The Bosnian community in the UK has been proudly celebrating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Day for decades, preserving their culture, history and identity far from their homeland. This year, the event was held in the festively decorated Eveson Hall of the Bosnian House in Birmingham, where Bosnians and Herzegovinians from Derby, Coventry, London, Hertford, Guildford, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and other cities across the UK gathered.
Festive program and distinguished guests
The program was led by fifteen-year-old Harun Zlomužica, a talented graduate of the Bosnian supplementary school in Birmingham.
At the beginning, the guests were greeted by Zaim Pašić, president of BH UK Network, expressing his pride in the gathering of the community and the preservation of Bosnian traditions in the UK.
HE Osman Topčagić, Ambassador of BiH to the UK, congratulated those present on Independence Day, reflecting on the current socio-political situation in BiH, and thanked the UK and the international community for their continued support for BiH on its European path.
Dr. Waqar Azmi OBE, Patron of the BH UK Network and Chair of Remembering Srebrenica, spoke about plans to mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in the UK, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and education.
Tahir Ali, a member of the British Parliament, addressed the audience and expressed his willingness to continue supporting the Bosnian community in the UK.
Children and artists in the service of preserving Bosnian culture and tradition
One of the most touching moments of the evening was the performance of the students of the Bosnian supplementary school, who presented the recent history of Bosnia and Herzegovina through presentations, songs and recitations. Their efforts and creativity evoked strong emotions, reminding those present of the importance of preserving identity and language, especially among younger generations.
Sevdalinka performed by Azra Bašić evoked memories of Prijedor and other Bosnian cities, while seventeen-year-old Iram from Turkey contributed to the festive atmosphere with her extraordinary performances on the piano and violin.
The richness of the program was also ensured by the members of the Cultural and Artistic Society of Fahira Hasedžić, who brought the spirit of Bosnian tradition into this festive evening with their beautiful folk costumes and traditional dances.
Awards for contribution to the community
The principal of the BH School Birmingham, Emir Bolić, presented certificates of appreciation to individuals who are dedicated to preserving the Bosnian language and culture in the UK:
• Dževdani Gološ, teachers of BH supplementary school Birmingham
• Admir Hanić, coordinator of BH School Birmingham
• Amra Dautović, KUD coordinator Fahira Hasedžić
A special recognition was presented to the company Logitec Solutions Doors and Windows for their selfless assistance in the renovation of the Bosnian House.
At the end of the event, Dr. Anes Cerić, Honorary Consul of BiH and Executive Director of the BH UK Network, thanked all activists for their dedicated work in preserving Bosnian identity in the UK.
This event once again confirmed the strength of the unity of the Bosnian diaspora, which lovingly passes on culture, language, and history to future generations.
We congratulate all citizens and friends of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Independence Day!
BH UK Network
