The Bosnian Serb Army surrounded Sarajevo between 1992 – 1996. This caused a massive decline in the living conditions of the individuals residing in Sarajevo.
The war was held to account for the destruction of lives, families, as well the future of many residents. Nothing melts the heart as much as the story of childhood sweethearts Bosko Brkic and his girlfriend of nine years, Admira Ismić.
Admira Ismić was born May 13, 1968, and Boško Brkić was born August 11, 1968. Admira was a Bosnian Serb and an Orthodox Christian; on the other hand, she was a Bosniak Muslim, and the two had developed and displayed an incredible strength of love which made them famous as the Sarajevo Romeo and Juliet.
Gradually, the conflict grew worse and became more violent daily. Bosnian Serbs were, however, at an advantage, unlike the Muslims. They had to gather as much money as possible to make payment for safe passage out of Sarajevo to safe ground, the neighbouring Serb-held area.
After Bosko’s father died, the rest of his family lived in Serbia. He was privileged to escape but chose to stay with Admira, and the situation worsened. They then decided to break out after managing to survive a year under the siege. They planned on running off to join Bosko’s family.
Fortunate enough to have friends on all fronts of the conflict. They finalized their method of escape, and both parties agreed not to fire while they walked over the bridge at 5 pm on May 19, 1993.
On the agreed day and time, they were both seen heading towards the bridge, and a gunshot was immediately heard.
The bullet struck Boško Brkić, killing him on the spot, followed by another shot and scream; his girlfriend had also been shot but managed to crawl back onto his body, where she embraced him and died by his side. It was learnt that she was conscious for about 15 minutes before eventually giving up the ghost.
The photograph of their lifeless bodies embracing each other on the street caused an outpour of emotions from both warring factions. The future of these young lovers had been cut short. It was a sorrowful time.
After seven days, their bodies were removed from Sarajevo’s Vrbanja Bridge, still embraced together. They soon became symbols of enduring love cut short in a senseless war.
This is the story of Bosnia’s Romeo and Juliet.
RELATED: A Young Hitler Cheers The Start Of World War One, 1914
