This is a call for politically engaged activists interested in spending a week in Banja Luka and surrounding which deals with the topics of the history of and present-day struggles in Bosnia and Hercegovina (BiH) in relation to Partizans, Yugoslavia, workers' self-organizing in Socialism, war and war crimes during the nineties and the face of Nationalism and Neo-Colonialism.
We are organizing an international activists' week during which we will collectively engage with the history of BiH since the 1940s and the contemporary political situation. This should also entail exchange about different forms of political work and organization, as well as (optional) participation in a demonstration against the political abuse and historical revisionism of the Partizans' anti-fascist struggle on the mountain Kozara, on 4th of July. Important stations which we will - accompanied by locals - visit are Jajce (old city; seat of the kings during the Ottoman Empire and one of the places where Yugoslavia was formed) and Kevljani (an ethnically cleansed village).
'We' are a recently (2015) established social center in Banja Luka (BASOC), capital of the so-called Republika Srpska, one of the two entities of BiH. We are orienting our work along the pillars social justice, feminism, and dealing with the past. The center is located in an old Muslim house from the 19th century, which to us is both a monument to past, multi-cultural times and ethnic cleansing, and a lived utopia as vision for the future. It offers enough space for about 15-20 guests, and has a large garden for cooking, barbeque etc. As we are a relatively young group, we would be happy for constructive input and future ties with other like-minded groups in the region and beyond.
Organizational details:
- We are not an NGO, and this is not a project. We are building our activities on self-responsibility, and expect the same from our guests. So please consider to help cooking, cleaning, etc while you stay with us.
- In order to limit our administrative tasks to a minimum, travel to and from Banja Luka is to be organized by participants themselves. Buses go from Belgrade (25€ one-way), Ljubljana (~30€),
Munich (~40€), Vienna (37€), Zagreb (~15€), and many other cities directly several times a day.
Also, if you cannot stay for the whole week, you can visit us just for some days.
- We are planning the week with as little costs for all as possible. This means offering free sleeping places (please bring mattresses and sleeping bags!) and communal cooking (mostly vegan) to everyone. Of course we can help you arrange a hostel or hotel as well.
- Last but not least, please let us know some weeks in advance if you plan to come, give us some details on when exactly, and how many people we are to expect, to help us planning.
Contact: socba@riseup.net
See you soon in Banja Luka! No Paseran!