Elma Dandić, Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Nihad’s Perspective on the Cultural and Artistic Society’s Journey
Author: Elma Dandić
The Blagaj Cultural and Artistic Society has been in existence since the distant year of 1948, witnessing an ebb and flow of membership. Across generations, knowledge of traditional folk dances, the allure of authentic costumes, and a shared cultural heritage have been passed down. Nihad, the society’s president, provides insight into its present-day state.
Nihad’s primary objective is to cultivate a love and passion for traditional folk dances and costumes, with the aim of steering children and young individuals away from the streets and prevailing vices. Nihad bears the weight of a multifaceted role, encompassing the organization of meetings and gatherings, choreography selection, travel and budget planning, safeguarding the children and ensuring their safe return home, as well as undertaking project writing and similar responsibilities.
Nihad narrates how, from the very inception of the folkloric society until today, it has served as a unifying force, transcending the divisions between Serbs, Bosniaks, and Croats. Through the medium of folk dances and traditional costumes, individuals acquaint themselves with one another, recognize shared identities, and proudly represent their ancestral roots and historical legacy.
According to Nihad, the main purpose of the Blagaj Cultural and Artistic Society is to preserve the culture, history, folk dances, and traditional costumes not only from the local Blagaj and Mostar area, but from all across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The society currently has approximately one hundred members.
Nihad’s strong desire is to secure funding for launching accordion classes because he considers the accordion to be the vital essence of their work, believing that without it, their activities would be impossible.
The Society’s repertoire includes representative choreographies such as Šopske dances, Vranje dances, traditional Macedonian dances, Čoček, folk dances from the Blagaj and Mostar region, as well as from Sarajevo, Central Bosnia, Posavina, Sandžak, and even the broader Balkan region.
One significant hindrance to the growth and progress of the Blagaj Cultural and Artistic Society is the lack of moral, legal, and financial support from both the City of Mostar and the local canton. Nihad is deeply frustrated and resentful about this situation, as he believes the noticeable absence of support from the authorities and institutions greatly impacts everyone involved, making their efforts much more challenging.
Nihad takes immense pride in the “Blagaj Encounters of Friendship” International Folklore Festival, which he considers the highlight of the Blagaj Cultural and Artistic Society’s achievements. This annual event showcases the richness of culture, tradition, art, and history in the most splendid manner. As the president of the society, Nihad sees it as an opportunity to express his deep affection for traditional folk dances and costumes. He passionately emphasizes that the festival’s true essence lies in the participation of cultural and artistic groups from the region, displaying their own traditional dances and songs.
Nihad emphasizes the strong bond and friendship they have cultivated with a folklore society from Kragujevac, which, unfortunately, they are unable to visit at the moment due to financial constraints. Nevertheless, he highlights the successful collaborations with other folklore societies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which serve as a testament to the shared coexistence and diverse heritage of their country.
With a smile on his face, Nihad recalls a remarkable love story that unfolded within the Blagaj Cultural and Artistic Society, connecting a member of their group with someone from Dubrovnik. This heart-warming tale highlights how the society acts as a bridge, fostering connections between different places and cultures.
Nihad firmly believes that cultural and artistic societies have the power to transcend nationalities, religions, and differing perspectives, bringing people together in ways previously unseen. He envisions the Blagaj Cultural and Artistic Society continuing to serve as a unifying force, connecting individuals of diverse backgrounds and traditions, both within their country and beyond, as they strive for further accomplishments in the future.