On 23 July 2026, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), in collaboration with the Museum of Sarajevo, proudly opened Sevdah in Type, a student exhibition hosted in the historic setting of Svrzo's House. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until 29 July 2026.
The exhibition presents the culmination of the Typography course, led by Assist. Prof. Nejira Mulahmetovic, demonstrating how contemporary design education extends beyond the classroom to connect students with culture, heritage, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Through extensive research, interpretation, and expressive typography, students translated the poetry, rhythm, and emotional depth of Sevdalinka into compelling visual narratives.
Rooted in the rich encounter of Bosnian and Ottoman cultural heritage, Sevdalinka reflects centuries of shared history, dialogue, and artistic expression. As an international university bringing together students from diverse cultural backgrounds, IUS provides a unique academic environment in which this heritage can be explored through multiple perspectives and contemporary interpretation. Presenting the exhibition within the walls of Svrzo's House further emphasized the dialogue between historical memory and contemporary visual expression.
The project represents a continuation of the Faculty's educational philosophy, which encourages students to engage in collaborative, research-driven, and interdisciplinary learning. Previous initiatives, including the Typo-Poetry exhibition and the CASUS exhibition, similarly challenged students to connect visual communication with literature, storytelling, and culture.
Developed through the collaboration of the Visual Arts and Communication Design (VACD) and English Language and Literature (ELIT) programs, Sevdah in Type demonstrates how meaningful creative work emerges where different disciplines meet. Throughout the project, students developed competencies extending well beyond typography, including research, critical thinking, cultural interpretation, concept development, visual storytelling, and interdisciplinary collaboration—skills essential for contemporary designers and creative professionals.
The project was organized, coordinated, and mentored by Assist. Prof. Nejira Mulahmetović (FASS Vice Dean, VACD & MAC), Dr. Damir Kahrić (ELIT & ELT), and Assistant Dino Šahović (VACD).
The opening ceremony welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Tarik Namas, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Ervin Kovačević, Director of the Museum of Sarajevo, Ms. Indira Kučuk-Sorguč, faculty members, program coordinators, students, parents, and members of the wider community.
The evening also celebrated several remarkable student contributions that enriched the exhibition experience. Jusuf Mehmedčehajić, a student of the Media and Communication program, composed the original musical soundtrack accompanying the exhibition, while Maida Mehmedčehajić created an immersive virtual exhibition featuring all thirty typographic posters, allowing visitors to experience the collection through virtual reality technology. In addition, Aisa Kadrić presented selections from her original poetry collection Bujroom, further strengthening the dialogue between literature and visual communication.
More than an exhibition, Sevdah in Type stands as a testament to the transformative potential of contemporary design education, demonstrating how research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative practice can reinterpret cultural heritage for contemporary audiences while inspiring the next generation of designers and visual communicators.
The exhibition is open to the public until 29 July 2026 at Svrzo's House – Museum of Sarajevo. Visitors are warmly invited to experience Sevdalinka through the expressive language of contemporary typography and discover how tradition can be reimagined through design.
