Muslim Abu Safiyyah Bosnia and Herzegovina - Part 2

26/11/2011

Bosnia and Herzegovina Part 2

In 1992, while ongoing conflicts occurred between the various parties within Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina became the centre of war for the Serbs and partly also for the Croats. Atrocities committed during this war included the killing of non-combatant civilians (old and young), widespread rape of Muslim women, the execution of thousands of men and boys, the expelling of Muslims from their lands and the ransacking and burning down of their properties. The war counted over 100 000 deaths according to some estimates, with the great majority of them being Muslims. The war ended and the fighting was brought a halt in December 1995, with the signing of the Dayton Agreement in Dayton, Ohio (USA) by the presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Alija Izetbegovic), Croatia (Franjo Tuman), and Serbia (Slobodan Milosevic). After the war, the country was left in a difficult state with its economical infrastructure being ruined.

Even in present days, many shell holes on buildings can still be witnessed and are only very slowly being removed. Images such as these can be seen in most cities and villages even 15 years after the seizure of fire.

Muslim Abu Safiyyah Bosnia and Herzegovina - Part 2

26/11/2011

The country is now slowly recovering from the wounds of the war but what happened remains unforgotten for many people, especially the Muslims. In cities such as Mostar, Muslims live on one side of the river and Catholics on the other. They each have their own shopping centres, universities and schools. It was said to me that I should avoid visiting the Catholic side alone or at night time as I might get bullied and insulted (Due to my obvious Muslim appearance). Sarajevo, Mostar and other cities and villages within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina remain good places for the Muslims in general, far better than it was before the war. Countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have spent and are still spending sums of money that are unheard of, to help people finding work placements, establishing learning centres and Mosques. The Athan is heard in many places where Muslims live, and people are making more efforts in their five daily prayers. This is a recent picture of Sarajevo.