Survival Map

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.

SURVIVAL MAP

© FAMA Collection; 'Survival Map (The Siege of Sarajevo 1992-1996)'

During the siege, FAMA team collected text and visual evidences of the siege environment. Following those facts they produced map of the Siege of Sarajevo. At the end of the 20th century, during the wars in the former Yugoslavia, the city of Sarajevo survived the longest siege in human history. With the backing of the Yugoslav People’s Army, Bosnian Serb forces deployed heavy and light artillery all around Sarajevo, blocking all exits from the city and occupying some of its parts. During the years of the siege, virtually every citizen of Sarajevo was the target of sniper fire. Four million shells were fired at the city, demolishing buildings, hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, cemeteries, museums, libraries… Water, gas, and electricity supplies were cut off and communication with the outside world was rendered impossible. In March 1996, after NATO air-strikes and the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords, the blockade of Sarajevo was lifted and a peaceful reintegration of the city was effected.