Over the weekend in Linz, the event “Sevdah on Dunav – Song of Gathering” (sevdah – Bosnian traditional song) brought together representatives from politics, the economy, culture, education, and media, as well as many citizens from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other EU countries.
The evening was filled with dialogue, friendliness, and mutual respect, as many distinguished guests delivered messages of peace, cooperation, and unity. The packed Brucknerhaus hall in Linz, one of Austria’s most renowned centers, is proof that sevdah continues to unite people, cultures, and generations.
Damir A. Saračević, President of CSI Austria, emphasized that at this gathering, sevdah represents more than just music and art.
“Sevdah is a culture of shared life. At this event, not only do music and art meet, but also languages and cultures,” he said.
Saračević stressed that culture is preserved through openness, education, dialogue, and encounters between people, and that diversity is a treasure that makes society stronger.
The following guests also addressed the audience during the event: Sevlid Hurtić, Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Nerin Dizdar, Federal Minister of Displaced Persons and Refugees; Josef Weidenholzer, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Upper Austria; Dietmar Prammer, Mayor of Linz; and Andreas Stangl, President of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labour.
All speakers delivered important messages of peace, cooperation, and unity. They also emphasized the importance of mutual respect, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the strengthening of bonds between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, and the Bosnian and Herzegovinian diaspora.
The event was organized by the Center of Contemporary Initiatives (CSI Austria) in cooperation with Volkshilfe (People’s Aid) and migrare (Center for Migrants), with support from numerous institutions in Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The performances by outstanding artists evoked strong emotions. The audience was captivated by the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Divanhana Ensemble, the Austrian WIADAWÖ Ensemble, and the international duo Two Bellows, consisting of Aleksandar Kolovski from North Macedonia and Anna Kolovska from Russia. The blend of traditional and contemporary musical expressions created a unique artistic atmosphere that received a standing ovation from the audience.
At “Sevdah on Dunav,” Sevlid Hurtić, Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited successful entrepreneur Amir Ferzagić, also from Bosnia and Herzegovina. A meeting of representatives from the Bosnian and Herzegovinian diaspora in business, culture, politics, education, and media was held at Ferzagić’s home in Ansfelden near Linz.
The meeting provided an opportunity for networking, sharing experiences, and building connections to foster stronger cooperation and synergy within the community. Participants discussed concrete possibilities for joint action to enhance social engagement, strengthen relations between the diaspora and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and support future projects of mutual interest.
“Sevdah on Dunav” once again demonstrated that culture can serve as a strong bridge between people and that dialogue, trust, and mutual effort are the best ways to strengthen the community and society as a whole, the organizers said.
