It is exactly 30 years since the beginning of the siege of Sarajevo, the longest siege of a city in modern history. Sarajevo was under the occupation of the aggressor forces for 44 months, which is 1.425 days. An average of 329 grenades were fired at the city every day.
For many survivors of the siege, engraved images of destroyed buildings, city districts, neighborhoods, streets, squares, all major and minor buildings, and private houses, which were targeted with various weapons, remain in the memory, Klix.ba writes.
Today, three decades later, passing by some of the most shelled settlements, symbols of the city such as Grbavica Stadium, Pofalici, Marijin Dvor, arouses the deepest emotions in those who were born in Sarajevo and made their first steps there.
After 44 months of siege and now 30 years later, Sarajevo was once again born more beautiful than ever before.
The settlement of Pofalici was of crucial importance for the defense of the city and the prevention of intersections. Members of the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) and Serb paramilitaries attempted to cut off Sarajevo in 1992. The defenders of the city, brave, determined, and firm, stopped the aggressor with that intention. Today, along the Pofalici ‘Put Zivota’, there are some institutions of the Federal Government.
Today, tens of thousands of people a day are rushing through the Marijin Dvor settlement – both Sarajevo residents and tourists visiting the Sarajevo city center. 30 years ago, a shelled ruin stood where the mall is today. Today, Marijin Dvor is full of life, and it used to be like a scene from the worst dream.
The scenes of the burning Grbavica stadium will forever remain etched in the memory of Sarajevo citizens and other Bosnians and Herzegovinians, especially those who have the Blue Club (FC Zeljeznicar) from this stadium in their hearts. During the siege of Sarajevo, the Grbavica stadium was the first battle line – a line of resistance, struggle, and love for this city, but also for the stadium.
Grbavica was under the occupation of the aggressors for four years, and with the reintegration, the citizens found themselves in a catastrophic situation. Grbavica Stadium was destroyed and the streets were unrecognizable.
Today, this settlement is adorned with beautifully landscaped parks, paved streets, and a renovated stadium. Grbavica, along with Pofalici, Dobrinja, and Marijin Dvor, is proof that the aggressor failed in his intention.
‘Vilsonovo Setaliste’ comes to life, especially during the spring and summer days when a river of young people with families and children passes through it, which serves as proof that life in this city has survived.
Today, the first loves are born on the banks of the Miljacka, the first kisses take place, some of the most beautiful emotions are aroused, and three decades ago there were military enemy troops here. Ruthless aggressors walked along the coast, with the goal of taking the soul of this city and its people.
The aggressor failed in his intention to conquer this city, and the city symbols continue to stand defiantly.
E.Dz.
