Senad Hadzic reaches Mecca

Senad Hadzic prays with fellow Muslims in Medina a number
of days ago.
(Source: tribune.com.pk)

After crossing through seven countries by foot, Senad Hadzic finally made it to Mecca a number of days ago.

The 47-year-old arrived last Saturday after setting off from his home-town in northern Bosnia in December last year, in which he travelled through Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria and Jordan before, finally, reaching Saudi Arabia.

Carrying a backpack weighing 20 kilograms along the entire route, Hadzic went through 12 pairs of shoes, three large rucksacks, seven tracksuits and around 1000 pairs of socks.

Further to that, the Bosnian also ended up going through 7 mobile phones and three pairs of glasses.

Upon arriving at his destination after almost a year of walking, Hadzic said although he was tired, "these (were) the best days of (his) life".

If Senad's journey didn't sound astonishing enough, it is worth pointing out the fact that he was fasting every day during the month of Ramadan - despite daily temperatures sometimes reaching in excess of 40°C. 

Simply incredible.

By the way, here's a photo of my fiancé's uncle (left) grabbing a photo with Senad at Mecca - with the two of them both completing this year's Hajj pilgrimage.

Well done and svaka cast, guys.

20,000 milestone!

TWENTY THOUSAND views! In just four months! Well exceeded expectations. Who thought anyone would care about what a 20-year-old Australian located in Bosnia would have to say?
Cheers, everyone; Hvala ti puno; etc, etc. :)

Photo of the Day: Beautiful Zenica

I saw this photo and couldn't help myself.

(Source: Mirsad Selimovic)

What's in a name? 'Bosnia-Herzegovina'

The name 'Bosnia' is derived from an Indo-European word, 'Bosana'; meaning 'water'. This can be put down to the fact that there exists a vast array of rivers, lakes and waterfalls in the area - not to mention a small strip of the Adriatic Sea.

'Herzegovina', on the other hand, comes from the name of 'Herceg' Stjepan (Vukcic Kosaca), an ancient ruler of the land throughout the mid-15th century.

The Bosna River.
(Source: admir.net)

Herceg Stjepan.
(Source: geocities.ws)

Eid al-Adha expected for Friday

The Eid crescent moon in the sky.
(Source: awamtv.com)

After a period of public conjecture, it is expected that the first day of this year's Islamic Eid al-Adha will fall on this coming Friday.

Due to the date being determined by astronomical estimates - specifically, the presence of a crescent moon - many across the Islamic community are unsure about which exact day the religious holiday will fall on; however, according to Mustafa Ceric, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Eid al-Adha will begin on Friday (26.10.2012).

So, wait a minute, I can hear some of you asking: What exactly is 'Eid al-Adha'?

I am glad you asked.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice', is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, and exists to commemorate Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son to God. On top of that, it also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

It is a time for which Muslims use to ask mercy from God and wish each other well.

Due to the popular Islamic belief that, when Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his son, God intervened to swap the child for a sheep to kill instead, a common tradition of Eid al-Adha is to sacrifice an animal permitted for food (eg. a lamb); which is seen as an act of thanksgiving for God's mercy.

Whilst some Muslims carry out the animal sacrifice themselves, many choose to send money to their native lands where the sacrifice is carried out on their behalf; and the meat is subsequently forwarded on to them or, as is common, to the poor.

This event  - known as 'Kurban Bajram' in BiH (for those playing at home) - falls two months and ten days after the previous Bajram holiday, 'Eid ul-Fitr'.

Eid al-Adha also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
(Source: aiesecbrawijaya.blogspot.com)

Personally, growing up with the celebration of Catholic traditions, it reminds me of how Easter is celebrated just a number of months after Christmas.

Anyway, I cannot wait to experience this second Bajram holiday. (Good food and good vibe across the community - it is almost impossible to not get caught up in it!)

However, the day prior to the beginning of Eid al-Adha also needs a mention.

The Day of Arafat, as it is known, is a day in which Muslims who are not performing the Hajj are expected to fast - as it is believed the practice erases one of all their sins of the previous and remaining year.

Therefore, not wanting to feel left out, I will be joining the local Muslims in fasting on Thursday. (Just imagine how good the food will taste on Friday after fasting the day before... Mmm!)

Luckily, the sun here in Bosnia is not in the sky each day as long as it was during Ramadan a few months ago, so I don't have to worry about fasting for some 17 hours again! This time it will just be a little over 12 hours.

Sounds a lot more enticing to me!

I will keep you all updated as we approach the coming days. :)

Bosnian of the Week: Edin Dzeko

Edin Dzeko celebrates the second of his two goals against
West Brom yesterday.
(Source: DailyMail / EPA)

Just four days after scoring for Bosnia-Herzegovina in their 3-0 win over Lithuania in Zenica, striker Edin Dzeko came off the bench to score two goals for Manchester City in their come-from-behind victory against West Brom yesterday.

The English Premier League (EPL) star was introduced in the 79th minute, wasting no time to have an impact as he scored from a header within 60 seconds of entering the pitch.

Ten minutes later, and with the match looking headed for a 1-1 draw, Dzeko latched onto a pass from team-mate Sergio Aguero, smashing the ball past the West Brom keeper to give City a vital win away from home.

The goals take Dzeko's EPL season tally to five, and have led to calls for Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini to start the Bosnian on the pitch.

It is worth mentioning the Dzeko was voted Manchester City's Player of the Month for August-September this year.

Svaka cast, Edine! (Well done, Edin!)

Check out the highlights of yesterday's match - including Dzeko's goals - right here:


West Brom 1-2 Manchester City | 20.10... by pikayo1

Photo of the Day: Banja Luka

Wednesday marked the opening of Banja Luka's first ever McDonalds store; and only the fourth to be constructed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event has led to backlash among some locals, and, according to Klix, by Thursday there had already appeared anti-McDonalds graffiti in parts of downtown Banja Luka.

Here is one of them:

(Source: Klix.ba)