IMAGES OF THE OTTOMANS IN HISTORY TEXTBOOKS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Abstract

In this article we analyzed history textbbooks for elementary schools in B&H in order to find out what image of Ottomans they projject. Major differences exist in this regard bettween Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian language textbooks. Authors of Bosnian language textboooks and some Croatian authors try to highlight the best from the past as the foundation for coexistence today, while Serb and some Croat authors draw the attention of the pupils to the worst episodes from the Ottoman past. Especiaally disturbing in Serbian textbooks is repetitive mentioning of alleged impalement of Serbs by Ottomans. They systematically and persistently project negative stereotypes about Ottomans and in such way spread distrust among BH peooples. Textbooks in Bosnian language, although the most appropriate for Bosnian multi-religiouus and multiethnic context, sometimes still try to idealize certain aspects of the Ottoman historry (i.e., devširme).