An Englishman in the Balkans David Pejčinović-Bailey

Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a rich tapestry of stories, many of which are still undiscovered even by those who live in the country. In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the extraordinary connection between Ladino and Sevdah music, and how a Jewish prayer sparked a musical journey that resonates deeply with the soul of this nation.
Sevdah, known as the music of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a genre of traditional folk music that captivates listeners with its emotional and evocative melodies. It is a genre that truly embodies the spirit and essence of this magnificent country. To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Sevdah, I highly recommend exploring YouTube or Spotify, and allowing yourself to be swept away by its heartfelt offerings.
What makes Sevdah even more fascinating is its deep connection to Ladino music. Ladino, a Judeo-Spanish language traditionally spoken by Sephardic Jews, brought about the adaptation of the melody from a Jewish prayer into a well-loved Ladino song called "Mi querido, Mi amado." This heartfelt melody found new life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it became the unofficial anthem of Sarajevo, a symbol of shared heritage and cultural influence.
The history of Jews in Bosnia and Herzegovina dates back to the late 15th century, when thousands of Jews sought refuge from the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. Welcomed by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, the Jews found safety and acceptance in this land. Their presence contributed greatly to the multicultural fabric of the region.
The adaptation of the Jewish prayer into Ladino and Sevdah songs is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and create a shared treasure among diverse communities. It is a beautiful example of how art can bridge gaps and bring people together, emphasising the universal language of emotions.
This fascinating insight into the intricate connection between Ladino and Sevdah music owes thanks to Aleksandra Bunčić from the Sarajevo Haggadah Project. If you would like to learn more about the Sarajevo Haggadah and its significance, please check out the link provided in the show notes.
The Sarajavo Haggadah Project
In conclusion, the story of Ladino and Sevdah music in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a testament to the power of music to connect and unite. It is a reminder of the shared heritage and cultural influences that shape our world. So, take a moment to immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of Sevdah, and let the music transport you to the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.
Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!
Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.
You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at: https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support
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Credits:
Tijana Bašić
Mirza Redžepagić
Igor Kožemjakin

Dr. Samir Osmanagić an anthropology professor and pyramid researcher, provides a deep-dive into the pyramids discovered in Visoko, Bosnia Herzegovina.
He offers a profound analysis of the pyramid phenomenon worldwide as he unveils the true potential of pyramids, not just as architectural marvels, but as providers of energy and healing forces.
Listen as Dr. Osmanagić demystifies the impact of these ancient structures on water molecular structure, human health, communication, and other aspects of life.
This episode gives a groundbreaking perspective on pyramids, inviting viewers to explore the uncharted territories of an ancient civilisation's genius.
00:00 Introduction to the Bosnian Pyramids
00:36 Discovering the Pyramids: An Interview with Dr. Sam Samir Osmanagic
01:40 The Global Presence of Pyramids and Their Misunderstandings
02:03 Unveiling the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun
02:58 The Pyramid Science: A New Perspective
03:54 The Controversy and Public Reaction to the Discovery
04:53 The Pyramid as an Energy Complex
10:53 The Healing Properties of the Pyramid
17:15 The Pyramid's Impact on Water and Food
18:35 The Pyramid's Influence on Human Aura and Spirituality
26:18 The Future of Pyramids and Their Impact on Society.
Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.
Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!
Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.
You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at: https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support
Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at https://www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/

Today, I have a truly inspiring guest, Sheila Savanović, a resilient lady from Micronesia who has made an extraordinary journey from the eastern Pacific to Southeastern Europe.
Sheila shares her fascinating story of meeting her husband in China, settling in Banja Luka, and the cultural adjustments she had to make along the way.
From learning the local language ,to living in this misunderstood country, and experiencing some tough moments during her motherhood, Sheila’s story is a testament to her adaptability and strength.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready for an enlightening conversation that celebrates cultural diversity and personal strength.
00:00 Introduction and Sheila's Origin
00:23 Journey from Micronesia to Southeast Europe
00:52 Understanding Micronesian Culture and Languages
01:47 Studying in China and Meeting Her Husband
04:03 Moving to Europe and Adjusting to New Culture
04:55 Learning the Local Language
06:24 Raising Children in a Multicultural Environment
10:53 Dealing with Personal Tragedy
13:50 Coping Mechanisms and Support from Friends
15:37 Micronesian Similarities and Personal Background
15:49 How Sheila Started Working at the Restaurant
17:28 The Unique Design and Menu of the Restaurant
19:52 Introducing New Food and Dietary Options
20:23 The Popularity and Impact of the Restaurant
22:30 Sheila's Unexpected Journey to a Celebrity Cookery Show
23:48 Sheila's Experience and Recognition Post Television Show
26:28 Sheila's Cultural Connection to Micronesia
29:36 Sheila's Future Plans and Dreams
Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.
Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!
Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.
You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at: https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support
Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at https://www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/

In this episode, I discuss the brutalist Spomenik monuments of the former Yugoslavia with Donald Niebel - founder of the Spomenik Database.
Donald is an environmental scientist turned researcher from the United States
We delve into the historical significance, architectural design, and location details of these unique, massive structures.
Donald explains how he transformed his initial curiosity about these striking monuments into a comprehensive online resource.
Sharing his experiences and insights, Donald reveals the value of the Spomeniks as instruments for studying local and regional histories.
The Spomenik Database can be accessed at https://spomenikdatabase.org
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:06 Exploring the Spomeniks of Yugoslavia
01:02 Discovering the Spomenik Database
01:33 Interview with Donald Niebel: The Man Behind the Spomenik Database
02:40 The Journey of Documenting the Spomeniks
04:39 The Challenges of Cataloging the Monuments
07:35 The Significance and Interpretation of the Spomeniks
08:25 Public Reactions to the Spomeniks
14:23 The Role of the Spomenik Database in Education
16:51 The Community's Connection to the Spomeniks
18:30 Future Plans for the Spomenik Database
24:23 Donald's Personal Connection to the Spomeniks
25:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.
Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!
Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.
You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at: https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support
Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at https://www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/

In this compelling podcast, Dijana Tepšić shares her journey; from a radio presenter during demanding times to a successful entrepreneur in the Balkan media industry.
I caught up with Dijana on a sunny November day in Banja Luka.
Dijana talks about her varied career path, her adventures in radio presenting, her inspiring work in women's rights, and being a DJ.
Dijana also opens up about her passion for entrepreneurship, the establishment of a creative agency, and the extraordinary work of launching an event like Play Media Day.
This episode concludes on a positive note with Dijana's insights about adapting and overcoming obstacles, and an enthusiastic call to action for others to pursue their interests and passions.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
01:09 Meeting with Dijana Tepšić: A Long-Time Friend and Entrepreneur
01:31 Dijana's Journey: From Radio Presenter to Entrepreneur
02:28 Dijana's Life in Banja Luka and Her Early Career
05:18 Dijana's Transition to Women's Rights and Her Global Experiences
08:38 Dijana's Music Career and Her Passion for Creativity
13:38 Discussing LGBTQ+ Rights and Social Issues in the Region
17:45 The Impact of the Pandemic on Dijana's Business
43:07 The Launch of Ultra Magazine: A Passion Project
50:05 Dijana's Future Plans and Final Thoughts
You can find out more about Dijana at:
https://instagram.com/dijanatepsic
Ultra Magazine
Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.
Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!
Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.
You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at: https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support
Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at https://www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/

This episode is a bit different from our usual ones. Instead of interviewing fascinating individuals about Bosnia and Herzegovina, I’m sharing some personal experiences and observations from my life in this heart-shaped country.
I had an interesting episode planned for you today. I was going to take you on a walk through my village, describing the beautiful forestry and local landmarks. However, an unexpected bout of dizziness forced me to cut the walk short. Despite this setback, I’m sharing my experience up to the point where I had to turn back.
We’ll also touch on some health concerns I’ve been having, particularly recurring balance issues. There’s a family history with similar issues, but we won’t get into that right now.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, I encourage you to stay tuned for more personal stories and insights about life in the Balkans. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and reactions in the comments section or on review platforms.
This episode is a reminder that life doesn’t always go as planned, but there’s always a story to tell. So here’s to more stories from me, David, an Englishman in the Balkans.
Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.
Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!
Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.
You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at: https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support
Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at https://www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/