Selma

Bosnia and Herzegovina; an interview with Selma

Why is it called Bosnia and Herzegovina?

~Bosnia is in the North, Herzegovina to the South

How do you say “hello, you are a kind friend,” in the language?

~M: Zdradvo, ti si dobar prijatelj; F: Dobra prijateljica

Where does the language come from?

~Slavic-Ottoman empire

What are the philosophies or spiritual viewpoints of its people?

~Christianity (Catholicism), Orthodox, Islam; (communist atheism)\

Did the Bosnian war impact your upbringing?

~Unresolved feelings; looking for resolve

What is Bosnia known for?

~1984 Winter Olympics; Sevdahlinka (folk music from 15th C); Austro-Hungarian Assassination

What is the character of its people?

~Forgiveness, selfless & fierce (would die for love)

What is the ruling class?

~3 presidents of democracy; Serbs/Bosniaks/Croats

Who is the impoverished class?

~War led to concentrations of the three populations; poverty happens to the minority

Is there tension between its people?

~aggression amongst groups can rip country apart

What was your favorite thing growing up?

~Grandma near river; playing on block with other children

What is its nature like?

~Famous for rivers, mountainous north, southern seaside with dry and rocky climate (Arizona; not as extreme)

What is a typical Bosnian dish?

~Pie, synthesized dough dumpling (meat/cheese/veggies)

Who are the most famous Bosnians?

~Nurkic (Portland Trail Blazers); “No Man’s Land” (Oscar Winner)

What are some folklore or traditional Holidays unique to Bosnia?

~Labor Day (May 2nd); Women’s Day (March 8th)

What is valued in Bosnia?

~Family, country

Who are the great thinkers of Bosnia?

~Ivoandric (Noble writer recipient)

Do you consider yourself a good representative of Bosnia?

~Yes, passionate

What is the Bosnian subculture?

~New Primitive, Underground Yugoslavia

If you could change anything about Bosnia, what would it be?

~Instill values of education to alleviate corrupted universities; adopt a universal truth of what happened in history

Do you want to live in Bosnia again?

~Yes, after Masters

What sports does Bosnia enjoy the most?

~Basketball, futbol, swimming (champions)

What has Bosnia done for the global community?

~Catalyst for WW1; central funnel for World; Tombstone Art of Friendly Bosnian Love (Stecak)

What are the most important Bosnian films?

~No Man’s Land; (Bosnian films have a sense of humor around dark and difficult subjects)

Is Bosnia easily accessible for foreigners?

[Neko will find out]

What do Americans need to be respectful about when in Bosnia?

{Love}