Sarajevo – Religion

MB just corrected a mistake in an earlier ‘Sarajevo’ post. The real reason that Sarajevo is know as the Jerusalem of Europe is because of the coexistence of the major Abrahamic religions in the city, and the history of acceptance and tolerance of and by all.

The Sarajevo Jewish Synagogue

The Jewish history of the city goes back some 500 years to the first mosque which was built in 1541. In the 17th century, Ashkenazi Jews arrived fleeing persecution in Europe and receiving a welcome and acceptance for the regions Ottoman Muslim rulers.

Jewish complex next to the synagogue

The two major Christian religions, Roman & Orthodox, have their cathedrals in very close proximity to each other, both impressive structures.

Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral

Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos

Street chess next to the Orthodox Cathedral

The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is also in close proximity.

During the war of the 1990s, within Sarajevo, the main religious structures were respected by all sides and thankfully avoided damage.

Non-religious pigeons!

Lessons from the Jerusalem of Europe for many in today’s world.