Bosnia and Herzegovina is a wonderful country populated by amazing folks. You’ve probably heard about Bosnia, Bosnian people, and wondered what is going on there? Is the war still going on?
If you’re not from the Balkans, you probably get confused when someone mentions Bosnian people. Where do Bosnian people live? What is Bosnia? Moreover, what is the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
It’s a lot of questions, I know.
In this article, I am going to answer them all and while also talking about this wonderful nation in great detail.
If you search the web, you’ll find a lot of info on Serbia and Croatia. However, after World War II, there has been a misconception about the Bosnian people, and their history.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- There are three main ethnic groups in Bosnia: Bosnians, Croats, and Serbs.
- Bosnians are great cooks, warm and friendly folks.
- Bosnians are diverse believers, are very tolerant and welcoming towards foreigners.
The Most Interesting Facts About Bosnian People
1. Bosnians are Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is most commonly known as Bosnia. When people outside of the Balkans hear its name, they usually think of the war that happened there in the 90s.
This is because when the Bosnian war broke in 1992 it was a big deal not only for European countries but for the whole world.
After the war, many people emigrated to western countries but the population that stayed was still left with post-war problems.
The three main ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina are Bosnians, Croats, and Serbs. Around 50 per cent of the population consider themselves Bosnians [1].
Serbs and Croats are also a big part of the history of Bosnia. We can differentiate between
Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian Croats. Yes, I know it’s confusing but think of it as a federation (which it is) made out of necessity.
All groups are of Slavic descent, and yet each ethnicity has a rich culture and strong traditions.
Serb and Croat ethnic groups weren’t able to function which is why the world and international community thought that something needed to be done to help those ethnic groups to coexist.
2. They Make the Best Cevapi
Bosnians are masters of barbeque. This country is famous for its cevapi (minced meat from Balkans). They look like small sausages and are very tasty. Cevapi or cevapcici are grilled and usually served with onions.
Cevapi is a national dish and a great part of Bosnian culture. The Balkan region is filled with places where cevapi is a specialty.
This dish came to Bosnia during the Ottoman Empire. It was the best dish in Yugoslavia as well. Sarajevo is known for making the best cevapi in the world (it’s not a 100 percent fact but you do need to try cevapi at some point if you found yourself there).
Take a look at our article about Bosnian food to learn more about Bosnian national cuisine.
3. Hospitality
Bosnia is a country of warmth and hospitality. There are many areas with wonderful bars, cafes, and restaurants where you can enjoy yourself and meet new people.
Bosnian waitresses are among the best in the world. For years, Sarajevo has been considered as the capital of good time and pleasant atmosphere.
It does not matter if you are a foreigner, you will feel at home there. It’s a cultural thing, but Bosniaks are famous for their hospitality and sense of humor. They like to make jokes and laugh.
The government is focused on preserving peace which is why this country is now among the safest places in the world.
4. Friendly People
Even though the Bosnian population had problems with other states, their political situation hasn’t destroyed the positive energy Bosnians are famous for.
The destructive war would be too much for any other country, but the spirit of the Bosniak people is something else.
Luckily, the war is over, and Bosnians can live with their neighbors. The Balkan region is a much safer place than it used to be. European countries are not interfering with the Bosniak government and surrounding areas.
Bosniak people are very social and really enjoy having a good time. You may hear a joke, someone singing, or just laughing at the streets of Sarajevo. Their language is so rich that a lot of tourists become amazed when they hear it for the first time.
Their social customs and the policy of the government are well known in the region. They love to meet new people and can be amazing hosts.
5. Devoted to Their Family
Bosnians (like Serbian and Croatian people) are very much devoted to their family and traditional way of living. The state is making sure that the values of each ethnicity are respected and protected [2].
Croatian and Serbian people are respecting their ethnicity and there are no cultural tensions like before. To get a sense of this coexistence, you should visit this wonderful country and see it yourself.
Bosniaks are very respectful when it comes to their marriages. Women in Bosnia are treated as equals. One of the most important things for them is family honor.
6. They are Diverse Believers
Bosnia is religious but not to the extreme. Just like there are three official languages (Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian), there is religious diversity, since there are Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims.
Since Islam is the dominant religion in Bosnia, another majority in this country is Bosnian Muslims. The cultural shifts made it possible to witness a variety of different religious practices in Sarajevo.
People from Serbia are orthodox Christians, a Croat is usually a catholic, and Bosniaks are divided into those whose religion is Islam, and those who are atheists.
There are many Muslims in Bosnia. A Muslim is a person who comes from the Islamic community, who is following the teaching of Islam and the words of Muhhamad [3].
Bosniaks are very united with other national communities which contributes to the beauty of this country.
7. They Like to Drink
You know the idea that you become more fluent in a foreign language you already know after a few drinks? Well, Bosnians, as social as they are, are proficient speakers of the English language after a few drinks of rakia or beer.
Rakia is a drink you must try if you find yourself in Bosnia. You may find it too strong at first but after two drinks, you’ll get the sense of how it works.
An interesting fact about this beverage is that it’s usually a homemade drink. Apparently, everybody in Bosnia knows how to make good rakia and of course, they all think their rakia is the best in the world (which is true, naturally).
The Bottom Line
I hope you have enjoyed this wonderful article about the most pleasant and interesting people in the world. If you need a place where you can have fun, meet amazing folks Bosnia is a country you should definitely visit.
References
- https://www.indexmundi.com/bosnia_and_herzegovina/demographics_profile.html
- http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/sarajevo/16504.pdf
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/1343832?seq=1
