Bosniak Day commemorates restoration of national identity

September 28 marks International Bosniak Day, commemorating the historical decision made during the First Bosniak Assembly in 1993. Held under siege in the basement of the Holiday Inn in Sarajevo, the assembly adopted a declaration to restore the national name ‘Bosniak’ and the name of the Bosnian language.

The decision aimed to ensure constitutional survival and historical continuity for the people, moving away from previous designations such as ‘Muslim’ used during the Yugoslav era. Today, the date is observed across Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Balkans, and the diaspora, and holds official national holiday status in Kosovo and certain municipalities in Sandžak.

In Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, Vice President of the Government and Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued congratulations to Bosniaks in Montenegro, the region, and the diaspora. He emphasized the importance of preserving identity, culture, and language while highlighting the Bosniak Party’s commitment to affirming Bosniak rights and integration within a European Montenegro.