A Unique Claim of Bosnian Jews

The Jews of Bosnia believe they should be exempt from the persecution that other Jewish communities have faced. Their reasoning is based on a religious tradition: they claim to be descendants of a member of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council at the time of Jesus) who voted against the crucifixion of Christ. Interestingly, Jews from Toledo, Spain, make the same claim. While this belief cannot be verified, it shows how some Jewish groups tried to distinguish themselves from others during difficult times.

Misconceptions About Governing the Turks

Many people believe that Turks are the hardest people to govern, but the Austrian experience in Bosnia proved that this is not entirely true. In fact, many well-educated and moderate Turks in Bosnia welcomed Austrian rule, especially because it brought order, peace, and progress. These individuals became loyal supporters of the new government Private Sofia Tour.

To deal with religious extremists, the Austrian authorities used a strategy that deeply affected Muslim beliefs. It was known that for devout Muslims, dying by execution was not a punishment, since they believed it would lead them to paradise. However, cremation—burning the body—was a terrible fate for them, because Islam teaches that resurrection is impossible if the body is destroyed. So, the Austrians threatened cremation for those convicted of serious crimes, which frightened extremists so much that many fled the country.

The Intelligence and Character of the Bosnian People

The Bosnian people are naturally intelligent, but for centuries, their talents were suppressed by poor education and a lack of opportunities. Under the Ottoman Empire, the people had little chance to rise through merit. Despite this, a few individuals—like Nikola Tesla, the famous inventor who was born in Bosnia—managed to succeed abroad. Unfortunately, such success stories were rare until more recent times.

Now, as education and opportunity improve, a new generation of Bosnians is beginning to shine. They are showing creativity, intelligence, and hard work. Another admirable trait is their natural honesty. In the past, under Turkish rule, corruption was common. But since the Austrian administration began, corruption has been strongly punished.

Fighting Corruption and Setting a New Example

When the Austrians took over, some local officials tried to continue the dishonest ways they had learned from the Turks. But they quickly discovered that the new government would not tolerate corruption. In recent years, there have been few, if any, cases of official dishonesty. The Austrian officials have also set a good example by acting with fairness and integrity, helping to build a new standard of leadership in Bosnia.