The Role of Cultural Heritage in Conflict and Post-Conflict Recovery Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Medina Munawwarah

The topics of focus is on the protection and restoration the protection and restoration of cultural heritage in
conflict-affected regions. Countries such as Ukraine and Palestine face severe threats to their cultural sites,
similar to what Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced during the 1990s war. Recognizing cultural heritage
as a vital element of identity and resilience, the international community must support efforts to safeguard
and rebuild cultural assets. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s experience serves as an important model for post-
conflict recovery, highlighting the role of culture in reconciliation and peacebuilding.
I.Introduction / Background
Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the Balkans, is a country with an exceptionally rich cultural heritage
and history, woven together by diverse traditions and customs within a multiethnic society. During the armed
conflicts of the 1990s, the country’s cultural heritage was severely endangered, with numerous monuments
and cultural sites either destroyed or significantly damaged. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to
face substantial challenges, yet remains committed to the restoration and preservation of its cultural
heritage as a vital instrument for reconciliation and the construction of a unified national identity. The
restoration and preservation of cultural heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina encounter a multitude of
challenges, notably insufficient financial resources, entrenched political divisions, and complex
administrative barriers. Nonetheless, there exist commendable initiatives and positive developments that
demonstrate the country’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its cultural patrimony. Bosnia and
Herzegovina is a signatory to several key international legal instruments dedicated to the protection of
cultural heritage, including: The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event
of Armed Conflict, The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
(1972), The Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer
of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970). War not only destroys lives and infrastructure but also threatens
the intangible core of a nation: its cultural identity. Bosnia and Herzegovina, thirty years after the war, stands
as a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage as a means of survival, resilience, and identity
reconstruction. During the war, cultural heritage played a defensive role, serving as a source of strength
and cohesion amid conflict. As the world witnesses ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, it is crucial
to reflect on the role of culture in conflict and post-conflict recovery. What happens after the war? How does
cultural heritage influence and shape the psychosocial fabric of society in the aftermath?
II. Current Challenges
During the 1990s war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, libraries, mosques, churches, archives, and other cultural
landmarks were systematically attacked. Similar patterns are visible today in Ukraine and Palestine. The
destruction of cultural heritage is often used as a strategy to indirectly and directly erase the memory and
identity of a people. However, Bosnian communities resisted not only with weapons but also with songs,
traditions, religious rituals, and collective memory — elements that sustain culture and the spirit of a people.
Post-war cultural reconstruction in Bosnia has been slow and fragmented but deeply rooted in local efforts
and the will of its people. From rebuilding the iconic Mostar Bridge to reviving traditional crafts and festivals,
culture has been a tool to heal, rebuild, and define shared identity. Ukraine and Palestine face similar
challenges today, where safeguarding heritage must be central to future peacebuilding efforts. In these
cases, it is essential that the wider international community and neighboring peoples — who have
themselves endured conflict — actively protect, preserve, and raise awareness of cultural heritage in places
where those suffering may currently be unable to do so. No nation is untouched by some form of conflict;
yet the identity of a people and the culture of a nation must emerge resilient, as a form of resistance and
hope.III. Past International Actions / Relevant UN Frameworks
The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict
remains a foundational legal instrument safeguarding cultural heritage during war. UNESCO’s Convention
Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and its related programs actively
promote cultural preservation. Various UN peacekeeping missions have included mandates to protect
cultural sites. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the role of culture in
sustainable development and peace, notably:
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (promoting peaceful societies and access to justice)
SDG 4: Quality Education (inclusive education that includes cultural heritage awareness)
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (protecting cultural and natural heritage)
IV. Recommendations
Protect cultural heritage in conflict zones by strengthening international legal mechanisms and ensuring
emergency documentation of at-risk sites. Support local cultural initiatives worldwide as integral parts of
peacebuilding and trauma healing, fostering awareness and healthy social change. Engage youth and local
communities in cultural preservation to guarantee intergenerational continuity and resilience. Enhance
global cooperation among heritage professionals, diplomats, civil society networks such as ESACH and
ODBK, and local associations with shared missions. Recognize and honor the sacrifices of defenders and
innocent victims to underscore the human cost tied to cultural loss and recovery. n particular, the
engagement of youth is crucial for the sustainable preservation and revitalization of cultural heritage. The
European Students’ Association for Cultural Heritage (ESACH), in the document “Youth for the Future of
Cultural Heritage,” emphasizes the importance of inclusive youth participation, education, and
empowerment as key factors in ensuring the continuity and resilience of cultural heritage across
generations. Young people bring innovative perspectives and approaches that are essential for overcoming
current challenges related to awareness, conservation, and sustainable development. Fostering their
involvement strengthens local communities and builds a more inclusive and hopeful future for cultural
heritage globally.
V. Conclusion
Culture is more than memory—it is survival. The international community must acknowledge cultural
heritage not only as a victim of war but as an active agent of peace. Remembering and honoring the
sacrifices of those who defended their homeland and the innocent victims caught in conflict is essential.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey provides hope and guidance for Ukraine, Palestine, and beyond.
Tradition must be preserved, embraced through healthy innovation, and built upon. Through culture, nations
remember, rebuild, and rise. Central to this vision is the role of youth as guardians and innovators of cultural
heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the past is preserved and transformed in ways that reflect the needs
and hopes of future generations.
VI. Sources / References
UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Protecting Cultural Heritage
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
European Students’ Association for Cultural Heritage (ESACH), “Youth for the Future of Cultural Heritage”