Preserving the Past: The Sarajevo Haggadah and its Jewish Legacy

Nestled in the heart of Sarajevo, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina houses one of the most extraordinary treasures of Jewish heritage—the Sarajevo Haggadah. This illuminated manuscript, a masterpiece of medieval Jewish art, has survived centuries of tumult, wars, and political upheavals, emerging as a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity. For Jewish travelers seeking to explore the rich history of Sephardic Jews in the Balkans, a visit to the museum with Fortuna Tours, a premier destination management company that specializes in Jewish heritage experiences, offers an unparalleled journey into the past.

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Testament to Sarajevo’s Cultural Mosaic

The 127-year-old museum had outlived the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, two world wars, and the breakup of Yugoslavia but has fallen victim to Bosnia’s complex government system.
Established in 1888, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina stands as a guardian of the region’s diverse heritage, preserving artifacts from various civilizations that have shaped the country over millennia. The museum collection is particularly significant, offering an insight into the legacy of Sephardic Jews who found refuge in Sarajevo following their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Among the artifacts, the Sarajevo Haggadah remains its most prized possession, drawing scholars, historians, and travelers from around the world.

“Under the Star of David, the Sarajevo Haggadah endures — a luminous testament to faith, memory, and survival.” — New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Sarajevo Haggadah: A Remarkable Survival Story

The Sarajevo Haggadah, believed to have originated in 14th-century Spain, is a breathtaking example of Jewish manuscript illumination. Unlike most medieval Jewish texts, it features elaborate illustrations, with biblical scenes and depictions of Jewish rituals painted in vibrant colors and gold leaf. Each page is crafted from high-quality calfskin parchment, adorned with intricate calligraphy in the medieval Sephardic script. Scholars believe it was created in Barcelona around 1350, possibly commissioned by a wealthy Jewish family.
The manuscript includes 34 full-page miniatures illustrating the biblical narrative from Genesis through the Exodus, making it one of the most comprehensive visual interpretations of the Jewish story in medieval times. The use of human figures, a rare artistic choice in Jewish texts of that period due to religious restrictions on graven images, signifies the influence of both Jewish and Christian artistic traditions in Spain before the expulsion.

This remarkable manuscript survived the Spanish Inquisition, the destruction of Jewish communities in Europe, and even the horrors of World War II. During the Nazi occupation of Sarajevo, the Haggadah faced imminent seizure. However, the museum’s chief librarian, Derviš Korkut, risked his life to protect the manuscript, smuggling it out of the museum and hiding it in a remote mountain village. His courageous act ensured that the Haggadah remained intact, allowing future generations to witness its beauty and significance.

The Sarajevo Haggadah: A Beacon of Bosnia’s Jewish Heritage” Now on display at the Sarajevo Haggadah Museum—an enduring symbol of faith, survival, and Sephardic tradition—New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Haggadah resurfaced after the war and was later kept in the museum’s special collection. It was even hidden again during the Bosnian War in the 1990s to prevent damage from the shelling of Sarajevo. Today, it is displayed only on special occasions, housed in a climate-controlled, highly secured environment to preserve its delicate pages for future generations.

Ana Maric, Deputy Director at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, shared further insights with the New York Jewish Travel Guide (NYJTG) about the museum’s prized possession. “We also have a set of two books—a replica and an additional volume—which is a detailed study on the Sarajevo Haggadah,” she explained. “It was written by Professor Sabar from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who spent several months studying the original manuscript and produced a 300-page scholarly analysis.”

Ana highlighted some of the most remarkable artistic and textual elements of the Sarajevo Haggadah, describing it as one of the most richly illuminated medieval manuscripts, created in 14th-century Spain. The Haggadah is composed of three distinct sections: a series of illustrations depicting scenes from the books of Genesis and Exodus—the most extensive biblical narrative cycle among all known medieval Haggadot; the traditional Passover Haggadah text, adorned with gilded initials and even some mythological creatures; and a collection of piyutim (liturgical poems). It is written in square Sephardic script on carefully smoothed and bleached vellum, both penned and illustrated with exceptional craftsmanship.

Anna also explained the meticulous preservation efforts undertaken to protect the manuscript. “It is housed in a specially secured area within the permanent exhibition Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Middle Ages, under strictly controlled environmental conditions,” she noted. “The manuscript is only available for public viewing a few hours each week. The vault where it is stored is fully automated, minimizing physical contact. Curators and conservators monitor temperature and humidity regularly, with annual system checkups ensuring optimal preservation.”
Regarding accessibility, Ana shared that while the Sarajevo Haggadah has already been digitized and published as a facsimile edition by the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are currently no plans to make it available online.

One of the Haggadah’s most intriguing features is a page containing three coats of arms. “At the top is the coat of arms of the Covit (or possibly Covi) family from Barcelona,” she noted. “Below it are two additional crests—one with a rose, or Shushan in Hebrew, and the other representing victory, or nitzachon. These likely symbolize the Shoshan and Alfasi families, prominent Jewish families in medieval Spain.”

“Vivid medieval symbolism from the Sarajevo Haggadah — a rare, illuminated manuscript illustrating the days of Creation.” – New York Jewish Travel Guide

Maric emphasized the museum’s growing popularity, particularly among international tourists, including a large number from the United States. She also highlighted the increasing number of school visits, with children from across Bosnia and Herzegovina participating in organized educational tours. “On International Museum Day and the European Night of Museums, our doors remain open until 10:00 p.m., with free entry for all visitors,” she added. While the Sarajevo Haggadah draws the most attention, Maric also pointed out another rare and valuable exhibit in the same room: four fragments of the burial mantle of Bosnia’s first king, Tvrtko I Kotromanić. “These medieval textiles are extremely rare finds,” she said, “and their preservation alongside the Haggadah underscores the historical richness and cultural diversity housed in our museum.”

She emphasized the importance of public support by stating, “The best way for visitors and the global Jewish community to contribute to the preservation of Sarajevo’s Jewish heritage is to come to Sarajevo, visit the National Museum, see the Sarajevo Haggadah in person, and perhaps purchase a copy of the book or a souvenir. Every gesture helps sustain this legacy.”

A Guided Tour with Fortuna Tours: Bringing History to Life

For Jewish travelers, a visit to the National Museum with Fortuna Tours provides a deeply immersive experience. The expert guides, well-versed in the Jewish history of Sarajevo, offer captivating narratives that breathe life into the Haggadah’s journey through time. They detail the stories of Sarajevo’s Jewish community, the Ottoman era’s welcoming policies toward Jews, and the challenges faced during the 20th century.

Why the Sarajevo Haggadah Matters Today

The Sarajevo Haggadah is more than just a book—it is a testament to the endurance of Jewish identity and culture in the face of adversity. Its survival speaks to the interconnectedness of Jewish history and the broader narrative of Sarajevo as a city of coexistence. By exploring this priceless artifact, travelers not only uncover a piece of Jewish heritage but also gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Planning Your Visit

With Fortuna Tours, Jewish travelers can embark on a seamless and enriching exploration of Sarajevo’s Jewish heritage. Their tailored tours ensure that visitors experience the city’s historical treasures with expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and meaningful encounters with local Jewish communities.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a traveler seeking to reconnect with Jewish heritage, a visit to the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its most treasured artifact, the Sarajevo Haggadah, promises an unforgettable journey. Through the expert curation of Fortuna Tours, this exploration becomes not just a trip but a profound connection to the Jewish past and a celebration of its enduring legacy.For More Information

Story by Meyer Harroch
New York Jewish Travel Guide

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This unforgettable experience was graciously hosted by Fortuna Tours. Special thanks to Mili Bijavica Jr. and his outstanding team for curating such a meaningful and seamless itinerary.