Quick Facts
Led Bosnia" to freedom from war.
Conversation Starters
Life Journey
Alija Izetbegović was born to Alija and Safira Izetbegović in Bosanski Šamac, a town in northern Bosnia.
Izetbegović moved to Sarajevo with his family, where he continued his education and became involved in Islamic and political activities.
Izetbegović enrolled in the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo, where he pursued his higher education and developed his political and religious views.
Izetbegović was arrested and imprisoned for his involvement in the Young Muslims organization, which was seen as a threat to the communist regime.
After serving five years in prison, Izetbegović was released and resumed his legal career and political activities in Sarajevo.
Izetbegović authored 'The Islamic Declaration,' a controversial book that outlined his vision for an Islamic state in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Izetbegović was arrested once more for his political activities and for the publication of 'The Islamic Declaration,' which led to his imprisonment for three years.
After serving three years in prison, Izetbegović was released and continued his work in legal and political circles, focusing on the rights of Bosnian Muslims.
Izetbegović co-founded the Party of Democratic Action (SDA), which became a leading political force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, advocating for Bosnian independence and democracy.
Izetbegović was elected as the first President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading the country through the early stages of independence and the onset of the Bosnian War.
The Bosnian War broke out, and Izetbegović led the Bosnian government and its people through one of the most brutal conflicts in modern European history.
Izetbegović signed the Dayton Agreement, which ended the Bosnian War and established a framework for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Izetbegović resigned from the presidency due to term limits, but continued to play a significant role in Bosnian politics and society.
Izetbegović officially retired from politics, though he remained a respected figure and continued to influence public discourse in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Alija Izetbegović died in Sarajevo, leaving behind a complex legacy as a key figure in Bosnian history and a symbol of resistance and leadership during the Bosnian War.