Free time

During the siege, the continuation of normal life in the city, continuation of creativity, for all citizens of Sarajevo was as important as bread or medicine or water.

This segment in FAMA research period 1992-1996 contains the question "Could you describe a creation of yours?" and interviewees' answers. Sarajevans (in this case: interviewees) created and accepted this model in order to survive: "We were all innovators of our own methods of survival" – as put by one of the respondents.

Sources: FAMA Collection 1992-1996: Oral History, Survival Questionnaire, Sarajevo Life Magazine, archival video and photo collection.

AEROBIC

© FAMA Collection - Visual Archives 1992-1996 (Jelena Oksenfeld)

Dajana, a student: ‘A PTSD counseling Center was opened in Sarajevo. There was a computer science course, English language course, sewing and cosmetic courses, but I picked aerobics. I could go there to have coffee, to talk to people, and when there was electricity and we could even watch TV. We needed to jump, to socialize, to exchange recipes, to energize ourselves with aerobic exercise.’

A SCENT OF ROSES

© FAMA Collection - Visual Archives 1992-1996 (Jelena Oksenfeld)

Amina Begović, actress: ‘You're not saying you've crossed the Trieste street only because of the roses? – I was asked. That's exactly what I'm saying – I answered.’ (Trscanska was the most dangerous street in the city, completely open to unseen snipers on the hill.)

RICE SORTING

© FAMA Collection - Visual Archives 1992-1996 (Jelena Oksenfeld)

Student: ‘I was sorting rice by hand, for hours, it helped me not to become as mad as a hatter.’