SECRET Sarajevo

Sarajevo is widely recognised for its cultural diversity, artistic heritage, and historical significance. Yet beyond its well-known narratives lies a series of lesser-known stories that reveal the depth of its creative spirit. Among them is the extraordinary account of a man known as Džirlo — a figure whose endurance performance in 1969 became one of the most unusual cultural records in the former Yugoslavia. This story, often referred to as the Džirlo phenomenon, reflects not only an individual achievement, but also the unique relationship between Sarajevo and artistic expression. A Record Built on Poetry and Endurance In May 1969, in…

Sarajevo has always been a city of stories—but few are as powerful, and as overlooked, as the story of its television. Long before today’s global media landscape, Television Sarajevo set standards that placed it not only at the top of the Yugoslav media system, but among the most respected broadcasters in Europe. A Television That Defined Excellence From its beginnings in the early 1960s, Television Sarajevo was built on a clear vision: not to be the biggest, but to be the best. Through innovation, strong editorial independence, and collaboration with leading artists, it developed a distinctive television language that shaped…

Secret Sarajevo reveals hidden gems, untold stories, and unique things to do in Sarajevo through the immersive experience of Planet Sarajevo. While the 1984 Winter Olympics are remembered for sport, atmosphere, and the spirit of the city, Sarajevo also impressed the world with something less visible—but equally powerful: science and innovation. A Scientific Breakthrough Behind the Olympic Games By 1984, the Olympic movement had already hosted numerous Games, yet there were only 11 accredited anti-doping laboratories in the world. Many host cities had to send samples abroad for testing. Sarajevo, however, chose a different path—one that would place it among…

In Sarajevo, football has never been just a game. It is a defining part of the city’s identity, shaped by one of the most intense and enduring rivalries in the region—between FK Željezničar and FK Sarajevo. This rivalry goes far beyond the pitch, deeply rooted in neighbourhoods, family traditions, and collective memory. The first official Sarajevo derby was played in 1954, marking the start of a story that continues to define the city’s sporting culture. From that moment, stadiums like Grbavica Stadium and Koševo Stadium became more than places for matches—they became symbols of identity. Blue and burgundy were no…

When people search for Sarajevo attractions, they often think of the old town, history, or film. But there is another story—one that reveals Sarajevo as a center of global industry and design. It is the story of ŠIPAD, a name that once stood among the most powerful in Europe. Today, this remarkable legacy can be discovered at Planet Sarajevo, one of the most unique museums in Sarajevo and a true hidden gem for visitors looking to understand the city beyond its well-known landmarks. ŠIPAD was never just a company—it was a complete industrial ecosystem. Built on the natural resources of…

Sarajevo has long been a city of film—a place where cinema is not only art, but a form of expression, memory, and identity. Decades before its recognition as a UNESCO City of Film, Sarajevo had already built a powerful cinematic tradition rooted in its people, history, and storytelling. For generations, film in Sarajevo has reflected the spirit of the city—its resilience, creativity, and ability to transform real events into powerful narratives. Among many important works, one film stands out as a true cultural phenomenon: Walter Defends Sarajevo, directed by Hajrudin Šiba Krvavac. The Most Watched Film in Yugoslavia Walter Defends…

Did you know that Sarajevo once became a global hub for comic books? Hidden within the city’s rich cultural history is the remarkable story of Strip Art—a publishing vision that placed Sarajevo at the center of the comic book world. The story begins in 1971, when a seventeen-year-old from Sarajevo, driven by passion for comics, reached out to some of the world’s greatest artists. That young visionary was Ervin Rustemagić. From Yugoslavia, he wrote letters asking for trust and opportunity. What followed was extraordinary—artists from around the world responded by sending original drawings, collections, and exclusive publishing rights. They recognized…

Did you know that Sarajevo is home to one of the most incredible urban legends in rock music history? A story of endurance, passion, and pure energy that helped define the city’s musical identity and place it firmly on the cultural map of the region. The New Year’s Eve That Made Music History On the night of 1969/70, in the newly opened Skenderija, the Sarajevo band Čičak achieved something extraordinary. Performing live for 26 continuous hours, they set a world record that captured the imagination of the entire city. The lineup—Paša, Gagi, Zoka, and Mića—played without interruption, while the audience…

Some of the most beautiful songs are born from the simplest moments. The story of ‘Selma’, one of the most iconic songs from the former Yugoslavia, began not with a grand romance, but with a quiet encounter on a train platform—one that would forever connect Sarajevo to music history. Who Was Selma? Selma Borić was a young woman from Zenica who attended the All Girls’ High School in Sarajevo. Like many students at the time, she would travel home by train on weekends, moving between two cities and two rhythms of life. On one such journey, she met the poet…

Imagine Sarajevo in the 1970s—a city that didn’t just follow global trends but actively created them. At a time when much of the world was only beginning to understand the potential of personal computers, Sarajevo was already developing its own. This is the story of how Energoinvest helped place the city on the global map of technological innovation. During the 1970s, engineers at Energoinvest took on an ambitious challenge: to understand, deconstruct, and rebuild computer technology. By studying systems like IBM, they began developing their own solutions—without relying on foreign licenses. The result was the IRIS PC, the first computer…