Pozar Sarajevo

The Siege of Sarajevo, lasting from April 1992 to February 1996, saw the city subjected to a brutal campaign of shelling and sniper fire by the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS). “Požar Sarajevo,” meaning “Sarajevo on Fire” in Bosnian, encapsulates the widespread destruction and terror inflicted upon the city during this period. It wasn’t a single, isolated fire event, but rather a constant state of burning, both literally and figuratively.

The VRS strategically targeted civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, markets, and residential buildings. Shelling often ignited fires that raged unchecked. The lack of resources, including water due to targeted infrastructure damage, made firefighting efforts incredibly difficult and dangerous. Firefighters themselves were often targeted by snipers, turning rescue missions into deadly gambles. The city, starved of supplies and under constant bombardment, slowly burned.

The term “Požar Sarajevo” extends beyond the physical fires. It represents the burning of a multi-ethnic city, the destruction of its cultural heritage, and the decimation of its population. The shelling aimed to obliterate the spirit of Sarajevo, to terrorize its inhabitants into submission. The relentless attacks created a climate of fear and uncertainty, where the simple act of walking down the street could prove fatal.

The impact of “Požar Sarajevo” was devastating. Thousands of civilians were killed or wounded. Buildings were reduced to rubble, leaving families homeless and displaced. Essential services collapsed, leading to shortages of food, water, and medicine. The once vibrant city was transformed into a war zone, scarred by the physical and emotional wounds of the siege. The National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a repository of invaluable historical and cultural artifacts, was deliberately targeted and burned, symbolizing the destruction of Bosnian identity.

Despite the immense suffering, the spirit of Sarajevo remained unbroken. Residents found ways to adapt and survive, organizing underground schools, setting up makeshift hospitals, and cultivating gardens in bomb craters. The resilience of the people of Sarajevo in the face of unimaginable hardship became a symbol of resistance and hope. “Požar Sarajevo” is a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of protecting civilian populations. It also serves as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the determination to rebuild from the ashes, both literal and metaphorical.