Srebrenica

 The visit to Srebrenica was filled with reflection. Thinking of the innocent lives that were lost during that time and being at the place where it actually happened was quite and emotional experience. Learning about the events and the lack of effort made to prevent such tragedy was disappointing at the international community.

Most of the genocides we learn about happen so long ago we never really think its possible not but Srebrenica happened in our lifetime. To think we would have already learned from history so many times before.

Friends Torn by Enemy Lines

The best way to understand the living and social environment of Bosnia is through the eyes of those who witness it.  Dragan is one of those witnesses. He was 20 years old when the war began. He recalled how before the war no one practiced religion publically and ethnic/religious differences were not as important. In fact though he is Orthodox, one of his best friend, Sam, was Muslim. They lived closed by to one another and grew up together sharing and exchanging secrets as well as gaining standing invitations to one another’s homes, even on religious holidays. Dragan would go over his friend Sam’s home for Ramadan and Sam would come over Dragan’s for Christmas. Everyone coexisted happily with one another until war came and drew dividing lines. Serbians ruled the territory where they lived so when the war broke out many Muslims were being targeted and attacked so Dragan help hide Sam; he even managed to help him cross the border to a Muslim community where he would be safe.  Dragan tried to stay in touch with Sam despite the animosity that grew between the two groups. But the war’s influence and all its hateful propaganda became too strong and the friends that were ones considered brothers became enemies of war.

Their paths crossed after the war. Dragan ran into Sam on his way out of the municipality. Sam was with a group of friends. When Dragan tried to approach him to say hello, Sam and his friends attacked him. Sam accused Dragan of being responsible for the death of his brother. Their friendship was no longer significant. The bond that was once so greatly valued was replaced by their ethnic titles. Past relationships and experiences were no longer held importance. Identity defined whether someone was a friend or a foe.

Brewery

Beer in Sarajevo is more for the tourist then the natives. The town is predominately Muslim and they don’t believe in the consumption of alcohol. However, this does not stop people from dabbling in the business for there is a brewery in the very city. Although they have a potential to make large quantities of alcohol they never function at such capacity since the demand isn’t very high. During Ramadan they cut their production by over fifty percent. Because of its low demand, the brewery also uses its facility for the bottling of water. In fact it was the same very brewery that served as Sarajevo’s main supply for water when the war took place.

The Walls Speak for Themselves

When I arrived at Sarajevo, Bosnia it was looking at a collage of “Then and Now.” New glass skyscrapers are found next to grey cement deteriorating buildings that still have holes and fragments blown apart from the bombings during the war. It was an interesting mash up and scenery.  You can walk around the streets and look at the buildings or structures and know a bit of its history. It is a perfect depiction of what is going on in the country. A town trying to move forward but is filled with so much tragedy that it is stuck in a middle of its future and its past.