The "In the Footsteps of Evliya Çelebi: Ottoman Artifacts in Bosnia and Herzegovina Project" was officially introduced at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) campus. The initiative, spearheaded by the IUS Balkan Studies Center and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye to Bosnia and Herzegovina, aims to enhance cultural tourism and economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina by highlighting the region's rich Ottoman heritage.
The launch event saw the presence of prominent figures, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye Mr. Burhanettin Duran, Turkish Ambassador to BiH H.E. Sadık Babür Girgin, Director General of the Research Center for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) Prof. Mahmud Erol Kılıç, and IUS Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım.
The project is designed to create alternative tourist routes specifically for Turkish visitors, focusing on lesser-known regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina that are rich in Ottoman artifacts and history. By doing so, it aims to attract more Turkish tourists to Bosnia and Herzegovina, encouraging them to explore areas beyond the usual tourist spots. Additionally, it seeks to boost the local economies of these less visited regions through increased tourism.
The project's details, including an extensive collection of works from the Ottoman period and information on the natural beauties of Bosnia and Herzegovina, are available on the official website, www.evliyaninizindebosna.com.
The project's success is bolstered by the collaborative efforts of several key organizations, including the Turkish Embassy in Sarajevo, the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), and the Center for Development of Relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIGMEV). These organizations have provided crucial support, ensuring the project's implementation and outreach.