Rewriting National History through Cultural Memory: The Case of Sarajevo, Bosnia

Abstract

This study examines how cultural memory serves as a mechanism for rewriting national history in post-conflict societies, with a focus on Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines historical analysis, cultural studies, and memory studies, this research explores the complex interplay between official historical narratives and the formation of collective memory in a city that has experienced multiple historical ruptures. The study analyzes how different ethnic communities in Sarajevo construct and reconstruct their understanding of the past through cultural practices, monuments, museums, and commemorative events. The research reveals that cultural memory in Sarajevo operates as a contested space where competing narratives of national identity intersect, conflict, and sometimes converge. The findings demonstrate that the rewriting of national history through cultural memory is not merely a top-down process imposed by political elites but rather a dynamic negotiation involving multiple stakeholders, including civil society organizations, cultural institutions, and ordinary citizens. The study contributes to understanding how post-conflict societies navigate the challenge of creating inclusive historical narratives while acknowledging the plurality of memory cultures within a single urban space.