This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Abroad from the KU Centers for East Asian Studies and Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies.

Sarajevo’s City Hall in Bosnia has been restored just in time for the 100th anniversary commemoration of World War I. With its Moorish-style architecture, the building was originally intended to reflect Bosnia’s multicultural heritage. Instead it came to represent the violence of the 20th century. It was at Sarajevo’s City Hall that Archduke Franz Ferdinand gave his final speech before being assassinated by Serb nationalists. This seemingly small and distant event eventually had a profound impact on American lives, as it triggered what is now known as the First World War. According to the Mayor of Sarajevo, the restoration of this building is a symbol of Sarajevo’s strength to overcome the past and its desire for a different and brighter future. And it is in this same spirit that KU will commemorate World War I over the next four years.

With thanks to Adrienne Landry for this text, from the KU Center for East Asian Studies, this is Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.