Dr. Amila Buturović, an internationally recognized expert in cultural history and esoteric traditions, and a distinguished member of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS), is leading an international research project that will result in the future permanent exhibition “Talismanic Magic: Objects of Healing and Protection from the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The project is being implemented through a collaboration between BHAAAS and the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and includes comprehensive scientific research and expert analyses of some of the most valuable objects from the Museum’s collections of talismans and manuscripts housed within the Department of Ethnology, as well as selected artifacts from the Department of Archaeology.
The selected artifacts from the ancient, medieval, and Ottoman periods testify to the rich and complex history of esoteric practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many of these objects will be presented to the public for the first time, including several exceptional pieces of international significance. Particularly noteworthy are the extraordinarily rare and valuable 17th- and 18th-century talismans inscribed on textiles and deeply rooted in esoteric traditions and occult practices. These artifacts require extensive restoration and conservation work, digitization, transliteration, translation, as well as technical preparation of the exhibition space.
The scientific research for the project is being conducted by renowned experts from Canada and the United Kingdom — Dr. Amila Buturović of York University and Dr. Bink Hallum of the British Library — with the aim of opening new perspectives on the cultural heritage, interreligious relations, and intellectual exchanges that have shaped Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout history.
In addition to Dr. Buturović’s professional contribution, BHAAAS will also provide financial support for the project through funding for part of the necessary technical preparations of the exhibition space.
We are aware of the challenging circumstances in which the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina operates, without a stable budget and facing significant administrative limitations in accessing grants. For this reason, BHAAAS invites its members, friends of the Academy, and all individuals who wish to support the preservation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cultural and historical heritage to contribute through donations marked: “Project ZMBiH.” All collected funds will be directed exclusively toward preparing the museum department for the exhibition of these invaluable artifacts.
Donations can be made via:
BHAAAS Donations Page
The donation campaign will remain open until June 8, 2026.
During the opening ceremony of the 17th Days of BHAAAS, Dr. Amila Buturović will give a brief presentation of the project and acknowledge the project’s donors. A guided visit to the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina will also be organized for BHAAAS representatives during the conference.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support in strengthening the connection between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its diaspora.
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