HALID BEŠLIĆ TO GET A FESTIVAL AND MEMORIAL HOUSE IN KNEŽINA

The legendary Bosnian folk singer Halid Bešlić is set to be honored in his hometown of Knežina with a dedicated festival and a memorial house celebrating his life and career.

The initiative was discussed during a recent visit by Kenan Magoda, Minister of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton, and Nerin Dizdar, Federal Minister for Displaced Persons and Refugees. The two ministers toured Bešlić’s birthplace and met with local community representatives to plan future cultural projects carrying his name.

During the meeting, officials discussed the creation of an international music festival “Halid Bešlić”, as well as the construction of a memorial house devoted to the artist’s rich musical legacy.

The Federal Ministry for Displaced Persons and Refugees will support the construction or reconstruction of the building that will serve as the memorial site, while the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton, in cooperation with the Tourism Board of Sarajevo Canton, will contribute to the festival’s organization and cultural programming.

“Halid Bešlić is a man whose songs united Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire former Yugoslavia. In the very place he so often sang about, we spoke about an idea that is close to my heart. We want this festival to become a symbol of unity—just as Halid lived and sang, without divisions, with love and pride for his homeland.

I thank my colleague Minister Dizdar and the Federal Ministry for their support, and especially the Bešlić family for their willingness to join us in realizing this project. This is more than a cultural initiative—it’s our way of preserving the memory, emotion, and spirit of a man who remains a true pride of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Halid, your Knežina, your Sarajevo, and your Bosnia and Herzegovina will never forget you,” said Minister Magoda, as reported by eKapija.

Minister Dizdar emphasized that the project carries multiple benefits, not only for culture but also for the revitalization of returnee communities.

“Knežina deserves to be revived through projects that preserve the memory of our Halid Bešlić, while also contributing to local development. The Federal Ministry will support this idea through infrastructure and development programs,” Minister Dizdar stated.

The project aims to celebrate Halid Bešlić’s legacy while boosting cultural tourism and community life in the region where one of Bosnia’s most beloved artists was born.