“It is truly a blessing of God to live in a multicultural environment. Only in such a place can we see ourselves more clearly”, said Mufti of Zenica, Dr. Mevludin Dizdarević, opening the “Journey through Sacred Places – Zenica’s Jerusalem.” Organized by UNFPA, the event brought together students, religious leaders, professors, and citizens under one roof – at the Islamic Center Sultan Ahmed – when the rain altered the original plan for a city walk among sacred sites.
Still, the atmosphere inside was anything but subdued. What was supposed to be a physical journey through Zenica’s religious landmarks turned into an emotional and intellectual journey within the Islamic Center, a gathering that reinforced the strength of Zenica’s social fabric and the deep desire for peace and understanding
Justine Coulson, UNFPA Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed the crowd with these words: “This journey reflects what we believe in: peace is not built through institutions alone, it is built through people, together, step by step.” She announced that 20 such events will take place across the country to uplift local voices and inspire new youth-led initiatives.
Religious leaders spoke with unity and warmth. Don Davor Topić, parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church, told the audience: “There is a shared path forward for all of us… Upbringing, nurturing – these are seeds of peace. So thank God for this day.” The sentiment was echoed by journalist Adnan Rondić, who addressed the attendees with a message of hope and endurance: “Despite everything – we must, we want to, and we will persist.”
Among the most powerful voices in the room were those of the young people. Students from the Islamic Pedagogical Faculty, Law, Economics, and Philosophy brought a grounded, sincere energy. One student noted: “Many people aren’t even aware of the richness we have—how close together we live, yet how diverse we are.” Another added: “We must build peace like we build a true Bosnian home – from real, honest elements.”
Their reflections touched not only on the importance of interreligious harmony but also on everyday morality. Ajša Luković, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law in Zenica emphasized: “If you follow the ethical teachings of your religion, you’ll never harm anyone. Personal integrity matters, where you throw trash, how you treat rivers, these are moral choices too.”
Though the planned walk did not take place, the event lost none of its spirit. Instead of moving through streets, people moved each other, with their honesty, questions, and courage to speak. In Zenica, peace didn’t need a parade; it needed people. And they showed up.
“Many people aren’t even aware of the richness we have, how close together we live, yet how diverse we are. I was recently in Latvia and realized how unique this is here”, one student reflected.
In closing, Indira Agić from the Zenica Youth Center summed it all up: “Zenica is built on love. We’re here today because of love. Zenica truly is a place of religious harmony, and we are the drivers of change in our local communities.”
This event was organized within the Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality and Trust/Moving us Closer project, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and the Italian Embassy in BiH.
