Thierry Domin
First published in
SFOR Informer#146, August 29, 2002

Chapter 3
At the cross-roads
of the religions

In the 15th century, there were important demographic shifts in Bosnia.
Judaism and the lily flower
As religious persecution in various western European countries continued, many Jews began to settle in Sarajevo, where they found religious tolerance and were able to form a very active, rich and powerful community. These Sephardic Jews continued to play a vital role in Sarajevo's community life.
During this time, the lily flower was introduced in Bosnia as a coat of arms. There are several different explanations about its introduction as a symbol, offering varying dates for its adoption. But the fact is the lily flower was - and still is - the coat of arms for the French province of Anjou. Kings and princes originating from Anjou ruled over several countries of the region, to include Hungary.
Today, the lily flower appears on the flag of the Federation, as represented in the Bosniac (Muslim) component.
The Era of the Ottoman Empire
The period of Ottoman Empire building in and around Europe progressed in stages over many years. During this time, Croatia (in union with Hungary) settled the Serbs who were displaced from the invasions in an area along its border with Bosnia. This area became known as the Krajina or Frontier. This 'human wall' served its purpose and became a barrier to the Ottoman advance. However, although this tactic was useful during the Ottoman years of occupation, in the future it would serve as a problem for Croats interested in independence and a 'pure' Croatian state.
The Ottoman Army conquered the kingdom of Bosnia in 1463, when Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror captured the Castle of Babovac and ended the Kotromanic Dynasty. Nevertheless, ongoing battles and sieges continued for many years thereafter. The Turks, under Sulejman the Magnificent, attacked Austria through Bosnia, arriving at the gates of Vienna in 1533, where they were defeated. In 1571, on the Mediterranean Sea, the Turks lost the battle of Lepante. In 1683, the Ottoman Empire was once again and finally defeated at the walls of Vienna. It was the end of its expansion toward the west.
Changes in the society
At this time, the Ottoman Empire ruled almost a third of Europe. It tolerated a significant amount of religious diversity within its borders. While the Turks did not force conversions, only Muslims could own property, vote, or participate in the government. Non-Muslims had to pay a tax on their work. However, they could practice their own religion and justice, and exercise their own will in many community affairs. These measures were taken by the Ottoman rulers to avoid revolts or rebellions.
It was during this time that a large part of the Slavic population converted to the Islam religion, and became known as Bosniacs. Christian peasants remained the serfs in a feudal society. Christian boys were often taken from their families to be converted and trained as the personal servants and soldiers of the Sultans and his viziers. This janissary army was a means of integrating non-Ottomans into the structure of the empire.
The Ottoman Empire brought numerous changes to the Bosnian society. New towns of the Islamic-Oriental type were developed, and the economy was changed by the introduction of a feudal estate-landowner system. The Turks established administrative military districts called sandjaks. From 1580 the region of Bosnia became ruled through the administration of a pashadom, a decision that recognized the Bosnian entity, including all of modern Bosnia and Herzegovina, and some parts of Slavonia, Croatia, Dalmatia, and Serbia. In 1592, the Turks captured the important fortress at Bihac from the Hapsburgs, and with this move the Ottoman Empire covered all of Bosnia and Herzegovina, part of Croatia, and Hungary. The Turks occupied Croatia until 1699. After the Vienna War (1683-1699) Bosnia became the western province of the Ottoman Empire, and the Karlowitz treaty (1699) confirmed the historical borders of Bosnia on the north, west and south. The Ottoman Empire ruled Bosnia and Herzegovina until 1878.
To be continued