Culture of Resistance: “Sarajevo Will Endure, Everything Else Will Pass”

The siege of Sarajevo, the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare, continues to be remembered for its brutal disregard for life. Nevertheless, amidst the grave destruction, daily shelling, and the constant struggle for survival, the people of Sarajevo refused to surrender. During this harrowing period, artists played a vital role, contributing to the birth of a culture of resistance in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and showing that the spirit of Sarajevo will never die.

Only An Honest Man Can Be Free

A theology and history graduate from Banja Luka, Danijel Mihić is often said to be an unusual educator. He strives to be an older friend to his students and teaches them how important it is to stay honest because, in his own words, only an honest man can be free.

The Politicization of Religious Institutions

In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as well as regionally and around the globe, there is a growing trend of intertwining religious and ethnic identities. The fusion of religion and politics can be seen in the construction of monuments to armies on religious properties.

About Us

Balkan Diskurs staff is composed of both local and international members who possess experience and expertise in a wide range of disciplines, ranging from journalism and human rights to peacebuilding and transitional justice. As a team, we are dedicated to supporting young talent, challenging stereotypes and providing viewpoints on society, culture, and politics that cannot be found in other media.
Balkan Diskurs awards
Winner of the Intercultural Achievement Recognition Award by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs.
Acknowledging CRSV: Lessons from BiH for Ukraine (Part III)
Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) has lasting consequences not only for survivors but also their families and communities. According to reports published by NGOs in BiH, memorialization and public acknowledgement of these crimes are an important part of securing justice for victims, facilitating their healing and reintegration into society.

Dawood: Wooden Glasses Conquering the World
In his quest to craft wearable, functional glasses frames from solid wood, Damir Bajraktarević from Sarajevo has discarded more test frames than he can remember. Five years have now passed since he perfected his frames and the result today is his Dawood brand of recognizable wooden glasses and sunglasses.

Alen Salihović: A Bosnian Hero on Turkish Soil
Alen Salihović, a twenty-one-year-old medical student in Tuzla and a member of the Tuzla Mountain Rescue Service (MRS), volunteered to help the distressed Turkish citizens after the devastating earthquakes that began on the night of February 5th, 2023, and affected areas in Turkey and Syria.

Young People from Kalesija Are Choosing Volleyball
Young people, including young athletes, are increasingly leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as a result of inadequate conditions and a lack of support from the authorities. Among those who are determined to stay are volleyball players from the Bosna Club from Kalesija, who believe that volleyball has a future in this small BiH town.

Abrašević: A Safe Haven, A Hub of Activity
Throughout its two decades of work, Abrašević Youth Cultural Center (YCC) has had to support itself in its project of providing Mostar with a social hub, a gathering space, and a place that creates unique and alternative cultural opportunities for young people. Abrašević's history goes back much further than is commonly known, but its goals remain unchanged to this day. 

TRIK Kalesija: Improving Life for Young People
For the fourth year in a row, the association TRIK is bringing young people from the area of Kalesija together in an environment that promotes tolerance, equality, innovation, creativity, and universal human rights. They have also founded a Youth Center, through which they continue to make children and marginalized groups the focus of their work. 

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