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Alija Izetbegović

82quotes

Alija Izetbegović: A Life of Struggle and Leadership


Full Name and Common Aliases


Alija Izetbegović was born on August 8, 1925, in Marča, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is commonly known as Alija or Alia.

Birth and Death Dates


August 8, 1925 - October 10, 2003

Nationality and Profession(s)


Bosniak ( Bosnian Muslim), politician, writer, lawyer, and statesman

Early Life and Background


Alija Izetbegović was born into a family of Bosnian Muslims in the rural village of Marča. His early life was marked by hardship and struggle. After completing his primary education, he attended the Islamic Theological School (Madrasah) in Sarajevo, where he developed a strong interest in Islam and its cultural significance.

In 1943, Izetbegović joined the Partisans, a communist-led resistance movement against Nazi Germany during World War II. He rose through the ranks and became a close associate of Josip Broz Tito, the leader of Yugoslavia. After the war, Izetbegović studied law at the University of Sarajevo and later worked as a lawyer.

Major Accomplishments


Alija Izetbegović played a pivotal role in shaping modern Bosnia and Herzegovina's politics and identity. He was one of the key leaders in the Bosnian struggle for independence from Yugoslavia, which led to the country's declaration of sovereignty on March 3, 1992.

During his presidency (1992-1996), Izetbegović navigated the complexities of Bosnia's ethnic conflicts, including the Siege of Sarajevo and the Battle of Mostar. His leadership and diplomatic efforts helped secure international recognition and support for Bosnia's independence.

Notable Works or Actions


Izetbegović was a prolific writer and published several books on Islam, politics, and philosophy. His most famous work is "The Islamic Declaration," which advocates for an Islamic renaissance in Bosnia and calls for the country to become an Islamic state.

In 1983, Izetbegović founded the Party of Democratic Action (SDA), a Bosniak nationalist party that became the dominant force in post-independence Bosnia. His leadership and vision helped shape the country's post-communist politics and its relationships with neighboring countries.

Impact and Legacy


Alija Izetbegović's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is remembered for his unwavering commitment to Bosnian independence and his leadership during times of war and conflict. His presidency laid the groundwork for Bosnia's fragile peace, established a multi-ethnic government, and paved the way for international involvement in the country's reconstruction.

However, Izetbegović's tenure was also marked by controversy and criticism. His leadership style has been described as authoritarian, and his vision for an Islamic state has been criticized by some as divisive and intolerant.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Alija Izetbegović is widely quoted and remembered due to his influential writings on Islam and politics. His quotes often express a deep sense of national identity and pride in Bosnia's cultural heritage. He was also known for his strong leadership during times of crisis, which earned him both admiration and criticism.

Izetbegović's legacy continues to shape Bosnian politics and society today. His vision for an inclusive, multi-ethnic state remains relevant, but his authoritarian tendencies and divisive rhetoric have left lasting scars on the country's fragile social fabric.

Quotes by Alija Izetbegović

Alija Izetbegović's insights on:

Whether man is a product of evolution or is 'created' becomes the question, 'Who is man? Is he part of the world or something different from it?'
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Whether man is a product of evolution or is 'created' becomes the question, 'Who is man? Is he part of the world or something different from it?'
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Has it ever happened to you that you actually like a rogue more than a so-called honest citizen? Have you ever wondered why? I believe that this can only be so because a rogue is more original and more his own. He is what he is.
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Has it ever happened to you that you actually like a rogue more than a so-called honest citizen? Have you ever wondered why? I believe that this can only be so because a rogue is more original and more his own. He is what he is.
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History sometimes makes fun of us and our best intentions.
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History sometimes makes fun of us and our best intentions.
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Life is a dangerous thing. Insecurity is the price of living.
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Life is a dangerous thing. Insecurity is the price of living.
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We have no rational evidence that there exists another world, but we have a clear feeling that man does not exist only to produce and to consume.
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We have no rational evidence that there exists another world, but we have a clear feeling that man does not exist only to produce and to consume.
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Religion, as it is understood in the West, does not lead toward progress, and science does not lead toward humanism.
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Religion, as it is understood in the West, does not lead toward progress, and science does not lead toward humanism.
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It is difficult to help a man without hurting his pride. Everyone wants to be a giver and not a receiver.
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It is difficult to help a man without hurting his pride. Everyone wants to be a giver and not a receiver.
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Islam is a way of living rather than a way of thinking.
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Islam is a way of living rather than a way of thinking.
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Socialism and freedom are not compatible, regardless of repeated convincings.
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Socialism and freedom are not compatible, regardless of repeated convincings.
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Advantages of freedom do not have to be proved by something outside freedom itself. It is its own underwriter.
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Advantages of freedom do not have to be proved by something outside freedom itself. It is its own underwriter.
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