Crowds from Bosnia and Croatia bid farewell to a man who dedicated his life to linking three nations

A large crowd gathered near the remnants of a medieval church in Bosnia and Herzegovina to bid farewell to Husein Huso Smajić, a man whose life was dedicated to fostering unity among three nations. Smajić passed away recently and was laid to rest on his family estate, close to the newly built Church of the Angelic Mother, which he had constructed near the ruins of a medieval Catholic church. The funeral took place on Saturday in Vesela Straža, near Bugojno, with attendees including many from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Smajić was known for his humanitarian work and efforts to promote coexistence among different nationalities and religious communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Throughout his life, he emphasized the importance of setting an example for future generations, demonstrating that peaceful coexistence is possible regardless of one's nationality or religion. His contributions to promoting tolerance and trust between people earned him recognition as Person of the Year in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the selection by Večernjak's seal. On his land, at the site called Crkvina in Vesela Straža, Smajić discovered and preserved the foundations of the medieval church. He also uncovered a tomb believed to belong to one of the Bosnian queens and her son. Some speculate this could be the resting place of Queen Jelena Gruba, while others suggest it might be the grave of Queen Vitača and her son, King Stephen Ostojić. These theories can only be confirmed or refuted through further research and DNA analysis. Near the remnants of the medieval church, Smajić built a new church dedicated to the Angelic Mother, which was officially blessed in 2022 by Cardinal Vinko Puljić. It was precisely beside this church that Smajić was buried, just before the feast day of the Angelic Mother. On behalf of both himself and Cardinal Puljić, Father Mirko Majdandžić from Fojnica offered a farewell. The eulogy written by the archbishop of Mostar-Duvno, Father Jure Šekerija from Bugojno, was read during the ceremony. As per Smajić’s wishes, the Franciscan tamburica ensemble from Fojnica performed the song “My father has gone slowly,” while his granddaughter Jelena expressed heartfelt words of farewell. Among those present in the funeral procession were representatives from other religious communities, including Bugojno's Protestant pastor, Father Slavica, and an imam from the neighboring village of Prusac, reflecting the values of solidarity and mutual respect that Smajić championed throughout his life. Smajić's legacy extends beyond his immediate community. His efforts to preserve historical sites and promote interfaith dialogue have left a lasting impact on the region. The Church of the Angelic Mother, which he built, stands as a symbol of his commitment to peace and unity. The location of his burial, near the medieval church ruins, underscores his deep connection to history and heritage. The funeral highlighted the significance of Smajić's life work, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges of maintaining harmony in a region marked by complex historical and cultural dynamics. His death has prompted reflections on the importance of continued efforts toward reconciliation and understanding among different communities. Smajić's influence is evident in the diverse group of mourners who attended his funeral, representing various backgrounds and faiths. This gathering serves as a testament to the enduring impact of his message of unity and cooperation. As the community continues to honor his memory, there is hope that his vision for a more inclusive society will inspire future actions and initiatives aimed at fostering peace and coexistence.