Young Peace Ambassadors from Sarajevo and Istanbul Visit Vijećnica: Learning from the Past for a Future of Empathy

Students and teachers from the “Edhem Mulabdić” Elementary School, alongside their peers and educators from the sister city of Istanbul, visited the Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) today. The visit was organized as part of an international exchange program focused on the project “My Choice is Turkish,” aimed at strengthening friendly ties and cross-cultural cooperation.

During the tour, the students and their teachers learned about the fascinating history of Vijećnica’s construction, its significance throughout different historical periods, and the meticulous reconstruction process that restored this city symbol to its full glory.

Deputy Mayor Predrag Puharić welcomed the guests, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings:

“These meetings are a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and gain new perspectives. I am certain that Sarajevo, with its openness and historical diversity, will leave a lasting impression on our guests from Istanbul and pave the way for new, more meaningful, and educational cooperation programs.”

A significant part of the visit included a tour of the Sarajevo Information Centre on the ICTY, located within the building. The students visited the original courtroom number 2 delivered from the Hague, where trials for serious violations of international humanitarian law took place. As young ambassadors of peace, the students demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding the Siege of Sarajevo and the importance of respecting democratic rights and freedoms.

Together, the youth sent a powerful message from the heart of Vijećnica: that empathy and peace are the most vital values in society. The visit concluded with the shared belief that education about the past serves as the foundation for building a more stable and prosperous future for all.