Originating in Northern Spain in the second half of the 14th century, the “Sarajevo Haggadah” – a manuscript written on parchment, with superb illuminations – is, since the end of the 19th century, housed by the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2003, Bosnia and Herzegovina proclaimed it a movable national monument. Years later, in 2017, it was registered by UNESCO as documentary heritage to the Memory of the World Register, providing recognition to its importance worldwide.
In the foreword of the study, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, emphasized the importance of the item, describing: “the Sarajevo Haggadah is as a cultural treasure, enshrining the story and history of the Sephardic Jews in Europe. It is not only one of the most significant examples of Jewish heritage and medieval art in Europe; it is also a silent witness to history, a survivor of the many turbulent moments in the story of the region, Europe and the world.”
The new edition of this key historical manuscript “Sarajevo Haggadah” contains a universal message of equality and respect for every culture and every individual, a message that can inspire humanity today. The exhibition also aims to raise awareness about the “Sarajevo Haggadah” around the world, so that its incredible story, which confirms the importance of cultural and religious harmony for the preservation of peace, can continue inspiring us to safeguard humanity’s rich cultural diversity.
“The Organization is proud to have contributed to the safeguarding of the Sarajevo Haggadah, which today serves as a testament to the courage of the people who, during the darkest of times, did all in their power to safeguard the Haggadah for future generations”, declared Sinisa Sesum, head of Antenna in Sarajevo, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe.
