Survivor's Handbook: A Survival Account from the Siege of Sarajevo

Chapter One: The Harsh Reality of Surviving a Siege

The Bosnian War from 1992 to 1996 is one of the darkest chapters in modern European history. Triggered by the disintegration of former Yugoslavia, this civil war dragged Bosnia into four years of bloody conflict. Most notably, it involved a siege by Serb forces on Bosnia's capital, Sarajevo, lasting for 1,425 days—the longest siege in modern warfare—resulting in over 10,000 civilian deaths.

This article documents the experiences of a Bosnian civilian using the pseudonym Selco during his time spent in a small town in southern Bosnia under siege. At that time, this city with a population of fifty thousand was completely plunged into anarchy: power systems collapsed, water supply was cut off, medical services failed, and municipal services disappeared. Currency became worthless within weeks as law and order were replaced by violence. Selco endured this survival ordeal alongside fifteen family members; their experiences provide firsthand insights into survival strategies under extreme conditions.

In the early stages of the siege, one deadly threat came from winter’s harsh cold. With fuel supplies interrupted, residents had to dismantle doors and windows or even furniture and wooden floors for heating materials. Trees in parks were felled within the first month after the siege began; these once-recreational areas quickly turned into temporary graveyards. According to Selco’s recollections, unprepared families often saw members die from hunger, coldness or disease within three months after hostilities commenced. Two members of his family died after drinking contaminated rainwater—a common tragedy at that time.

Chapter Two: Acquiring and Managing Survival Resources

With traditional economic systems collapsing around them barter became predominant as a means of trade. The value assigned to certain items changed dramatically: a canister of canned beef could be exchanged for hours-long sexual services while a candle might be worth more than an entire set of furniture. The most sought-after trading goods included antibiotics, ammunition, lighters batteries and high-proof alcohols which Selco emphasized held significant value both as disinfectants and hard currency—its trading value soared tenfold compared to peacetime.

A shortage in hygiene products led to numerous non-combat casualties; lack basic cleaning supplies resulted rampant diseases like diarrhea skin infections many children perished due inability access intravenous rehydration treatment . As someone trained professionally as nurse ,Selcos medical knowledge proved invaluable asset his family . He detailed how reuse disposable lighters create makeshift oil lamps among other practical skills often deemed more important than stockpiling resources .

Food acquisition revealed stark disparities ; few families experienced gardening maintained small vegetable patches while majority relied sporadic air drops provisions . Pigeons rats urban animals emerged vital protein sources.Selco mentioned cruel reality : when hunger persisted sixth month stray animals pets gradually vanished streets.Cooking required caution strong food odors could attract robbery hence most households opted prepare easily digestible pasta minimal fuel nighttime cooking sessions .

Chapter Three: Security Defense Community Organization

in absence rule law armed self-defense became necessity survive.Selcos family possessed five-six handguns three AK-47 rifles considered moderate level armament he particularly noted individuals living alone regardless weaponry faced difficulty surviving probability correlated group size.His street organized night patrol system each evening five armed personnel took turns maintaining community defense mechanism effectively curbed petty looting movement inside city strictly adhered safety protocols : always operate darkness maintain groups two-three people utilize building ruins cover avoid carrying conspicuous gear.During daytime streets entirely controlled snipers whereas nights confronted armed gangs numbering between fifteen fifty people.Selco recalled moments danger often arose seeking information many lost lives attempting gather news yet isolation equally lethal.Adequate residential defenses balanced security concealment excessively fortified homes risk becoming targets ideal solution maintained dilapidated exterior whilst establishing multiple internal defensive structures.Selco described ingenious design neighbor connected adjacent abandoned houses hidden passageways sandbags metal plates rubble served primary defensive materials all windows reinforced but retained shooting holes . n### Chapter Four : Long-term Psychological Social Impact Survivorship Life Under Siege profoundly affected human behavior patterns selcoc repeatedly stressed such extreme environments traditional moral values distorted “When forced choose between child starvation robbing neighbor most would opt later.”He documented cases decent citizens gradually transformed thieves asserting hunger despair destroy civilized society behavioral norms.Information control emerged crucial tool governance selcoc lamented initial phase local television still broadcasting propaganda everything normal causing many families miss final preparation opportunities.This experience irrevocably altered trust authority government “the more those in power emphasize situation controllable usually indicates crisis severe.”Post-war developed habit verifying information through multiple channels established comprehensive emergency reserve system.Long-lasting effects trauma cannot overlooked despite nearly thirty years since end sieges elicits nightmares.He specifically pointed out survivors generally exhibit two transformations first change perception material wealth emphasizing practicality rather than nominal values second restructuring social relationships kinship genuine friendships become reliable societal bonds psychological shifts render numerous survivors struggle reintegrate peaceful life post-conflict. n ###Chapter Five Practical Survival Recommendations Based personal experience ,selcoc offered series concrete suggestions regarding resource storage prioritize preparing weapons ammunition hygiene medical supplies high-calorie foods tradeable commodities stressing importance stocking large quantities garbage bags tape seemingly ordinary items countless uses lacking infrastructure.Skill development outweighs resource hoarding foundational medical knowledge equipment repair plant identification constitute invaluable assets.survivors need cultivate robust social connections selcoc advised forming alliances trustworthy relatives friends cautioned against accepting strangers lightly “when resources dwindle extent even closest friends may betray you ensure your child survives”.He advocated creating multi-layered networks relationships core circle must remain tightly controlled.Finally philosophical advice resonates deeply “Preparation isn’t about winning anything merely staying alive prolonged crises no victors only survivors” pragmatic attitude perhaps key reason why every member selcos family managed survive.