In Novi Travnik, the name of a nursery school, Sultan Osvajač El Fatih (Sultan the Conqueror), has sparked long-standing controversy. The institution is named after Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, known as “The Conqueror,” a historical figure tied to Bosnia and Herzegovina through conquest and subjugation. Many view Mehmed II not as a hero but as an oppressor—someone responsible for atrocities such as the killing of Bosnia’s king, the enslavement of its people, and forced conversions to Islam.
Historical accounts, such as the story of the Bosnian king’s execution and the grim symbolism of a drum made from his skin, illustrate the dark legacy Mehmed II left behind. Given such a past, critics argue that naming a nursery school after him is deeply inappropriate and sends the wrong message to children, whether they are Muslim or Christian.
OHR’s Silence: Fear or Strategy?
The Office of the High Representative (OHR), responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has maintained a conspicuous silence on this matter. Despite the clear divisive implications of the name Sultan Osvajač, OHR has refrained from taking any stance, let alone action.
Fear of Backlash
It appears that OHR is reluctant to act out of fear of backlash, potentially even violent retaliation. Addressing the controversy would risk inflaming tensions both in the media and on the ground, potentially undermining OHR’s authority in an already fragile environment.
A Double Standard
While OHR exhibits leniency in this case, it has shown remarkable strictness toward symbols and decisions related to Bosnian Croats and Serbs. There are numerous examples of OHR prohibiting plaques, symbols, and even local decisions deemed politically sensitive. For instance, OHR has intervened in cases as minor as the naming of geographical features, such as the ancient Illyrian-influenced Radovan hill in Posušje, arguing they might carry politically charged connotations.
Selective Justice
The inconsistency in OHR’s actions highlights a clear double standard. While overt provocations such as the nursery school’s name are ignored, other communities face punitive measures for far less. Critics argue this reflects a broader globalist agenda that unfairly targets certain groups while tolerating acts of historical revisionism that glorify figures like Sultan Mehmed II.
Global Comparisons: The Absurdity of Selective Historical Memory
To understand the absurdity of the situation, imagine the following scenarios:
- Israel venerating Pharaohs: Enshrining in public spaces the legacy of rulers who enslaved their ancestors.
- Palestinians naming schools after prominent Jewish leaders: A move that would undoubtedly ignite controversy.
- Northern Irish Catholics honoring British monarchs: An impossible scenario given the colonial history.
Similarly, glorifying Sultan Mehmed II—a figure associated with the brutal subjugation of Bosnia for over 400 years—seems equally inconceivable. Yet, some in Bosnia attempt to rewrite history by embedding such symbols in the nation’s cultural narrative.
What Should OHR Prioritize?
If OHR is genuinely committed to fostering trust and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it must abandon its policy of double standards. Ignoring divisive symbols like Sultan Osvajač while rigorously policing others undermines its credibility and fosters further discord. The solution lies in consistent, fair, and impartial decision-making that respects all communities equally.