Dr. Tone Bringa, University of Bergen

Celebration and Mourning;
Shrines and Memorials The Sacred Landscape of Bosnia's Muslims

Abstract:

In Bosnia-Herzegovina religion is arguably the single most important source of nationalist symbolism and ethno-national identity. In a state which is de-facto divided among three nations, territorially, politically and symbolically, and identified by three different religious traditions, various sacred and commemorative sites have become important arenas for the expression of territorially based national belonging. Yet, in this paper I will argue that an exclusive concern with Islam as an expression of nationalism in Bosnia, impairs our ability to understand Bosniak sacred sites as part of a landscape of celebration and mourning that both represents transformative experiences in the distant and recent past of Bosnia's Muslims and is an integral part of a particular Muslim ontology


You can also meet Tone in an informal encounter after the seminar in the Corner Room where, as usual, beverage will be served.

All interested are welcome!