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The Romans settled in the 1st century near Ilida, the natural Thermal Springs and the source of river Bosna. There you can find their old baths, mosaics and villas. The Slaves arrived in the 7th century and determined Sarajevo as the centre of a growing provincial power. The 15th century brought forward Ottoman rule that remained for 500years. Sarajevo then became the centre of craftsman; leather-craftsman, saddlers, miners, blacksmiths and bakers. Bascarsija, the old town in Sarajevo, is typically influenced by the Ottoman period and is structured in a manner that each road contains a different craft. It has not changed much since the Ottomans, preserved through time; it is like a walk into the past. The Austria-Hungarian period provided the first European influence in Bosnian culture and lasted for 40 years. It greatly increased economic, political and cultural development. This period lasted until June 28th 1914 when a Serb Nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, the heirs to the throne of the empire. In turn Austria declared a war on Serbia who was backed by Russia and hence it escalated to the start of WW1.
The communist era at the end of WW2 united all the ethnic backgrounds under the Partizan umbrella and for bratstvo i jedinstvo(brotherhood and unity). They managed to fight off the fascist and nationalist pressure almost single-handedly giving them a lot of power and independence. Tito had made the Yugoslav’s into a proud nation with a unique position of neutrality and influence, refusing to take sides during the Cold War. Bosnia prospered further during this period. Its inspirational multi-cultural makeup was reflected and celebrated during the 1984 Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo. Many will remember the country for the recent 1992-1995 conflict and violence that lead to the destruction of years of coexistence. The war started not due to civil strife, it was due to top-down propaganda and political aggression that sought to destroy the multi-ethnic reality of the country. However now, Bosnia is in fact getting back to its feet and returning to its tradition of tolerance. Bosnians have lived longer in peace and multiculturalism then in violence and hatred. Moreover once a people have lived through such hardship as hunger, absolute poverty and death they know how to make the most out of life, distanced from the materially dependent world of entertainment Western cultures depend on. Bosnians are definitely not short of humour, charisma and hospitality. Since 1992 Bosnia has not been short of international visitors ranging from curious relief workers and diplomats to pilgrims visiting Medugorje where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared. Hence they are use to accommodating travellers and are always willing to help where they can.
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