10 hours
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
Srebrenica Genocide Educational Tour is a journey through one of the darkest chapters in recent history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This tour will take you to the heart of Eastern Bosnia. There you will explore the harrowing events that unfolded in the 1990s, specifically the Srebrenica Genocide. As we embark on this educational and somber journey, we aim to provide you with a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and human aspects of this tragic period.
War in Bosnia and Herzegovina resulted in death of more than 100.000 people in period of just under four years. While every part of the country was affected by war, three places in the Eastern Bosnia had special status. The U.N. had declared these enclaves “safe havens” in 1993, to be disarmed and protected by international peacekeeping forces. One of them was Srebrenica enclave.
On July 11, 1995, however, Bosnian Serb forces (Armija Republike Srpske) advanced on Srebrenica. They overwhelmed a battalion of Dutch peacekeeping forces stationed in Potocari. In organized operation Bosniak (muslim) women and men were separated. Women were sent to Bosnian Army-held territory while more than 8000 Bosniak men and boys were brutally killed and buried at different locations in Eastern Bosnia.
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague has restated its judgement that the mass killings in Srebrenica in 1995 constituted a genocide.
In order to grasp the factors that led to one of the most horrifying crimes in European history, we will explore a broader spectrum of topics:
As our tour concludes, you will depart with a deeper understanding of the region’s history and the tragic Srebrenica Genocide. Our primary goal is to educate, fostering awareness to prevent such events in the future. By learning from the past, we strive to promote reconciliation, tolerance, and empathy, envisioning a more peaceful world for generations to come.
The journey from Sarajevo to our first stop, Kravica, is a captivating drive that takes approximately 2 hours. Along the way, you'll traverse a network of well-maintained roads that wind through the breathtaking Bosnian landscape, showcasing canyons, mountains, and historic towns that add to the allure of your adventure.
As you make your way, guide will begin with an in-depth explanation of Bosnia's complex history, the diverse religious landscape of its people, and the pivotal roles played by World War I and World War II. This historical context is essential for comprehending the events that unfolded during the Yugoslav Wars and, in particular, the Srebrenica Genocide.
While Srebrenica is perhaps the most renowned due to the staggering number of lives lost, it's crucial to understand that it was not the sole city in Eastern Bosnia affected by violence and ethnic cleansing. Throughout the drive, your guide will highlight and elucidate the significance of places intertwined with the Srebrenica Genocide.
Your first stop will be Kravica, a place of somber significance. Here, 1,200 Bosniak individuals, taken from Srebrenica, met a tragic fate in the industrial hangars, visible from the main road. In the heart of this small town stands a memorial in shape of a cross, featuring numbers that reveal a disturbing "truth". It's a stark reminder of the false and alternate narratives that have been perpetuated in an attempt to downplay the extent of the tragedy in Srebrenica.
This stop serves as an initial introduction to the harrowing history you'll encounter on this tour, emphasizing the importance of truth, remembrance, and the quest for justice in the wake of such profound suffering.
The Srebrenica Memorial Center, established under the authority of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, holds a profound significance in the region. It officially opened its doors in September 2003, serving as a testament to the tragic events that unfolded during the Bosnian Genocide.
This memorial complex comprises two integral sections. The first is a sacred burial ground, a place of solemn remembrance where the remains of over 6,000 victims of the genocide have found their final resting place. It stands as a sorrowful reminder of the magnitude of the tragedy that occurred.
The second component of the Srebrenica Memorial Center resides within the premises of the former Battery Factory. This factory once served as the headquarters of the Dutch UN battalion before the fateful events of July 1995. It has since been transformed into a space dedicated to education and remembrance.
What sets a visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Center apart and makes it a truly unique experience is the opportunity to meet and interact with survivors of the genocide. An official local guide, who is also a survivor of these devastating events, plays a pivotal role in this journey. They offer not only historical insights but also share deeply personal stories that provide a human perspective on the tragedy.
This encounter is akin to a living history class, where you have the privilege of hearing firsthand accounts, gaining a more profound understanding of the resilience of survivors, and honoring the memory of those who suffered. It's a powerful and emotionally resonant experience that adds depth and meaning to your visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Center.
More than two decades have passed, yet Srebrenica endures as a poignant symbol of pain in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The genocide that occurred here wasn't just a harrowing collective experience for Bosniaks; it left a profound scar on Serb history as well. Today, the town is inhabited by people united by the memory of one of the worst crimes in modern history, each trying to navigate the challenges of daily life while carrying the weight of this tragic legacy.
While it may no longer be the industrial leader it once was, it remains a place of significance. During our visit to Srebrenica, you'll have the opportunity to see the locations visible in the Memorial complex.
Now that we've gained a deeper understanding of the history of the Balkans and Bosnia and Herzegovina, we can address a critical concern: the increasing problem of Genocide Denial in Srebrenica, often used for political gain.
Genocide denial in Srebrenica is a deeply troubling and sensitive issue. It involves the refusal or distortion of historical facts regarding the Srebrenica Genocide.
Denial of this tragic event can take various forms, including:
Denial of the Scale: Some individuals or groups downplay the number of victims or argue that the genocide did not result in the large-scale killings documented by international organizations and forensic evidence.
Revisionist History: Deniers may attempt to rewrite history by presenting alternative narratives that challenge well-established facts about the genocide.
Blame Shifting: Some may attempt to shift blame away from those responsible for the genocide, often by implicating the victims or other parties in the conflict
Glorification of War Criminals: The portrayal of sentenced war criminals as heroes or martyrs remains a deeply concerning issue that hampers the process of reconciliation
Conspiracy Theories: Deniers might resort to conspiracy theories to cast doubt on the legitimacy of evidence and judicial rulings related to the genocide.
Denial of the Srebrenica Genocide is not only deeply hurtful to the survivors and the families of the victims but also undermines efforts to promote truth, justice, and reconciliation in the region. It can perpetuate ethnic tensions and hinder the healing process.
International organizations, human rights advocates, and scholars continue to work to counter genocide denial by presenting and preserving the historical record, supporting survivors, and promoting education and remembrance to ensure that the lessons of history are not lost.
Member Since 2022
Excellent tour