Isak Samokovlija: 137th anniversary of the Bosnian writer and physician

Today marks the 137th anniversary of the birth of Isak Samokovlija, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most significant literary figures. Born on September 3, 1889, in Goražde to a Sephardic Jewish family, Samokovlija balanced a career as a physician with a profound literary output.

After studying medicine in Vienna, he practiced in Goražde, Fojnica, and Sarajevo. His literary career began in 1927 with the short story ‘Rafina avlija’. His works frequently explored the daily lives, struggles, and culture of Bosnian Jews, often centering on themes of poverty, love, and the landscape of the Drina river.

During World War II, Samokovlija faced persecution due to his Jewish heritage, including being forced to wear the yellow Star of David and being imprisoned in an Ustaše camp. He managed to escape in the spring of 1945. Following the war, he continued to influence the literary scene as an editor for the magazine ‘Brazda’ and the publishing house ‘Svjetlost’ until his death in Sarajevo in 1955.

Renowned authors such as Ivo Andrić and Meša Selimović praised his talent, with Andrić describing him as one of the best writers produced by Bosnia and Herzegovina.