Bosniak Cultural Project Launched to Preserve Heritage in Bijelo Polje

A new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Bosniak community was unveiled today at the Cultural Centre in Bijelo Polje, Montenegro. The project, titled “Bosniak Sehara,” focuses on safeguarding traditional values, artifacts, and daily customs that shape the community’s identity.

The presentation took place at a well-attended event, highlighting the increasing risk of cultural elements being lost, particularly in rural areas where authentic items and traditional ways of life are overshadowed by modern lifestyles. Project coordinator, Aisha Mujanovic, explained that the primary goal is to ensure that the values of the past are preserved and passed on to future generations through tangible and visually appealing forms.

Goals and Objectives of the Project

As part of the initiative, a comprehensive album featuring Bosniak culture will be created. This album will include photographs and descriptions of traditional items, clothing, tools, and handmade crafts that constituted the daily lives of Bosniak families. Mujanovic emphasized that this album aims not only to document material traces of culture but also to foster a sense of belonging and pride among younger generations.

Other speakers at the event included Edin Smailovic, Director of the Cultural Centre in Bijelo Polje, and Kemal Music, Director of the Ratkovic Evening of Poetry. Both reiterated the importance of the project in addressing the need to preserve Bosniak cultural identity.

The “Bosniak Sehara” project has received support from the Agency for the Protection and Realization of Minority Rights in Montenegro, with funding allocated for the year 2025.

Understanding the Bosniak Sehara

The term “sehara” originates from Turkish, denoting a wooden chest or trunk historically used to store valuables, money, jewelry, and a girl’s dowry. The sehara was often ornately decorated and held a significant place in the household, frequently positioned to catch sunlight.

This project aims to revitalize interest in such cultural artifacts, ensuring that they are not forgotten. By providing a platform for education and engagement, the “Bosniak Sehara” initiative aspires to connect the community with its rich heritage, making it relevant for future generations.