnian' should include all three people. This is a country where you are expected to be 100% politically correct!

Last visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sep 2003
Intro Updated Nov 30, 2004
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Reviews (35)

Sarajevo Map What to Pack (2)

A good map on Sarajevo and road-map would help. There are maps on sale but you can only trust the one recommended by... more travel advice

Umbrella What to Pack (2)

Umbrella: Sarajevo is a place where sun and rain coexist... so don forget your umbrella unless you are in summer... more travel advice

souvenir shps.. - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tahir Kosovic Favorites (6)

I met a painter along this line of butiks named Tahir Kosovic, many of his work based on water-color were on sale,... more travel advice

Bosnian souvenirs - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnian Souvenir 2 Shopping (2)

Brong and brass plates and other items are common couvenirs. As in Sarajevo the main object is Gazi Hucerv Begova... more travel advice

Transportation (3)
See All Travelling to / from Bosnia
Local Customs (3)
See All Visitng Mosques
Hotels (4)
See All Staying with a family 2

Comments (21)

anthylon Mar 7, 2009 at 7:21 AM Report Abuse

I'm from Bosnia. We have so many tourists visiting Bosnia & never happened that some of them had any issues. You can enter inside and take a pictures (if Mosque is open). So, please feel free and take as many images as want:)
neodue Mar 28, 2008 at 8:35 AM Report Abuse

very nice prologue for Bosnia Home page correct and nice comments about Country.thank you
hivaoa1 Jan 11, 2007 at 10:23 AM Report Abuse

i've worked here in the past. i've really enjoyed reading your sarajevo pages greetings from italy!
HORSCHECK Jun 28, 2006 at 12:45 PM Report Abuse

Reza, fantstic page about Bosnia, which is still on my must-visit list. I wanted to go this August, but a friend told me that it still might be too hot for a German ...so I will put the trip off to a later date ... Keep up the good work ... :-)
deecat Nov 28, 2005 at 3:46 PM Report Abuse

Just excellent. I learned so much about this little-known (to me) area. Such a sad history but such strength. Helpful, informative, interesting, historic, and insightful.
skinz Feb 25, 2005 at 1:11 AM Report Abuse

Hi Reza, I liked your page on Bosnia... the Balkans may have a troubled history, but they have great character... its like the little kid who is brought up better through hardships!
lkdahl Dec 13, 2004 at 9:33 AM Report Abuse

Thank for your comment. Your Bosnia page is very fascinating. Good to see that peace and reconstruction are happening in this regoin.
jamiesno Dec 5, 2004 at 1:33 PM Report Abuse

These were some excellent tips. I enjoyed rating them. It's a shame this part of eastern europe has been scarred by war, I hope it comes back better than ever some day. Staying with a family would be a great experience I am sure. Cheers from Canada! :-)
Tijavi Oct 6, 2004 at 7:50 PM Report Abuse

We all hope this place would soon get back on its feet and the people live in peace and harmony. Thanks for sharing your travel to this country.
croisbeauty May 31, 2004 at 12:44 PM Report Abuse

Very well done, coffee is kahva and cafe-bar = kahvana, it was cultural, political and social meeting point of Bosnians in the past times. I am partly Bosnian