Bosniaks

Bosniaks (Bosnian: Bošnjaci) are a South Slavic ethnic group primarily living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are also found in Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and the Republic of Kosovo. Bosniaks are predominantly Muslim and speak the Bosnian language.

History

The history of Bosniaks is closely tied to the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The term "Bosniak" was historically used to denote all inhabitants of Bosnia, regardless of religion. However, in the 20th century, it came to specifically refer to the Muslim population of Bosnia.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, the region was known as the Kingdom of Bosnia. The Bosnian Church, a Christian sect, was prominent during this time. The Ottoman Empire conquered Bosnia in the 15th century, leading to the widespread conversion of the local population to Islam.

Ottoman Period

Under Ottoman rule, Bosniaks enjoyed a significant degree of autonomy. Many Bosniaks served in the Ottoman military and administration. The period also saw the flourishing of Bosnian culture and architecture, with notable examples such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo.

Austro-Hungarian Period

In 1878, Bosnia and Herzegovina was occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This period saw significant modernization and the introduction of Western-style education and infrastructure.

Yugoslav Period

After World War I, Bosnia and Herzegovina became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Following World War II, it became one of the six republics of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. During this period, Bosniaks were officially recognized as a distinct nationality in 1968.

Bosnian War

The breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s led to the Bosnian War (1992-1995). The war was marked by severe ethnic conflict, including the Srebrenica massacre, where thousands of Bosniak men and boys were killed. The war ended with the Dayton Agreement, which established the current political structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Culture

Bosniak culture is a blend of Slavic, Ottoman, and Islamic influences. Traditional Bosniak music includes sevdalinka, a type of folk music. Bosniak cuisine features dishes such as ćevapi, burek, and baklava.

Religion

The majority of Bosniaks are Sunni Muslims, although there are also small communities of Sufi Muslims. Religious practices and beliefs vary, with some Bosniaks being more secular and others more devout.

Language

Bosniaks speak the Bosnian language, which is one of the three official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The language uses both the Latin and Cyrillic alphabets, although the Latin script is more commonly used.

Notable Bosniaks

• Alija Izetbegović - First President of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Gazi Husrev-beg - Ottoman governor and benefactor
• Edin Džeko - Professional footballer

See also

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bosnian War
• Srebrenica massacre
• Bosnian language
• Islam in Bosnia and Herzegovina