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SHORT HISTORY OF SARAJEVO

The history of Sarajevo is over 4,5 milenium old. The urbanization of the Sarajevo valley began in the 1st century of our era, in the time of Roman domination. In the middle of the 13th century in the region of Sarajevo the centre of medieval Bosnian State was formed.

The name Sarajevo was first mentioned in 1477. A very significant stage in the development of the City is marked by the rule of Gazi Husrev Bey. From this period Sarajevo is territorially expanding and is getting many valuable objects into its possession. In 1878, the Austro-Hungarian Empire finds Sarajevo as complex, city organism with developed business centre with post office, hospital, schools, library, sewer system, bridges…a city with traffic, business and diplomatic connections.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire develops Sarajevo as the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the period from 1878-1914, Sarajevo significantly increased and expanded. The City got : the National Museum, the Town Hall, the City Museum, the Gymnasium, the National Theatre, the National Hospital, public utility objects, etc.

After the end of World War II, Sarajevo becomes the capital of BH, one of 6 Yugoslav republics. From 1945-1992, Sarajevo is territorially expanding and economically developing. With the beginning of the 9th decade of last century, Sarajevo becomes a social and political community of 10 municipalities, with population of 500 thousands. City was the host of the 14th Winter Olympic Games, “the best organized Winter Games in the history of the Olympic Movement”, as Mr. H.A. Samaranch said.

With the beginning of 1992, Sarajevo becomes the capital of the independent, sovereign and internationally recognized state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the years of the siege and war (1992-1995), Sarajevo suffered losses of the human and material potential. Because of killing and forced migration, the population decreased in 1995 to 334.663, which means 64% of the prewar population. The damages of the public utility and the business infrastructure exceeded 15 billion EUR, 100.000 jobs were lost, the level of development decreased to 10% of the prewar one.

Thanks to foreign aid and domestic dedication, the city began a slow path to recovery. By 2003, there were practically no ruins in the city and bullet holes had become a rarity. Sarajevo was hosting numerous international events once again, such as the extremely successful Sarajevo Film Festival, and launched bids to hold the Winter Olympic Games in the city in the not so distant future.

Today Sarajevo is one of the fastest developing cities in the region.