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Comparative Studies in Religion and Society
The Bridge Betrayed: Religion and Genocide in Bosnia (Comparative Studies in Religion and Society)
The recent atrocities in Bosnia-Herzegovina have stunned people throughout the world. With Holocaust memories still painfully vivid, a question haunts how is this savagery possible? Michael A. Sells answers by demonstrating that the Bosnian conflict is not simply a civil war or a feud of age-old adversaries. It is, he says, a systematic campaign of genocide and a Christian holy war spurred by religious mythologies.
This passionate yet reasoned book examines how religious stereotyping―in popular and official discourse―has fueled Serbian and Croatian ethnic hatreds. Sells, who is himself Serbian American, traces the cultural logic of genocide to the manipulation by Serb nationalists of the symbolism of Christ's death, in which Muslims are "Christ-killers" and Judases who must be mercilessly destroyed. He shows how "Christoslavic" religious nationalism became a central part of Croat and Serbian politics, pointing out that intellectuals and clergy were key instruments in assimilating extreme religious and political ideas.
Sells also elucidates the ways that Western policy makers have rewarded the perpetrators of the genocide and punished the victims. He concludes with a discussion of how the multireligious nature of Bosnian society has been a bridge between Christendom and Islam, symbolized by the now-destroyed bridge at Mostar. Drawing on historical documents, unpublished United Nations reports, articles from Serbian and Bosnian media, personal contacts in the region, and Internet postings, Sells reveals the central role played by religious mythology in the Bosnian tragedy. In addition, he makes clear how much is at stake for the entire world in the struggle to preserve Bosnia's existence as a multireligious society.
This passionate yet reasoned book examines how religious stereotyping―in popular and official discourse―has fueled Serbian and Croatian ethnic hatreds. Sells, who is himself Serbian American, traces the cultural logic of genocide to the manipulation by Serb nationalists of the symbolism of Christ's death, in which Muslims are "Christ-killers" and Judases who must be mercilessly destroyed. He shows how "Christoslavic" religious nationalism became a central part of Croat and Serbian politics, pointing out that intellectuals and clergy were key instruments in assimilating extreme religious and political ideas.
Sells also elucidates the ways that Western policy makers have rewarded the perpetrators of the genocide and punished the victims. He concludes with a discussion of how the multireligious nature of Bosnian society has been a bridge between Christendom and Islam, symbolized by the now-destroyed bridge at Mostar. Drawing on historical documents, unpublished United Nations reports, articles from Serbian and Bosnian media, personal contacts in the region, and Internet postings, Sells reveals the central role played by religious mythology in the Bosnian tragedy. In addition, he makes clear how much is at stake for the entire world in the struggle to preserve Bosnia's existence as a multireligious society.
268 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 1996
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About the author
Michael A. Sells
15 books33 followersMichael Sells studies and teaches in the areas of qur'anic studies; Sufism; Arabic and Islamic love poetry; mystical literature (Greek, Islamic, Christian, and Jewish); and religion and violence. The new and expanded edition of his book Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations appeared in 2007. He has published three volumes on Arabic poetry: Desert Tracings: Six Classic Arabian Odes, which focuses upon the pre-Islamic period; Stations of Desire, which focuses upon the love poetry of Ibn al-'Arabi; and The Cambridge History of Arabic Literature, Al-Andalus, which he coedited and to which he contributed. His books on mysticism include Early Islamic Mysticism, translations and commentaries on influential mystical passages from the Qur'an, hadith, Arabic poetry, and early Sufi writings; and Mystical Languages of Unsaying, an examination of apophatic language, with special attention to Plotinus, John the Scot, Ibn al-'Arabi, Meister Eckhart, and Marguerite Porete. His work on religion and violence includes: The Bridge Betrayed: Religion and Genocide in Bosnia; and The New Crusades: Constructing the Muslim Enemy, which he coedited and to which he contributed. He teaches courses on the Qur'an, Islamic love poetry, comparative mystical literature, Arabic Sufi poetry, Arabic religious texts, and Ibn al-'Arabi.
(University of Chicago, Divinity School)
(University of Chicago, Divinity School)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 27, 2019
A disturbing analysis of the ideological motivations behind the Bosnian Genocide. I have been curious to know more about the symbols, signs and motivations of the genocide after it was cited so heavily by the Christchurch massacre suspect. This book taught me some that I did not know. The mythos of Serbian nationalism centers around tale of vengeance and redemption dealing with the death of Prince Lazar and betrayal of Vuk Brankovic during the wars with the Ottomans. This mythos was invoked to barbaric ends to justify the destruction of the Bosnian people and non-extremist Serbs and Croats in the 1990s. It is a local adaptation of Christianity (Serbia has its own separate Orthodox Church) with heroes and martyrs likely unfamiliar to other Christians.
To be honest, from reading the Christchurch shooters manifesto, he did not seem to have a deep understanding of the mythos of Serbian nationalism. He seemed to be only aware of the major signs and historical flashpoints of that history. This is that thin froth of knowledge that can easily be picked up from internet discussions forums and pieced together for whatever ideological purpose. The actual belief in a Greater Serbia that drove the genocide continues to be deeply held in Serbia however. It will likely motivate ultranationalist sentiments well into the future. I am not sanguine about liberalism, but I feel that liberalism is the only salvation for the peoples of the Balkans.
This book was useful and enlightening reading on the region, even though it did not tell me everything I'd like to know about the sources far-right ideology.
To be honest, from reading the Christchurch shooters manifesto, he did not seem to have a deep understanding of the mythos of Serbian nationalism. He seemed to be only aware of the major signs and historical flashpoints of that history. This is that thin froth of knowledge that can easily be picked up from internet discussions forums and pieced together for whatever ideological purpose. The actual belief in a Greater Serbia that drove the genocide continues to be deeply held in Serbia however. It will likely motivate ultranationalist sentiments well into the future. I am not sanguine about liberalism, but I feel that liberalism is the only salvation for the peoples of the Balkans.
This book was useful and enlightening reading on the region, even though it did not tell me everything I'd like to know about the sources far-right ideology.
June 16, 2010
Chilling. Wonderfully documented account of Bosnia's genocide with a profound (and sickening) conclusion: the guilt was on the West's hands for not stepping in because it was Muslims being killed, not Christians.
Loved the message at the end about culture: any attempt to create a fixed barrier is an act of violence to BOTH sides.
Loved the message at the end about culture: any attempt to create a fixed barrier is an act of violence to BOTH sides.
February 26, 2008
The is an academic treatment of the subject (but not without heart). Difficult and dark, but I think worthwhile. History may not judge the West kindly, once the West stops controlling popular historical perspective.
May 29, 2012
I got half way through. It is simply too biased for me. I was more looking for a strictly objective account of events. The book does go to great lengths to explain the mechanics of what is and isn't genocide (which I appreciate). It also thoroughly explains the mix of religion and politics that arguably caused the atrocities (which I didn't know about) but it is obvious there is serious empathy for one side and animosity for the other. It's just not what I'd hoped. Someday I may pick it up again, but not soon.
April 29, 2008
The writing style was kind of dry. This study takes a very good look at the underlying problems and how a conflict like this ever began. It also tries to make a case for why the Western world largely ignored the atrocities. This latter part seemed a little rushed and not as well supported. Also, it was hard to get a clear idea of major events within the conflict as he focussed on idea surrounding the conflict. It's best to brush up on dates and key events first.
July 22, 2019
Great intro to the conflict in Bosnia. I do not enjoy hard political science books focusing on diplomacy. This book was more about culture and symbolism. I gave it four stars because there were some abrupt transitions where I wondered if I skipped reading a page. Still, definitely worth reading if interested in former Yugoslavia and religious warfare.
April 23, 2024
This is a clear and succinct account of the Bosnian genocide by primarily Serb nationalists. There are two reasons why this book is highly relevant to our current situation. First, the author makes a compelling argument that the lack of international intervention to stop the atrocities resulted from ignorance and stereotypes. Leaders and diplomats stereotyped Balkan people and Muslims and were ignorant about the complex history of the region. This led to a morally repugnant view that blame fell both on the Serb and Croat nationalists and on their Bosnian victims. When there were attempts at mediation, it mainly involved simply giving the aggressors the lands they had ‘ethnically cleansed.’ Parallels to the situation in Gaza are all too evident.
Second, the views of the nationalist perpetrators are eerily similar to those of Christian nationalists in the US when they insist that this is a Christian nation and couple that view with xenophobia and racism. With the violent rhetoric of many of those in that movement escalating we need reflection on events such as those that transpired in Bosnia. Unfortunately our politicians are not people who read or even listen to people who do read.
Highly recommended as it enlightening about an historical event and about our current crises.
Second, the views of the nationalist perpetrators are eerily similar to those of Christian nationalists in the US when they insist that this is a Christian nation and couple that view with xenophobia and racism. With the violent rhetoric of many of those in that movement escalating we need reflection on events such as those that transpired in Bosnia. Unfortunately our politicians are not people who read or even listen to people who do read.
Highly recommended as it enlightening about an historical event and about our current crises.
July 27, 2020
I have mix feeling about this book:
For me as an uneducated person in this topic who seek for an insight in the problem, this book was very confusing, it does not follow the historical sequence of the events and that's made it quit annoying for me, on the other hand, I very much liked the final chapters and its sharp criticism of western policy makers to the massacre of the Bosnian people.
For me as an uneducated person in this topic who seek for an insight in the problem, this book was very confusing, it does not follow the historical sequence of the events and that's made it quit annoying for me, on the other hand, I very much liked the final chapters and its sharp criticism of western policy makers to the massacre of the Bosnian people.
February 11, 2020
good exploration of religious/historical roots of croat-serb-bosnian interaction
limited relevant sourcing
limited relevant sourcing
December 31, 2023
Beautiful and haunting. A rereading this year.
September 21, 2024
A must read, the author exposes the complicity of NATO and UN in this genocide.
November 28, 2025
A superb and extensively researched study into why the Bosnian genocide happened.
Michael Sells explores what motivated the perpetrators and focuses on the most important but often overlooked dimension: the role of religion. He convincingly demonstrates that the term 'ethnic cleansing' in the context of Bosnia is rather a euphemism for religious cleansing. ‘The destroyed people were chosen on the basis of their religious identity, the killings were carried out with the blessing of church leaders, the violence was grounded in religious mythology, the extermination of the targeted people was seen as a sacred act and the perpetrators were protected by policy makers of a Western world that is culturally dominated by Christianity’. (p.144)
The book traces the origins, development and function of Christoslavism – the gencodial marriage between religion and nationalism – which goes way back to the 1389 Battle of Kosovo and the martyrdom of Prince Lazar. This disputed historical event and the mythology that grew out of it portrays Slavic Muslims as Christ-killers and race traitors thus providing an ideology and justification of genocide. It is noteworthy that this antisemitic charge was turned upon Muslims when the founder of Islam was born a good 570 years after Christ but then again, spreader of hate have never cared much for logical consistency.
Sells also shows how the West betrayed Bosnia as it faced this existential threat. With the existence of rape centres, concentration camps and killing centres being broadcasted in real time, one will wonder how the world powers could have permitted it let alone actually facilitate it.
This book reminded me how utterly futile international law really is and how little value the West places on Muslim lives. I was particularly disgusted to learn that when Bosnian leaders disputed aspects of peace plans that would’ve rewarded the genocide, they were branded as “sore losers” who couldn’t accept defeat as if this was some football game.
After reading this book I gained a much better understanding of the Balkans as a region as well as an appreciation for Bosnia as a symbol of peaceful coexistence between religions and cultures.
Michael Sells explores what motivated the perpetrators and focuses on the most important but often overlooked dimension: the role of religion. He convincingly demonstrates that the term 'ethnic cleansing' in the context of Bosnia is rather a euphemism for religious cleansing. ‘The destroyed people were chosen on the basis of their religious identity, the killings were carried out with the blessing of church leaders, the violence was grounded in religious mythology, the extermination of the targeted people was seen as a sacred act and the perpetrators were protected by policy makers of a Western world that is culturally dominated by Christianity’. (p.144)
The book traces the origins, development and function of Christoslavism – the gencodial marriage between religion and nationalism – which goes way back to the 1389 Battle of Kosovo and the martyrdom of Prince Lazar. This disputed historical event and the mythology that grew out of it portrays Slavic Muslims as Christ-killers and race traitors thus providing an ideology and justification of genocide. It is noteworthy that this antisemitic charge was turned upon Muslims when the founder of Islam was born a good 570 years after Christ but then again, spreader of hate have never cared much for logical consistency.
Sells also shows how the West betrayed Bosnia as it faced this existential threat. With the existence of rape centres, concentration camps and killing centres being broadcasted in real time, one will wonder how the world powers could have permitted it let alone actually facilitate it.
This book reminded me how utterly futile international law really is and how little value the West places on Muslim lives. I was particularly disgusted to learn that when Bosnian leaders disputed aspects of peace plans that would’ve rewarded the genocide, they were branded as “sore losers” who couldn’t accept defeat as if this was some football game.
After reading this book I gained a much better understanding of the Balkans as a region as well as an appreciation for Bosnia as a symbol of peaceful coexistence between religions and cultures.
May 23, 2010
this book some of the horrific events of the Balkan area, the hate and fear that bred torture, rape and genocide, things I had almost no idea about until reading this well-written and researched book...
September 18, 2013
A passionate must-read book on Yugoslavian affairs. Factual defense for Bosnian who suffered the most in the war amidst western complicity. An illuminating historical background help us understand the myths and factors that led to the religious genocide.
January 26, 2009
Wow, sounds like it touches on a bunch of things I'm really interested in.
September 23, 2011
Really amazing book that you should read if you want to learn about region. You can add "Bosnia: Short History" by Noel Malcolm and you have respectable starting point and more.
March 19, 2014
Great book; happy to have found it again, post-college.
December 15, 2014
just about as good as a genocide book can be
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews