Introduction

Sarajevo’s history has been determined by its geography, the presence of different foreign powers, different ethnic groups and complicated relationships between them. The most interesting fact about Sarajevo is the diversity of the population that was its trademark from its foundation in the fifteenth century. Modern Sarajevo and Bosnia-Herzegovina are predominantly inhabited by members of the three largest ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs. The city of Sarajevo was founded by the Ottoman Empire upon conquering the region. A group of 108 Muslim citizens of Sarajevo signed on 12 October 1941 the Resolution of Sarajevo Muslims, which condemned the killings committed by nationalist movements and their sympathizers. Regardless of public rebellions and debates, the Sarajevo Winter Olympics were successfully organized in 1984. The animosity between Sarajevo as an urban place and East Sarajevo as being formed of suburban municipalities is present and influences their further willingness to cooperate.