Bosnian Daydreamers

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Djokic, Dejan. 2015. Bosnian Daydreamers. History Workshop Journal, 80(1), pp. 301-310. ISSN 1363-3554 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

"How many realized during the centenary commemorations that 28 June 1914 began in festive mood across southeastern and central Europe? ‘For the first time since [the 1389 Battle of] Kosovo, Serbia celebrated St Vitus Day as a day of Resurrection of Serbdom’, Serbia’s then minister in Vienna later recalled, referring to the reclaiming of Kosovo from the Ottoman Empire the previous year. ‘[M]any Serbs and Croats, especially from Dalmatia, went to Kosovo, and across Serbia people swam in patriotic fervour’, he wrote, revealing the presence of Yugoslavist ideals. In neighbouring Austria-Hungary, archduke Franz Ferdinand, his wife duchess Sophie and senior establishment figures attended a military parade in Sarajevo – an event unlikely to calm existing regional tensions. Meanwhile, the Viennese went to the nearby Baden spa, to celebrate the Feast of St Peter and St Paul (which fell on 29 June) and enjoy good weather. ‘The day was mild, there was not a cloud in the sky above the spreading chestnut trees, it was a day to feel happy’, Stefan Zweig remembered.

What happened around midday in Sarajevo would change the course of history."

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Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1093/hwj/dbv016