Peace indicator | Potoci

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The wealth of ethnic diversity

_{Author: Mirza Lalić}

On a daily basis, as we strive to portray a community that truly captures and reflects the essence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we often evoke the phrase “the wealth of diversity.” It is precisely for this reason that I have chosen this title for my story, as Potoci, or the entire region of Bijelo Polje, perfectly embodies the concept of “the richness of diversity.” Allow me to delve into the reasons.

For the past 25 years, I have called the charming town of Potoci my home, nestled merely ten kilometres north of Mostar. It’s the place where I took my first breath, grew up, built lasting friendships, pursued education, and now contribute to the community through my work. Some jokingly refer to us local patriots who see Potoci and Bijelo Polje as a separate country. They humorously suggest that all that remains is for us to declare independence, design a flag, and compose an anthem to complete the picture.

And indeed, these jokes and playful remarks carry a profound meaning. Why is it? Because in Potoci and Bijelo Polje, people of different ethnic backgrounds – Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats – live together in harmony. This has been the case for many years, even decades. They coexist, work side by side, collaborate, and foster friendships. Children play together, attend school together, and everyone actively participates in cultural events and various social activities. Each individual shares an equal love for their community, Potoci, and the region of Bijelo Polje. Together, they contribute to its growth and development. They draft petitions, write appeals, and make requests to the authorities. They organise humanitarian initiatives, engage in volunteer work, and undertake various endeavours, all with the shared objective of making their town an even more beautiful and pleasant place to call home.

As you first enter this place, you cannot help but notice different flags on both sides of the road, which might give the impression of a deeply divided society and community. However, once you step into the heart of the community and truly immerse yourself in its reality, you will swiftly realise that this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Within just a few hundred metres, an extraordinary example of harmonious coexistence awaits. Three distinct religious structures – a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, and a mosque – stand in close proximity, symbolising the unity and mutual respect among diverse faiths. People live intermingled, not segregated based on their ethnic backgrounds, and this is the greatest strength and blessing – the true wealth of diversity that I mentioned earlier.

For numerous inhabitants of this community, myself included, these three buildings represent the most cherished symbols of our hometown. They are revered as sacred spaces, untouched and inviolable. They serve as a source of strength and motivation for the people. At the same time, these structures also stand as powerful symbols of unity and the inherent richness of diversity within our community. 

One particular memory from my elementary school days remains deeply ingrained in my mind and will likely endure until the end of my life. It was a significant lesson that resonated with all of us, young children in the third or fourth grade. In the midst of a typical childhood quarrel, one boy used the word četnik, as an offensive term towards his classmate. I distinctly recall our stern teacher, Meho, gathering us together and imparting a lesson that surpassed all others during those crucial four years of elementary school under his guidance. Following that incident, none of us ever contemplated insulting a friend, especially someone from a different ethnic background. To this day, those two school friends continue to meet, sharing laughter as they recall that event over a cup of coffee, whether it be “kavu” or “kahvu”. 

The core message of this story is centred around the profound lesson that children are taught from an early age: that their differences are invaluable treasures. They learn to understand that, despite their unique attributes, they share a deep sense of commonality that unites them. The key lies in cultivating a strong sense of belonging within their community, instilling in them a responsibility to contribute to its well-being as they grow older. I, too, was raised and educated on these guiding principles, and now, as a fully formed individual, I proudly uphold these values alongside my neighbours and fellow residents in the cherished town of Potoci and in Bijelo Polje.