Deputy Mayor Džehverović Hosts Journalist Preparing Book on Aida Buturović

Sarajevo Deputy Mayor Mirela Džehverović welcomed Milan-based journalist Tatjana Đorđević to the City Hall (Vijećnica) today. Đorđević plans to write a book about Aida Buturović, a librarian who lost her life on the night the Vijećnica was set on fire while trying to save its invaluable book collection.

The meeting focused on the importance of the culture of remembrance, preserving historical truth, and the role of individuals who demonstrated extraordinary courage and humanity in the most difficult moments.

“In my work and research related to raising awareness about the culture of remembrance, as well as the prevention of war crimes and genocide, I came across the story of a Sarajevo heroine that deeply moved me and inspired me to write an article and produce a short video,” said Tatjana Đorđević.

Inspired by this remarkable life story, Đorđević attracted the attention of the Association of Librarians of Southern Italy, which engaged her to write a book about Aida Buturović. The book is expected to be published in September and is envisioned as a powerful literary homage to a woman who, while saving books, was also defending the very idea of civilization, knowledge, and culture.

According to the author’s announcement, the work will contain elements of a historical novel. The book will revive not only Aida’s character but also the fate of the Vijećnica, one of Sarajevo’s most recognizable symbols. Its tragic destiny became a metaphor for the destruction of culture and art, but also for the strength of its rebirth after 18 years of restoration.

This initiative has also encouraged the Milan-based Gariwo Foundation to nominate Aida Buturović for the “Righteous” recognition.

Journalist Tatjana Đorđević brings extensive professional experience to the project. For many years she collaborated with Al Jazeera Balkans, as well as with numerous other media outlets in the region and abroad. She is the author of two books and the documentary film “Zemlja,” which she plans to present at the Sarajevo Film Festival.

Deputy Mayor Džehverović emphasized that it is extremely important for stories of courage and humanity from Sarajevo to be passed on to new generations and to the international public.

“The story of Aida Buturović is not only a Sarajevo or Bosnian-Herzegovinian story. It is a universal story about a woman who believed that books and knowledge were worth fighting for, even when the world around her was burning. It is also a reminder that the courage of an individual can outlive even the darkest moments of history,” Džehverović said.