The situation in the Philippine Islands, which has been a challenge for the United States, should make us particularly interested in Bosnia. The Austrians have successfully managed a similar situation in Bosnia, offering valuable lessons for others. From 1463 to 1878, Bosnia and Herzegovina were part of the Turkish Empire, and while technically still under Turkish rule, they are currently under Austrian authority. During their time under Turkish control, Bosnia and Herzegovina practically disappeared from the world’s focus. The people of the region were left in a state of intellectual, social, and industrial stagnation with no significant progress until 1875 Population Growth and Religious Diversity.
Rebellion and Intervention
In 1875, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, tired of oppression, including heavy taxation, robbery, murder, and religious persecution, rose in rebellion. The Sultan, who ruled the Ottoman Empire, failed to restore order. This failure led to European powers stepping in. At the Berlin Conference of 1878, Bosnia and Herzegovina were placed under the protection of Austria, but they were still required to pay tribute to Turkey.
The Role of Count von Kallay and Austrian Administration
The success of Austria in governing Bosnia can be largely attributed to Count von Kallay, a Hungarian statesman who became the de facto leader of the region after 1878. His approach to governance was crucial. Bosnia had a proud and diverse population, with different races and religions, and reconciling these differences was not an easy task. Count von Kallay’s ability to rule with fairness, tolerance, and kindness helped Austria to stabilize and govern the region.
Under Austrian rule, Bosnia transformed from a troubled, chaotic place to a more stable and governed region. The administration’s success showed that it is possible to govern a diverse population by treating them justly and with respect.
The Situation Before Austrian Rule
Thirty years before Austria’s intervention, Bosnia was in a state of complete disorder, much like Macedonia today. However, Bosnia was in even worse condition, with a much higher proportion of Mohammedans and Turkish outlaws. The population was not ready for self-rule, and had the Berlin Conference granted them independence, it would have been disastrous Walking Tours Ephesus.
Before the Russo-Turkish war, a German writer described the situation in Bosnia as a “state of chronic and chaotic anarchy.” Bosnia, at that time, was considered one of the worst regions in the Turkish Empire. Traveling there was extremely difficult and dangerous, similar to traveling through the wilds of Kurdistan. The hatred and intolerance toward Christians were so intense that it was more dangerous than in fanatical places like Damascus. The conditions for the people of Bosnia were worse than any found among the poorest agricultural workers in Egypt, known as the Fellaheen. Bosnia was in dire straits before the Austrians took charge.
