Sarajevo today, April 6, marks the City Day.
Throughout history, April 6 has been of great importance for Sarajevo. Back in 1945, on April 6, “by joint efforts and sacrifices of Sarajevo patriots – Muslims, Serbs and Croats”, Sarajevo was liberated from the German occupier. On the same day, 47 years later, on April 6, 1992, Sarajevo again needed its citizens and patriots to release it once again.
The history of Sarajevo is rich, according to which its founder is considered to be Isa-beg Ishaković. He founded Sarajevo in 1462 and was built by the natives. Sarajevo was created at the crossroads of Roman roads, and it remains a crossroads of cultures and religions even after more than 500 years since its founding.
Sarajevo has “paid” for its specificity with numerous misfortunes throughout history. One of the largest was the campaign of Eugene of Savoy, who at the end of the 17th century plundered and burned to the ground Sarajevo, which was then one of the largest cities in the Balkans.
Sarajevo survived numerous occupations. In 1878, Bosnia and Herzegovina was occupied by the Austro-Hungarians. During the period of their rule, Sarajevo was industrialized, schools and cultural institutions were built. Today’s National Museum of BiH, one of the symbols of Sarajevo, was built at that time.
During the First World War, the architectural image of the city remained almost unchanged; industry is not developing and social discontent of workers is growing. Sarajevo as a city between the two world wars mostly stagnated and regressed.
During the Second World War, after being under German occupation, Sarajevo was liberated on April 6, 1945. From 1941 to 1945, 10,961 citizens of Sarajevo “paid” for the freedom of the city in the anti-fascist struggle.
On the day the city was liberated, 47 years later (April 6, 1992), Sarajevo began another battle. From the beginning to the end of the aggression and siege (1992-1995), 11,541 citizens, including 1,601 children, were killed, died of hunger, cold and disappeared in Sarajevo. The material damage that the city suffered during the aggression and siege, primarily through the destruction of the housing stock and the destruction of cultural treasures and economic facilities and roads, is invaluable!
An important historical fact is that on April 6, 1992, the then European Community recognized the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent state.
History has shown that Sarajevo resists many adversities. Remains special, loved, playful… as a child!
To all who love and respect Sarajevo, we consider this city our wish, a happy Sarajevo City Day.
