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Vijećnica Library preserves Sarajevo’s memory 34 years after the fire
In its 34th year since the fire on August 25, 1992, Sarajevo’s Vijećnica Library continues to shed light on the history of the city and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of Sarajevo’s landmark buildings, the Vijećnica Library preserves thousands of years of regional heritage and the traces of the Bosnian War under one roof. In the 34th year since the fire, the building continues to host exhibitions, receptions and various events.
From city hall to national library
Vijećnica was built during the Austro-Hungarian Empire after the Ottoman Empire withdrew from the region and was designed in the Andalusian architectural style. Architect Aleksandar Witek drew inspiration from mosques and madrasas in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, while preparing the project, and construction of the building began in 1892.
After construction was completed, the building opened as a city hall on April 20, 1896. Vijećnica was converted into a national library in 1945 and thereafter became known as the memory of Sarajevo.
Millions of works were destroyed in the fire
During the 1992–1995 Bosnian War, Serb forces besieging Sarajevo also targeted the library building. On August 25, 1992, Vijećnica was hit by artillery fire, and the books, historic documents and archival records inside were consumed by flames.
The fire in the building could not be extinguished for three days. In addition to 155,000 manuscripts, approximately 2 million works containing the country’s national archives were destroyed in the blaze.
Before its destruction, the library also held manuscripts and rare works belonging to Bosniak, Serb, Croat and Jewish communities. The building, which represented the country’s collective memory, housed approximately 6 million books and archival documents.
Reopened after an 18-year restoration
Repairs to Vijećnica began in 1996, one year after the war ended. The restoration work lasted 18 years, and the building reopened to visitors on May 9, 2014.
After its restoration, Vijećnica was turned into a museum and began hosting exhibitions and events about the history of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. A living witness to the events of the war, the building is now among the most visited destinations in the city for local and foreign tourists.
The Vijećnica Library also attracts photography enthusiasts because of its location and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year.
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