The National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Guardian of Knowledge, Scarred by War
The National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina (NUL), affectionately known as Vijećnica, stands as both a beacon of learning and a silent witness to the resilience of Sarajevo. More than just a repository of books, this institution embodies the turbulent history, cultural richness, and unyielding spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A Storied Institution Born from Ashes of Conflict
Founded in 1945, in the wake of World War II, the National and University Library was conceived through a decree that underscored the necessity for a cultural and educational epicenter in Sarajevo. The Minister of Education, Ante Babić, etched the institution’s birth into official records, laying the groundwork for a library that would serve the nation’s scholars, artists, and everyday citizens.
The decree declared:
“In Sarajevo shall be established the National Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina, overseen by the Ministry of Education, tasked with illuminating the life and culture of our peoples.”
From the outset, the library was envisioned not merely as a collection of texts but as a catalyst for intellectual and artistic growth across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Library’s Mission: A Bridge Between Past and Future
Article 2 of the foundational regulation reveals the depth of this vision:
“The National Library in Sarajevo shall provide readers with comprehensive knowledge of the life and culture of our peoples, facilitating scientific and artistic endeavors, and fostering the development of libraries across Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
This mission remains at the heart of the library’s existence, underscoring its pivotal role in preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural identity.
A Haven for Scholars and Students
As the institution grew, it evolved into a hub for academic pursuit, embracing a university function that made it indispensable to professors, researchers, and students across Bosnian-Herzegovinian universities. The library’s archives expanded, housing invaluable materials, including the personal collections of renowned historian Hamdija Kapidžić.
It became more than a library — it was a sanctuary for those seeking knowledge, where the silent hum of turning pages echoed the aspirations of generations.
1992: Flames of War and Cultural Devastation
Yet, the library’s journey took a harrowing turn during the Bosnian War. On the fateful night of August 25-26, 1992, as Sarajevo endured the relentless Siege of Sarajevo, tragedy struck.
The Army of Republika Srpska unleashed artillery fire upon Vijećnica, reducing centuries of knowledge to ash. The building’s flame, symbolizing eternal enlightenment, was extinguished as fires consumed irreplaceable texts, rare manuscripts, and archives spanning generations.
What once stood as a symbol of unity and learning was now a scarred relic of war, its facade pockmarked by shells, its heart hollowed by loss.
A Silent Witness
To stand before Vijećnica today is to confront the enduring scars of history. The bullet holes remain, a stark reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage in the face of conflict.
Rebirth Amid Ruins
Emerging from the shadows of war, Bosnia and Herzegovina embarked on a journey of restoration and remembrance. By 1995, a new chapter began as the library resumed its operations under the Law on Libraries (Official Journal no. 37/95).
While the physical structure bore the weight of its wounds, the spirit of the library persisted. Slowly, the flames of knowledge reignited, fueled by the determination of librarians, scholars, and the community at large.
A Cultural Landmark and Symbol of Resilience
Today, Vijećnica stands not just as a repository of books but as a living monument to Sarajevo’s resilience. Visitors from around the world gather to pay homage to what was lost—and to celebrate what remains.
Every April 6, on the anniversary of Sarajevo’s liberation in 1946, the streets hum with quiet reverence as flowers are laid and memories are honored.
A Testament to the Unbreakable Spirit of Sarajevo
The National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina is more than the sum of its surviving books. It is a symbol—of defiance, of memory, and of hope.
Through war, fire, and destruction, it has endured, echoing the enduring spirit of Sarajevo itself.