Scientific Symposium 'Serbia and Bosnia in Contemporary Perspectives' Held in Sarajevo

(Patria) - A scientific symposium titled "Serbia and Bosnia in Contemporary Perspectives" was held today in the Senate Hall of the University of Sarajevo Rectorate.

The symposium was organized as the first scientific gathering of a three-day conference program within the 11th international conference "Sarajevo and the World," which is being realized as a segment of the event - Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Igman 2025 - From Independence Day to Statehood Day.



The event was organized in partnership by the Sarajevo Memorial Center and the International Forum Bosnia, headed by academician prof. dr. Rusmir Mahmutćehajić, the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of the University of Sarajevo "Prof. dr. Zdravko Grebo," in cooperation with the International Academy of Sciences and Arts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the City of Sarajevo.

The symposium focused on two significant books by British historian prof. Mark Attila Hoare - "Serbia - a Modern History" and "The History of Bosnia - from the Middle Ages to the Present Day," which approach the contemporary interpretation of the history of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in an exceptionally relevant manner.

Through interdisciplinary panel discussions, prominent experts and scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia analyzed the dichotomous relations between the two countries, both in the past and today.



The gathering was opened by dr. Rifat Škrijelj, director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of the University of Sarajevo, doc. dr. Ahmed Kulanić, director of the Sarajevo Memorial Center, and the Vice President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igor Stojanović.

In his address, Kulanić emphasized the importance of reminding that the development of any society rests on education, science, and research, as well as critical examination and questioning of historical events and processes.

- Scientific objectivity and the truthfulness of historical accounts are the most important tools in the fight against its instrumentalization. Thirty-three years after the restoration of independence, we are facing challenges in preserving Bosnian statehood and the spirit of Bosnia, as well as building a collective identity.

Therefore, strengthening BiH institutions and networking are key in the process of strengthening self-awareness, the importance of the state, and creating foundations for its more successful future and development - Kulanić emphasized.



The Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, Omer Osmanović, and the president of the Organizing Committee of the event Defense of BiH - Igman 2025, pointed out that this is the first in a series of scientific gatherings, on the occasion of marking the Day of BiH's admission to the United Nations, and announced two more, on May 17 and 23, which will be held at the Sarajevo Memorial Center.

Through the exchange of views and academic dialogue, participants analyzed the complex relations between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering models for interpreting the past based on context, responsibility, and understanding, rather than denial and relativization.