Ramadan Around the World : Bosnia Herzegovina

Sarajevo, 11 Ramadan 1437/17 June 2016 (MINA) – Bosnia Herzegovina, a land of war, was ruled by tragedy and terror. During the Ottoman Empire in 15th century, Islam started to spread in the region.

Now a major part of Bosnians are Muslims. Bosnia Herzegovina is a unique medley of European culture and Islamic practice.

Ramadan is arguably the most interesting and most contested time of the year in Bosnia. It is one of few axial points in time for the people, even non-Muslims.

Events and activities are talked about as being before and after Ramadan; vacations are planned according to it, working hours are adjusted to it, and at least two days off are given for Eid-ul-Fitr.

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Bosnian food has been influenced by both Turkish and Eastern European cuisine. Grilled meat is popular, as are cabbage-based dishes. For Bosnian Muslims, the iftar is celebrated with a large family meal and with Turkish-style sweets and pastries.

Somun is a must for sehri. This traditional bread is baked with blackseeds are a seasonal delicacy of the month. The perfect accompaniment of somun is touba. Touba is a dish made of eggs cheese and cream. It resembles a very soft scramble. Touba is scooped up with a small piece of somun to be eaten.

Unlike most of the countries where the fast is broken by the Azaan a cannon is fired in Bosnia. It is an Ottoman tradition that is still alive, in Bosnia. People often go to the hill top to watch the cannon being fired.

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Then they take their iftar there in a picnic mood. Taraweeh lasts till midnight and only a few hours are left before sehri. So many opts to relax with coffee and shisha instead of sleep.

Islam survived in this region despite the communist rule. Ramadan is truly important to Muslims in Bosnia. Even though there is no restriction on it, the non-Muslims refrain from eating openly during Ramadan out of respect.

Bosnia is a special country by itself because of the three major religions actively living here, which is especially visible in Sarajevo, the capital city, according to a news agency. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)