Sarajevo: a tragic yet inspirational city

Old Town of Sarajevo

Old Town of Sarajevo

In my travels to forty-six countries, not one place has evoked the kind of emotions that Sarajevo did.  After visiting Sarajevo, I felt depressed, happy, excited, and sad all in one day.  It was true roller coaster of emotions as my wife and I walked throughout the city.  Nestled in a valley among the mountains, Sarajevo is the political, cultural and economic center of Bosnia and Herzegovina.  But it is a true city of contrasts.

Mountains that surround Sarajevo on an overcast day

Mountains that surround Sarajevo on an overcast day

While enjoying the scenic mountains that rise up around the edges of the city you can just as easily see a depressing communist style, bullet riddled apartment buildings.  This type of up and down feeling closely approximates the recent history of Sarajevo.

Bullet riddled Communist style apartment building

Bullet riddled Communist style apartment building

In what surely was one of its proudest moments, Sarajevo served as host of the 1984 Winter Olympics.

Current state of the Olympic Stadium- in disrepair which is somewhat symbolic of Sarajevo (Olympic Host to war torn city in a matter of years)

Current state of the Olympic Stadium- in disrepair which is somewhat symbolic of Sarajevo (Olympic Host to war torn city in a matter of years)

A mere eight years later the city was under siege for four long years during the wars that broke up the former Yugoslavia.  Remnants of this tragic war are still present to this day.

War ravaged building in Sarajevo

War ravaged building in Sarajevo

Monuments scattered throughout the city are a reminder of the conflict that tore apart this proud city.

One of Sarajevo's Roses- mortar shell crater filled in with red resin

One of Sarajevo’s Roses- mortar shell crater filled in with red resin

However, the city has rebounded from the war and there is lots of optimism and hope today.  After walking many miles around the metro area, my general impression was that the people of Sarajevo seem happy.  They were smiling, laughing, and certainly seemed to be enjoying a normal life, one that seemed impossible during the mid 90’s.  However, one cannot help but think about the emotional and physical toll the siege of Sarajevo took upon its residents.

Monument in Sarajevo to the 1500 children killed in the siege

Monument in Sarajevo with the names of 1500 children killed in the siege

With that said, Sarajevo was a highlight of our trip to the Balkans.  The Ottoman influence is ever present throughout the city with a plethora of mosques and their highly visible minarets dotting that landscape.  In addition, the old town of Sarajevo had a very Turkish feel to it.

Mosque in the old town

Mosque in the old town

One of the national dishes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cevapi, was easily accessible at any number of restaurants in the old town of Sarajevo.  Consisting of Kebabs in a pocket of bread with diced onions and cheese, it was absolutely delicious.

Cevapi- national dish of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cevapi- national dish of Bosnia and Herzegovina

In contrast to the Ottoman influences, the city still has a European feel to it with many outdoor cafes and impressive cathedrals.

The outdoor cafes of Sarajevo

The outdoor cafes of Sarajevo

Based off this mixing of cultures and many different religions (Muslim, Roman Catholic, Serbian Orthodox), it was a difficult place to get a feel for.  Despite the recent turbulent history and blending of cultures, Sarajevo felt united and at peace with the present.  It is a city that has overcome so much adversity, almost unimaginable to someone who didn’t live through it.  Sarajevo is a city that is a must visit to anybody traveling through the Balkans.

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