Alija Izetbegovic

Explore the life, philosophy, and leadership of Alija Izetbegović — Bosnian Muslim intellectual, wartime president, and author whose vision shaped modern Bosnia. Discover his early life, political journey, key writings, famous quotes, and enduring lessons.

Introduction

Alija Izetbegović (8 August 1925 – 19 October 2003) was a Bosniak activist, philosopher, author, and statesman. He became a central figure in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s struggle for independence, serving as President (or head of the Presidency) during the Bosnian War (1992–1995) and in the postwar years.

His blend of Islamic thought, political activism, and wartime leadership made him a polarizing yet deeply influential figure — seen by supporters as a defender of Bosnia’s multiethnic character, and by critics as a hard-line Islamist. This article traces his life, philosophy, and the lessons his legacy leaves behind.

Early Life and Family

Alija Izetbegović was born on 8 August 1925 in Bosanski Šamac, then part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia).

His father, a bookkeeper, suffered injuries in World War I, and the family moved to Sarajevo during Alija’s early years. He grew up amid shifting political landscapes, witnessing both the legacies of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and the rise of Yugoslav nationalism.

Youth, Education & Early Intellectual Development

Izetbegović pursued legal studies at the University of Sarajevo, earning his LL.B and LL.M degrees. From early on, he showed strong interest in Islamic thought, philosophy, and the relationship between religion and modernity.

During World War II, the complexities of ethnic, religious, and political identities in Bosnia impacted his worldview. In 1941 he was among founders of the Young Muslims (Mladi Muslimani), a movement modeled loosely on the Muslim Brotherhood, aimed at fostering Islamic identity among Bosniaks.

Under the socialist Yugoslav regime, Izetbegović’s writings and activism sometimes ran afoul of authorities. In 1970, he published the Islamic Declaration (Islamska deklaracija), an essay that sought to articulate how an Islamic moral vision might interact with modern state institutions.

He endured multiple imprisonments under Yugoslav authorities, particularly in 1972 (connected to publishing the Declaration), as well as later trials for alleged “political-ideological” crimes.

Political Rise & The 1990 Election

With the weakening of socialist one-party rule in Yugoslavia in the late 1980s, Izetbegović and like-minded Bosniak leaders founded the Party of Democratic Action (Stranka Demokratske Akcije, SDA) in 1990.

He became President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 1990, leading the nascent state through very turbulent times.

Soon after, nationalist Serb political elements in Bosnia rejected the idea of a Bosnian secession from Yugoslavia and raised armed insurrection, declaring the entity Republika Srpska to prevent Bosnia’s breakup.

The Bosnian War & Leadership During Crisis

During the war years (1992–1995), Izetbegović held the position of head of state (in a collective presidency) and acted as commander-in-chief of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia endured siege, ethnic cleansing, and humanitarian catastrophe.

He was a principal signatory of the Dayton Peace Accord (1995), which formally ended the war and reorganized Bosnia into two major entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosniaks + Croats) and Republika Srpska (Serb).

After the war, Bosnia’s political structure was complex, with international overseers and a rotating presidency system. Izetbegović continued as a prominent political figure. Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1996 to 1998, and again briefly in 2000.

By October 2000, citing health concerns, he stepped down from active political office.

Writings, Philosophy & Ideas

Izetbegović was not only a political leader but also a prolific writer and thinker. Among his important works:

• Islam Between East and West — in which he discusses Islam’s place in the modern world, grappling with identity, secularism, and spiritual renewal.

• The Islamic Declaration (Islamska deklaracija) — his 1970 manifesto reflecting on the moral and political role of Islam in society.

His worldview often emphasized:

1. Balance between spiritual and temporal life — Islam, in his view, was not solely a ritualistic faith but a moral and ethical framework that could dialogue with modernity.

2. Sovereignty and moral integrity — He maintained that Bosnia should preserve its sovereignty even if peace externally demanded compromise.

3. Pluralism and coexistence — He often spoke of Bosnia not merely as territory, but as an “idea” of multiethnic living.

4. Critique of ideologies divorced from moral foundations — He was skeptical of both unbridled secularism and materialistic systems.

However, his writings also became contentious. Some critics (especially among Serb nationalists) cited parts of The Islamic Declaration as indicative of intent to create a religious state in Bosnia. Izetbegović and supporters rejected such readings, stating that much of his writing was theoretical and not a political blueprint for Bosnia.

Legacy & Influence

• Symbol of Bosnian resistance: For many Bosniaks, Izetbegović remains a symbol of struggle, dignity, and perseverance during the war years.

• Shaper of Bosnia’s identity: His idea of Bosnia as a plural, multiethnic entity — despite its fractures — continues to influence civic discourse in the country.

• Controversial but consequential thinker: His writings provoke debates about Islam in the modern world, the limits of secularism, and religion’s role in politics.

• Family political dynasty: His son, Bakir Izetbegović, later entered politics and served as a member of the Bosnian Presidency (2010–2018), carrying forward the family name in public life.

• Memory and commemoration: His funeral was a major state event, drawing tens of thousands and numerous international dignitaries.

Criticism of Izetbegović revolves around the tension between his Islamic rhetoric and Bosnia’s multi-religious society; some critics argue his ideas allowed for ambiguity that many political actors exploited. Others argue he was unfairly maligned by those whose agendas opposed Bosnian independence.

Memorable Quotes by Alija Izetbegović

Below are some of his more quoted statements that reflect his philosophical, political, and moral perspectives:

• “Power either corrupts people dangerously or gives corrupt people an opportunity.”

• “And that which we call Bosnia is not merely a slip of land in the Balkans; for many of us, Bosnia is an idea, it is the belief that people of different religions, ethnicities and cultural traditions can live together.”

• “When you go through it all and endure it, … then you realize that the whole meaning of life is to fight evil.”

• “Islam is, or should be, a permanent searching through history for a state of inner and outer balance.”

• “Education, too, can be inhuman: … if it merely prepares people for different functions instead of broadening their horizons and thereby their freedom.”

• “Socialism and freedom are not compatible, regardless of repeated convincings.”

• “I would sacrifice peace in order to win sovereignty for Bosnia, but for that peace in Bosnia, I would not sacrifice sovereignty.”

• “In these negotiations we are not a helpless object … We play an active role and try to influence our destiny; we have our own trump cards and we use them.”

• “When you are in prison … Health is, therefore, more important than freedom.”

Lessons from Alija Izetbegović’s Life

1. Moral foundations matter in leadership
   Izetbegović believed that political decisions must rest on deeper ethical and spiritual roots. Leadership devoid of moral anchoring risks instability or injustice.

2. Pluralism demands constant effort
   In a society with multiple ethnicities and faiths, sustaining coexistence requires vigilance, humility, and institutional safeguards.

3. Intellectual courage invites controversy
   His writings were bold; he did not shy from engaging with difficult questions about Islam and modernity—even when regimes punished him.

4. Sovereignty has limits and contours
   He faced the delicate balance between keeping Bosnia sovereign and accepting compromises (e.g. under Dayton) to preserve peace.

5. Legacy is contested
   Great leaders often leave mixed reputations. Public memory is shaped not just by their actions, but by succeeding generations, oppositional narratives, and historical reinterpretations.

Conclusion

Alija Izetbegović’s life was a tapestry of intellectual exploration, political struggle, spiritual reflection, and national defense. He led Bosnia through one of its darkest chapters, always grappling with the tension between moral idealism and harsh reality. His writings continue to stir debate in Muslim-majority societies and beyond, challenging assumptions about faith, modernity, and governance.

Whether seen as hero, ideologue, or pragmatic statesman, Izetbegović’s imprint on Bosnia and on Islamic thought is profound. His legacy prompts us to ask: how do we balance ideals and survival? How does one lead a divided society with conviction and humility?