Ambassador of the State of Palestine Mr. Razeq Namoura Delivers Lecture on “From Sarajevo to Jerusalem: The Role of History in Contemporary Diplomacy”
The IUS Balkan Studies Center (BSC), in collaboration with the Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) study program, hosted His Excellency Mr. Razeq Namoura, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who delivered an insightful lecture as part of the Shuttle Diplomacy Talks held on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The lecture, titled “From Sarajevo to Jerusalem: The Role of History in Contemporary Diplomacy”, brought together students, academics, and listeners for a rich discussion on the historical ties that shape modern international relations.
Ambassador Namoura began by highlighting the deep historical connections between Palestine and Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that both regions once existed under the Ottoman state structure and have therefore shared similar historical trajectories.
One of the key historical moments he referenced was the legacy of Ahmed Jazzar Pasha, a Bosnian-born Ottoman commander who played a decisive role in defeating Napoleon’s forces in the Palestinian region, an event that redirected the course of European and Middle Eastern history. Ambassador Namoura stressed how such episodes illustrate the longstanding and meaningful links between the Balkans and the Middle East. He continued by explaining how, following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Bosnia and Palestine evolved along different political and social paths.
Yet, despite this divergence, both have continued to serve as cultural and civilizational bridges between East and West. Drawing parallels between Sarajevo and Jerusalem, he pointed out their shared roles as centers of multicultural coexistence, religious diversity, and historical resilience.
During his closing remarks, Ambassador Namoura expressed his appreciation for the students’ active participation and thoughtful engagement with the topic. The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants raised diverse and challenging questions that the Ambassador addressed in depth. The event ended in a positive and engaging atmosphere, leaving participants with a better understanding of how history influences today’s diplomacy.
