Bosnian People

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Situated in the Balkan Peninsula, Bosnia and Herzegovinainfo-icon is a country where history erupted many times. The latest war left Bosnian people with a lot of reconstruction to be done, both inside and outside. 

Heavily bombed, their country needs them more than ever. But on the street, you can feel the air of peace, of freedom. Bosnian people are alive. You can hear their hearts beating. 

You can expect to find a sad people, with sorrows and regrets. Bosnian people will surprise you. Young and full of life they are trying to manage a new European life. 

They bring with them ancient roots, from Roman times, Oriental flavors, from Ottoman times, and their own joy of living.

Traditions are a good start for anyone who wants to learn more about Bosnian people. Muslims, Christians, or Jews they do respect their religion and habits. All religious holidays are celebrated and respected. Weddings and funerals have a religious air, too. 

It is fascinating to see them on the streets, wearing traditional and modern clothes, drinking exquisite dark coffee, and eating such a diverse food. Try everything; you won’t be disappointed.

Bosnian people rediscover their identity, and the process is beautiful to watch.

Culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina 

The culture of Bosnia is magically diverse, weaving the Oriental and Balkan influences throughout its beautiful cities.

Being a multicultural mix, Bosnian people have something from every one of them. In arts, cuisine, and lifestyle, you can find a blend of Oriental, Balkan, and occidental influences. 

People are different. But tolerance is crucial here. They pray differently, they eat and live in different ways. Still, Bosnian people are united as a people should be. Their national identity is rising.

Read more: Learn Something About Bosnian Neighbours

They celebrate Ramadan and Christmas, have areas where alcohol is prohibited and make homemade brandy. All of these are part of their Bosnian culture.

During the Soviet period, arts were under the state control. Today, arts have blossomed, helping out to heal the wounds of war. Bosnian people have remembered calligraphy and metalwork in the Islamic style. They cherished their strong tradition in music, in performing arts, in celebrating life through art.

Emir Kusturica is one of their best-known exponents.

Nature and Geography of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kravice Waterfalls are just a showcase for an immensely beautiful and diverse nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has mostly a mountainous terrain, dominated by the Dinaric Alps. The South of the country meets the Adriatic Sea and borrows some of its calm. Beautiful landscapes are here for the adventurous.

The climate is also influenced by the Adriatic Sea, which gives it Mediterranean influences. The rest of the country has a continental climate, colder near the mountains. 

You won’t have too hot summers, but cold waves are coming from North and North-East bring snow and frost in the winter.

Traveling in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar Old Bridge is immensely beutiful, and watching the local divers jump in the Neretva River is awe-inducing.

When it comes to tourism, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a daring destination. The wounds of the recent war aren’t healed. 

You can still see the front-line in the middle of Mostar. The city was heavily bombed and the reconstruction is in progress. Visit the Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Mostar Diving Club is constantly meeting to jump into the Neretva River, and the show is great.

Read more: Some Places to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Don’t miss the most beautiful building from the Ottoman period of the city. Muslibegovica House is both a museum and a guest house so that you can have a complete experience of an 18th-century Ottoman house.

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the major tourist destination. It is a multiethnic destination. Catholics, Orthodox, Jews, and Muslims live here as they lived for centuries. 

You can see on the street that people are so different and colorful, with the same Balkan expression on their faces. Churches, cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues call to pray and peace. 

Old Town is swarming with cafes and bistros, with cuisine both Oriental and Occidental, with strong Turkish coffee and smooth lemonades. History makes a whirl of people, events, and places. 

Sarajevo has a young spirit and old roots. It’s a European capital with Oriental influences. It’s a place where you feel alive, watching life passing by, watching people breathing freedom and peace. 


Bosnia and Herzegovina isn’t very touristic at the time, but that will change. Bosnian people are working hard to rebuild their country, to regain their glory. In several years, Bosnia and Herzegovina will be a pearl, exotic and rich. With a mountainous terrain, beautiful rivers, and coastline to the Adriatic Sea, this country has a vast potential. But most of all, its ethnic diversity in the heart of Europeinfo-icon is its true jewelry. Bosnian people is an expert in handmade products, in rare arts (like calligraphy), and in cuisine. They have historical artifacts, really old architecture, and many stories to tell. They are smart and ready to begin a new life. All these are good reasons to put Bosnia and Herzegovina on your travel map.

Monica Radulescu a freelance writer for aSabbatical.com
Travelling is a joy. It's a way to become a better and wiser person. Mountain paths and road trips are my favourites.

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