History of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Within Southeastern Europe is the nation of Bosnia & Herzegovina. This country has a complex and long past that was developed over centuries by various civilizations.

Early Times

The Illyrians, an Indo-European tribe who arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina about 2000 BC, are the first known occupants. Early in the first century AD, the Romans routed them and long-occupied Bosnia under their rule. About the seventh century, Slavic tribes were brought into Bosnia and established Bosnia as the first Slavic State in the area. This was the first stage toward a major Slavic impact on Bosnian language and culture.

Medieval Ages

Under Ban Kulin's leadership, the nation was recognized as an autonomous one around the end of the 12th century. During the Middle Ages, Bosnia kept a strong feudal system and traded with the surrounding nations. But Bosnia had been in strife at the start of the 14th century when the several kingdoms that controlled it collapsed. This resulted in the Ottoman Turk invasion of Bosnia in 1463, aimed at the takeover and conversion of the country into Islam. Over four and a half decades, the Ottoman Turks dominated Bosnia; it was the Ottoman Empire that left traces of their religion, culture, and even history.

Rule under the Austro-Hungarian Authority

The Austro-Hungarian Empire bought Bosnia combined with Herzegovina in the second half of the 19th century. Though there remained conflict between many religions and ethnic groups, even then, Bosnia saw fast industrialization and economic development.

Ancient Times and the Roman Era

Dealing with the terrible results of their country's participation in the Bosnian War, Bosnia and Herzegovina have been working hard. The country has a mixed ethnicity right now and a dubious political structure.  With its rich culture, history, and variety, Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite its tragic past, keeps growing. This narrative reminds us of what happens when confronted with a multitude of challenges; tenacity, determination, and will can bring development and peace.

In the Middle Ages

Bosnia was administered by a variety of monarchies and kingdoms in the early Middle Ages. The Banate in Bosnia was founded towards the end of the 11th century. The bans were the top authorities of the area. A series of unforeseen events caused the Banate's decline and disintegration during the 14th century. As for the Bosnian historical context and the country's history, the appearance of Ottoman Turks in the middle of the 15th century triggered the beginning of a major change. For the most part, areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina were in control and declared Islam to be the principal religion.

Early Bosnia

Bosnia was broken up into a number of provinces at this time, and each one was administered by Ottoman governors. Bosnian Beylerbeylik is the most populous of them all. Its capital city was Sarajevo. Bosnia retained its distinct characteristics and its own autonomy even while under Ottoman rule. Many Bosnians keep to Christianity while still being devoted to their historical practices and beliefs. But the Ottoman Empire was clearly failing in the 18th century, which set off a power war featuring Russia taking Bosnia as well as Austria-Hungary. The two countries banded together in 1878 to form the Austro-Hungarian Government.

Banate of Bosnia

In the period from the 12th century to about 1475 1475, the Banate of Bosnia was a state of the medieval period. Several dynasties ruled over this state, the Kotromanic family and the Bans from Bosnia. The founding of Bosnia's own religion and the rise in trade with surrounding countries were the most important events that happened during the years 1991–1993.

Bosnian War

As Yugoslavia fell apart, Bosnia declared its independence from it. Bosnian Muslims, Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks fought for territorial sovereignty for three years straight after the proclamation. Along with genocide, related crimes, and ethnic cleansing, combat claimed the lives of an estimated 100,000 individuals. The Dayton Peace Accords of Bosnia from 1995 set a new political framework. Reconstruction following the war challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country has come far and motivates bravery and hope. 

Bosnia's Kingdom

During Tvrtko I Kotromanic's lifetime in 1377, Bosnia was recognized as an independent nation. Bosnia lasted for a period of time and was a stable and advanced era. Apart from Serbia and contemporary Bosnia & Herzegovina, the Bosnian state comprised areas of Croatia. Though it peaked at the end of the fourteenth century, the kingdom of Bosnia was undermined with Tvrtko's death in 1391. The kingdom later on joined the Ottoman Empire in 1463.

Ottoman Era (1463-1878)

Nearly four centuries of Ottoman Empire dominance over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the impact of their rule could be seen in the manner of life, culture, and the country's culture. Ottomans created numerous mosques, bridges, and other modern structures along with their history-based introduction to the practice of Islam as the principal religion. Ottoman rule, however, was also a risk for conflict and a tense multicultural populace. This led to nationalist movements in the 19th century, which ultimately helped make the empire collapse.

Addiction to Austria-Hungary

Austria-Hungary selected Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878. Bosnia was developing modernistically at the time. Along with modern infrastructure like bridges, roads, and railroads, the Austro-Hungarian Empire introduced companies into Bosnia. But it also approved laws favoring some groups over others, which set off strife inside Bosnia. 

The territory of Yugoslavia (1918-1941)

The nation fought instability and weak economic integration among the many provinces as it was modernizing and becoming industrialized.

World War II (1941-1945)

Apart from Herzegovina, Nazi Germany and their followers invaded Bosnia during World War II. Several parts of the country were divided, and Croatia became an independent State under the direction of the great majority of the country. The cornerstone of the war was criminal acts of catastrophe carried out by the control of Bosnian Serbs, Jews, Roma people, and other minorities. Organizations of the opposition, notably the Partisans of Josip the communist Broz Tito, were also inspired by this battle.

Yugoslavia under Socialism 

Within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the six republics following the conflict. The country achieved amazing social and economic development during this period, although strife between several ethnic groups persisted. Rising nationalistic tensions inside Yugoslavia finally led to the country's split midway through the 1980s and then into the 1990s. The most challenging event in Bosnia's history, the Bosnian War, began here as well. 

Independence following the Bosnian War (1992–1995)

Declared free of Yugoslavia in 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnian Serbs seeking refuge within Yugoslavia encountered continuous hostility, nevertheless. Following the war, both sides engaged in criminal activities; among them were the intentional murders of ethnic Bosnians under Bosnian Serb control. The year 1995 saw a worldwide community convene and supervise the fulfillment of the Dayton Agreement, therefore ending the war. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina Post-War

Since the war ended, Bosnia and Herzegovina have accomplished much toward peace and reconciliation. Still, a lot of problems need to be addressed, including the complexity of money, political strife, and unresolved concerns connected to war. Besides, Bosnia is presently a multiethnic state with Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs as the three main ethnic groupings. Bosnia likewise strives toward peace and unity, even through past wars, to create a better future for all its people by means of the rich legacy of the nation's culture produced by its long period of history full of empires and civilizations.

Politics of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The diversity of ethnicities in Bosnia and Herzegovina results in the country being a parliamentary republic, with complicated governance. With three members: one Bosniak, one Croat, and one Serb member, the president, who is the head of the country, operates by two chambers - the House of Representatives and the House of the Peoples. The latter is represented by different ethnic groups. These constituents comprise the country's parliament. The unique political structure aims to secure the three groups' share of control. It has also been accused of maintaining socioeconomic divides and hindering progress towards EU integration. In spite of these difficulties, Bosnia keeps striving to make a more welcoming and democratic structure that is inclusive of all its citizens. According to Zoran Tegeltija, the president of Bosnia and Herzegovina, now, joining the European Union will define the course of the country.

Events in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014

A high level of unemployment, as well as corruption within the system of politics, resulted in Bosnia and Herzegovina seeing large-scale protests and riots in the last year. Young people who demanded economic and political reforms led the protests the most. The government responded by imposing a policy that led to the brutality of police officers and protesters. While the riots may be currently under control, the issues that led to them remain a part of Bosnian society. This incident exposed the challenges Bosnia struggles to overcome after its turbulent history.

Cultural Heritage

The diverse and rich heritage of culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been formed by the diverse populations. The music of its cuisine and the traditional clothes clearly display Eastern as well as Western influences. Most famously, historically a major city center, the World Heritage-listed Old Bridge in Mostar and Sarajevo reminds us of Bosnia's past and draws visitors from all around the globe, together with other ancient structures.

Language

Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are the official languages of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Every language logically mirrors and follows the numerous ethnicities of the people. Serbian writes using both alphabets; Croatian writes just using the Latin alphabet. Bosnian language variety reflects variances in the social and cultural setting of Bosnia.

Religion

Bosnia & Herzegovina is a multi-religious nation. Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and Catholicism rank as the three most often occurring religions in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Though most Bosnians are Muslims, the great majority of Bosnian Serbs are Orthodox Christians; Bosnian Croats are basically Catholics. One of the main elements distinguishing Bosnian society is the value of religion. Over the years, it has also led to strife. These days, the nation supports the right to choose a faith system fit for every person.

Military

Established in 2005, the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina define Bosnia and Herzegovina's military. It also maintains reserves under the name The Territorial Defense Force. Apart from engaging in global peacekeeping, Bosnia's army prioritizes the safeguarding of its citizens. Though it has been able to significantly increase its forces after the war, Bosnia is confronting problems, including equipment degradation and difficulty funding its operations.

Food

Popular dishes combining Eastern cuisine with Western influences, such as Burek (stuffed with pastry) and cevapi (barbecued minced pork), define Bosnian cuisine. Ottoman customs from the area have inspired foods. Among the most often used dishes are pilav, or pilaf, and dolma, which features grape leaves. Usually, family members and close friends savor most meals. Bosnia's food represents its tradition, which is largely dependent on hospitality. Bosnian social lives revolve around drinking coffee in the tradition, while eating and cooking with this drink are also traditions.

Sports

Since the Bosnian national team has recently had remarkable success, soccer is the most popular sport within Bosnia as well as Herzegovina. Other popular sports include handball, tennis as well as basketball. In addition, being that are hosted in Bosnia are a variety of international sporting occasions, such as this year's European Youth Olympic Festival. Sports are a unifying force that brings together Bosnians across all ethnicities and is not just a way for leisure.