Ivo Andrić depicts historical epidemic life in The Bridge on the Drina

In his novel “The Bridge on the Drina,” Ivo Andrić describes the impact of mid-19th-century epidemics, such as the plague and cholera, on cities like Sarajevo and Višegrad. The narrative illustrates how infectious diseases fundamentally altered daily life and social order.

During these outbreaks, authorities often restricted or completely halted passenger and postal traffic. To mitigate the spread, guards controlled town entrances, and mail was disinfected using smoke. Some individuals relied on folk remedies, believing that consuming brandy and garlic could provide protection against infection.

The novel also highlights the tension between official health measures and human necessity. While guards attempted to prevent the entry of disease, travelers and merchants often sought ways to bypass restrictions, using persuasion or bribery to fulfill family obligations or continue business operations.