Someone once told me Sarajevo resembled “a supermodel who'd had the shit kicked out of her, but you could still see the beauty beneath the bruises and scars.” And what I saw in 2006, it rang true.
What struck me most: Sarajevo wears those scars with pride. They're visible, not tucked away. The pockmarked buildings and the Sarajevo Roses -
the mortar holes filled with red concrete - peppering the streets, are all haunting reminders of the siege. There's something honourable in that, in refusing to hide the brutality of the siege. It's like saying, 'Remember what happened here, so it never happens again.'
I've traveled through my fair share of conflict adjacent regions. Bulgaria in 1999, Pakistan and Iran in 2004, Nepal during the 2004 Maoist uprising, and Syria 2006 (I decided against entering Lebanon). I was never seeking conflict, I was just stubborn enough to keep going even when geopolitical wheels turned fast.
But Sarajevo was different. It didn't just survive. It insists you see what survival cost.
Thank you for writing about this with the weight it deserves.
Thank you for sharing what you felt in Sarajevo, too. I see what you mean — the defiance that has left history out in the open. I’m curious about your perspective, but for me it was such a unique example too, of a capital city truly under siege for so long. There’s so much to be remembered about what happens in those conditions.
Finally got around to reading this. And... wow... thank you for writing this. These words in particular stood out to me: "I wonder how long it takes for a tragedy to become a history, a 'lesson learned,' a 'never again.’ I become angry that we have to wait for this. I become angry at the cycle."
I read this and thought about my upcoming trip to Japan, with Hiroshima and Nagasaki as part of my itinerary. Your post reminded me to pay attention to the details, but it also made me think about the whiplash of emotions I'll feel.
Thank you for sharing your experience, I learnt so much! Beautifully written - the part where you shared that your presence would make the victims feel less alone really hit deep
"But still, Sarajevo — and Bosnia — has so much more to offer than its scars..."
This felt like poetry friend. Props for diving into such a heavy space, and so fully.
Always admire how you engage with our work, Jamal. Thank you 🖤
Thank you Zefan. Beautifully navigated through a horrible topic.
Appreciate you taking the time to read it, Nico.
It’s hard to heart this post but I did because I appreciated your retelling of it and your emotions that come through.
It means so much that you took the time to read it and sit with it, thank you 🖤
Someone once told me Sarajevo resembled “a supermodel who'd had the shit kicked out of her, but you could still see the beauty beneath the bruises and scars.” And what I saw in 2006, it rang true.
What struck me most: Sarajevo wears those scars with pride. They're visible, not tucked away. The pockmarked buildings and the Sarajevo Roses -
the mortar holes filled with red concrete - peppering the streets, are all haunting reminders of the siege. There's something honourable in that, in refusing to hide the brutality of the siege. It's like saying, 'Remember what happened here, so it never happens again.'
I've traveled through my fair share of conflict adjacent regions. Bulgaria in 1999, Pakistan and Iran in 2004, Nepal during the 2004 Maoist uprising, and Syria 2006 (I decided against entering Lebanon). I was never seeking conflict, I was just stubborn enough to keep going even when geopolitical wheels turned fast.
But Sarajevo was different. It didn't just survive. It insists you see what survival cost.
Thank you for writing about this with the weight it deserves.
Thank you for sharing what you felt in Sarajevo, too. I see what you mean — the defiance that has left history out in the open. I’m curious about your perspective, but for me it was such a unique example too, of a capital city truly under siege for so long. There’s so much to be remembered about what happens in those conditions.
Finally got around to reading this. And... wow... thank you for writing this. These words in particular stood out to me: "I wonder how long it takes for a tragedy to become a history, a 'lesson learned,' a 'never again.’ I become angry that we have to wait for this. I become angry at the cycle."
I read this and thought about my upcoming trip to Japan, with Hiroshima and Nagasaki as part of my itinerary. Your post reminded me to pay attention to the details, but it also made me think about the whiplash of emotions I'll feel.
Thank you for sharing your experience, I learnt so much! Beautifully written - the part where you shared that your presence would make the victims feel less alone really hit deep
Beautiful piece. That ending conversation with Igor. That end quote!
It was hard listening to this, but well worth it. I learned a lot from this essay and love how you tell the history. Keep it up , sweetie!
🖤