Retrospekt: Alumni Study Tour 2024
“Sarajevo between Past and Future –Exploring Historical and Contemporary Challenges of Interreligious Pluralism”
29 August – 1 September 2024
Sarajevo | Bosnia and Herzegovina
At a time when Europe is grappling with numerous crises, the alumni study tour entitled „Sarajevo between Past and Future – Exploring Historical and Contemporary Challenges of Interreligious Pluralism“ offered an invaluable opportunity to learn from Sarajevo’s rich history.Organised by DialoguePerspectives alumni, and in partnership with Humanity in Action Bosnia and Herzegovina, DialoguePerspectives brought together 20 alumni from a decade of the DialoguePerspectives programme to explore how Sarajevo’s lessons can guide us in promoting interreligious and interethnic dialogue across Europe. This thematic focus provided a vital framework for discussions, as participants explored the interplay between ethno-religious tolerance and the potential future of European cities amidst global challenges.
The exploration was deeply enriched by the contributions of journalist Melina Borčak and visual artist Esma Bošnjaković. Melina Borčak, with her profound connection to Sarajevo, led the participants through its streets and grounded our discussions in the lived realities of its people, connecting them to the city’s complex history and resilience. Esma Bošnjaković invited the group to process Sarajevo’s trauma and beauty through her artistic workshops, reminding them that art can be a powerful path to healing. Their involvement was crucial in contextualising the testimonies and materials they encountered in the Siege of Sarajevo and Crimes Against Humanity Museums. These museums presented the alumni with the harsh realities of Sarajevo’s past, revealing the suffering and survival of its people. But through Melina Borčak’s storytelling and Esma Bošnjaković’s creative approach, they also witnessed the city’s incredible resilience and determination to rebuild, heal and move forward. These experiences deepened their understanding of Sarajevo’s history and its relevance to Europe’s current challenges.
Their time together culminated in meaningful discussions at Sarajevo’s Europe House, where the group met with local NGOs and civil society platforms. Zarja Marković, Executive Director of Humanity in Action BiH, delivered a powerful keynote speech, highlighting Sarajevo’s resilience during the siege, its pluralistic spirit and the ongoing struggle for recognition of war atrocities and genocide. An insightful panel discussion with Dr. Pavle Mijovic and Amina Sejfić from the Post-Conflict Research Centre explored the complexities of human rights and post-conflict reconstruction in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These conversations were a powerful reminder of the work that remains to be done – not just in Sarajevo, but across Europe. The challenges facing this city, while extreme, are unfortunately not unique; they echo the struggles we see in so many places: divisions based on ethnicity and religion, the fragility of peace, and the urgent need for sustained efforts to build bridges of understanding and cooperation.
The urgency of this work is something we cannot ignore. As Europe grapples with the rise of nationalism, xenophobia and religious intolerance, this alumni study tour was not just an exploration of a city’s past but a profound engagement with its present and future. As participants return to their communities, they carry with them the responsibility to keep the stories of Sarajevo alive, promote mutual understanding, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of Europe. The lessons learned here are a call to action in our collective journey towards a more tolerant, resilient, and pluralistic Europe.
Participant impressions from the study tour
„The last few days in Sarajevo have been a really wonderful opportunity to better understand the city. I appreciate the historical tours given by Melina and the artistic outlets provided by Esma. It really helped to process the traumatic information we were consuming. I am moved by the resilience of the people and this city that has been through so much.“ — Zahra Beg
„Through touching conversations with workshop leaders and local actors, we had the invaluable chance to learn deeply—not just about facts and figures, but about true testimonies of trauma, resilience, and the strength that lies in communities coming together. I’ll keep retelling the stories of Sarajevo, of Srebrenica, of the people of Bosnia, in the hope that it serves as a wake-up call for all of us to stick together and fight for the preservation of human rights, respect, and coexistence in our own communities and beyond.“ — Sophie Schmalenberg
„For me, the trip to Sarajevo was an extremely valuable experience shared with great people. I learned so much, particularly about the war in Bosnia, about which I previously had insufficient information. The impressions left a lasting impact on me, and I will try to organize similar city trips for myself in the future.“ — Ata Demirel
