--- title: Aliya Izetbegović slug: aliya-izetbegovic-dae2a url: /detay/aliya-izetbegovic-dae2a type: biography language: English entity: primary: Aliya Izetbegović type: biography categories: - name: Politics And International Relations slug: siyaset-ve-uluslararasi-iliskiler url: /kategori/siyaset-ve-uluslararasi-iliskiler - name: History slug: tarih url: /kategori/tarih - name: Biography And Autobiography slug: biyografi-ve-otobiyografi url: /kategori/biyografi-ve-otobiyografi tags: - Independence Struggle - Wise King - declaration of independence - Balkan History - Youth Movement - Democratic Governance - Political Leaders - Philosophical Thought - Dayton Agreement - Political Philosophy - East-West dilemma - Islamic Thought - political history - National Struggle - Balkans - Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Aliya İzzetbegoviç author: Nursena Şahin created_at: 2026-06-22T09:35:08.017711+03:00 updated_at: 2026-06-22T09:35:08.017721+03:00 image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/12/Zql6wphpTITxkN0mRaucTmMUEqy6Zatk.jpg --- # Aliya Izetbegović > Alija Izetbegović (born 8 August 1925, died 19 October 2003) was the first democratically elected President of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the political and military leader of its independence struggle. ## KURE Information Cards ![Alija-Izetbegovic-in-Canada.jpg](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/12/CiB75KQvxiWn7msyFihpcd836pBwbs0x.jpg) *Aliya İzzetbegoviç* | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Birth | 8 August 1925, Bosanski Šamac | | Death | 19 October 2003, Sarajevo | | Date of Birth | 8 August 1925 | | Date of Death | 19 October 2003 | | Place of Birth | Bosanski Šamac | | Place of Death | Sarajevo | | Title | Bilge Kral | | Position | First President of Bosnia and Herzegovina | | Profession | Politician,Writer,Lawyer | | Education | Faculty of Law, University of Sarajevo | | Works | Islam Between East and West, Islam Declaration, Problems of Islamic Revival, My Testimony to History | | Political Party | Democratic Action Party (SDA) | ## Article Content **Alija Izetbegović** (*Alija Izetbegović*), the first president of Bosnia and Herzegovina to assume office through democratic elections and the military and political leader of its independence struggle. Additionally, Izetbegović is known in both the Eastern and Western worlds as the “Wisdom King.”[^1] ### Early Life and Education [Alija Izetbegović](/en/detay/aliya-izzetbegovic-c5fd2/llms.txt) was born on 8 August 1925 in the town of Bosanski Šamac in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a member of the “Bey” family. His family’s origins trace back to the Aziziye region, established by Sultan Abdulaziz in 1863 to resettle Muslims expelled from Serbia. His grandfather Alija served as the town’s administrator and protected Serbian civilians following the assassination that triggered the First World War. His father, Mustafa Izetbegović, was engaged in commerce. Alija was the fifth child of his father’s marriage to Hiba Hanım; the family consisted of nine members in total. ![Image](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/12/H2IIb33ccKRZ4f0l93GIxWZr32MwTxnk.jpg) *Alija Izetbegović and His Family (Alijaizetbegovic)* At the age of three, in 1928, he moved with his family to [Sarajevo](/en/detay/saraybosna-2/llms.txt), where he settled. He attended the First Male General High School and during these years embarked on an intellectual quest. During high school, he was influenced by communist ideology while simultaneously grappling with philosophical dilemmas between social justice and faith in God. The Western philosophical classics he read—particularly Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, Henri Bergson’s Creative Evolution, and Oswald Spengler’s The Decline of the West—profoundly shaped his intellectual world.[^2] While still in his second year of high school, he joined the organization “Young Muslims” (Mladi Muslimani), founded to defend the religious and social rights of Muslims, initiating a lifelong struggle.[^3] In 1943, after graduating from high school, Izetbegović faced obstacles such as military service and displacement amid the harsh conditions of the Second World War. After the war, he resumed his education, initially enrolling in the Faculty of Agriculture, but later abandoned it to pursue law, his true interest. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo in 1956.[^4] [YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSZNyBwXXRU) *Archival Footage of Alija Izetbegović (TRT Archive)* ### Intellectual Struggle and Imprisonment Years Alija Izetbegović’s intellectual struggle took shape during his youth, in an era dominated by communist and atheist ideologies, centered on faith and freedom. Although he experienced a crisis of faith during his high school years under the influence of Marxist propaganda and Western philosophy, he overcame this by rejecting the notion of a “meaningless universe without God” and openly affirmed his Muslim identity in both public and private life.[^5] He joined the “Young Muslims” organization, established to defend Muslim rights, and assumed numerous active roles within it, from aiding refugees to organizing ideological seminars.[^6] Indeed, Izetbegović’s stance drew the attention of the totalitarian regimes of the time. He endured two periods of imprisonment throughout his life. ![Image](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/12/mURoBHfSrTSiRfF2fnRN6ltocUcuY9cw.png) *Alija Izetbegović at the III Corps Zenica Front, December 1995 (Alijaizetbegovic)* #### First Imprisonment (1946–1949) After the Second World War, the Partisan army under Tito’s leadership viewed Islamic activities as an attempt to undermine legal order. Izetbegović was arrested on 1 March 1946 while still completing his military service, due to his activities in the “Young Muslims” organization. Along with fourteen companions, he was tried and sentenced to three years of hard labor.[^7] #### Second Imprisonment and the Sarajevo Period (1983–1988) In 1970, his publication of the [Islamic Declaration](/en/detay/islam-deklarasyonu-ve-tarihi-savunma-kitap-dd1ab/llms.txt) (Islamska Deklaracija), which argued that Muslim societies must return to their authentic roots and reject Westernization policies, once again drew the regime’s repression.[^8] In 1983, he was arrested along with twelve other Muslim intellectuals, including Ömer Behmen and Hasan Čengić.[^9] The court sentenced him to fourteen years in prison and he was incarcerated in Foca Prison.[^10] Izetbegović refused an offer to be released if he submitted a letter of repentance. Under pressure from democratic nations and Muslim countries, he was released on 25 November 1988.[^11] ### Political Career and the Bosnian War Alija Izetbegović’s political career began shortly after his release in 1988, at a pivotal historical juncture as [Yugoslavia](/en/detay/yugoslavya-2/llms.txt) entered its process of disintegration. In March 1990, he co-founded the Party of Democratic Action (SDA) with former comrades from the “Young Muslims” movement and was elected its president. During this period, Izetbegović pursued a politics that defended not only Bosniak rights but also those of Muslims from other ethnic groups.[^12] In the first multi-party elections held on 5 December 1990, he was elected President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[^13] His political leadership placed him at the center of political and social developments during the Bosnian War. Following the referendum of 1 March 1992, which affirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence, the country came under attack by Serb forces.[^14] During this period, Izetbegović did not avoid direct involvement in military operations and strategy, serving both as head of state and commander-in-chief. As the political leader of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he played a central role in managing the war. ![Image](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/12/lbNC1oJ4zaTaJHDM01oluRKfYeo8w9iy.jpg) *Alija Izetbegović on the Tuzla Front Tour (Alijaizetbegovic)* Throughout the war, Izetbegović acted under the principle: *"I swear by God that we will not become slaves"*, engaging not only in military resistance but also in intensive diplomatic efforts.[^15] Amid international sanctions, arms embargoes, and debates over international intervention, he worked tirelessly to secure recognition of Bosnia as an independent state. The bloody conflict from 1992 to 1995 ended with the signing of the [Dayton Agreement](/en/detay/dayton-baris-antlasmasi-b2c8c/llms.txt) on 14 December 1995. Izetbegović signed the agreement, stating it was *"not a just peace, but better than a continuing war"*, thereby securing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity on a legal foundation.[^16] After the war, in the first elections held on 14 September 1996, he was elected to the three-member Presidency Council composed of Bosniak, Croat, and Serb representatives, becoming its first president. He won re-election in 1998 and continued in office, but in June 2000, citing his advancing age and health concerns, he voluntarily resigned from the presidency to avoid compromising state duties.[^17] ### Key Works and Their Content - **Islam Between East and West (*Islam između Istoka i Zapada*):** In this work, Islam is defined as a “middle path” and a “holistic worldview” that balances spirit and body, the afterlife and this world, spirituality and materialism.[^18] - **The Islamic Declaration (*Islamska Deklaracija*):** In this work, Izetbegović argues that the Muslim world must overcome its backwardness by breaking free from Western imitation and traditionalism and returning to an authentic Islamic culture inspired by the generation of the Companions. - **My Escape to Freedom (*Moj Bjeg u Slobodu*):** Composed of reflective notes written during his 1983 imprisonment, the work contains universal inquiries into human problems.[^19] - **My Witness to History:** An autobiographical account of his life and Bosnia’s path to independence, detailing his political decisions, diplomatic struggles during the war, and personal memories. ### Death and Legacy Alija Izetbegović’s prolonged imprisonment, the grueling conditions of war, and the burdens of state leadership severely affected his health. In June 2000, he voluntarily stepped down from the Presidency Council before completing his term.[^20] During his final days in the hospital, he was visited by numerous heads of state, including United States President Bill Clinton and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.[^21] Even in retirement, Izetbegović continued guiding Bosnia and Herzegovina toward unity. He died in Sarajevo on 19 October 2003. ![Image](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/12/jGrYain0il0x6mjgSZUiEUYcakI22jqz.jpg) *Izetbegović’s Grave (Anadolu Ajansı)* His funeral became one of the largest gatherings in Sarajevo’s history. People of all ages and backgrounds—Bosniaks and other citizens of [Bosnia and Herzegovina](/en/detay/bosna-hersek-2/llms.txt) from diverse ethnic and religious origins, as well as supporters from around the world—came together to honor him. True to his final wishes, he was buried not in a special mausoleum reserved for leaders, but beside his fallen comrades-in-arms at the Kovači Cemetery.[^22] On his gravestone are inscribed the words *"Abdullah" (Servant of God)* and *"I swear by God that we will not become slaves."* [^23] ## Academic Sources and References 1. Alija İzetbegovic Vakfı. "Alija Izetbegović." Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.alijaizetbegovic.org/tr/fotograf-galerisi/#iLightbox[gallery\_image\_1]/0 2. Alija İzetbegovic Vakfı. "Alija Izetbegović." Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.alijaizetbegovic.org/tr/fotograf-galerisi/#iLightbox[gallery\_image\_1]/16 3. Alija İzetbegovic Vakfı. "Alija Izetbegović." Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.alijaizetbegovic.org/tr/fotograf-galerisi/#iLightbox[gallery\_image\_1]/20 4. Alija İzetbegovic Vakfı. "Alija Izetbegović." Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.alijaizetbegovic.org/tr/fotograf-galerisi/#iLightbox[gallery\_image\_1]/2 5. Alija İzetbegovic Vakfı. "Alija Izetbegović." Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.alijaizetbegovic.org/tr/fotograf-galerisi/#iLightbox[gallery\_image\_1]/7 6. Anadolu Ajansı. "Boşnak lider İzetbegoviç, ölümünün 21. yılında kabri başında anıldı." Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/bosnak-lider-izetbegovic-olumunun-21-yilinda-kabri-basinda-anildi/3367402 7. Anadolu Ajansı. "Müslüman bir fikir adamı ve özgürlük savaşçısı: Aliya İzetbegoviç." Anadolu Ajansı. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/musluman-bir-fikir-adami-ve-ozgurluk-savascisi-aliya-izetbegovic/2011283 8. Islam Thought Atlas. "Aliya İzzetbegoviç." Islam Thought Atlas. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://islamdusunceatlasi.org/aliya-izzetbegovic/256 9. Mulaosmanović, Admir. "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya" \*TDV İslam Ansiklopedisi\*. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/izzetbegovic-aliya 10. Muzej Alija İzetbegovic. "Aliya İzetbegoviç – Demokratik olarak seçilen ilk Bosna ve Hersek Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanlığı Konseyi Başkanı." Muzej Alija İzetbegovic. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://muzejalijaizetbegovic.ba/biyografi/?lang=tr 11. TRT Archive. "Aliya İzzetbegoviç | TRT Arşiv" YouTube Video. Accessed June 21, 2026. Date Published: October 19, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSZNyBwXXRU 12. TRT Haber. "Aliya İzzetbegoviç kimdir? Aliya İzzetbegoviç'in hayatı..." Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.trthaber.com/haber/guncel/aliya-izzetbegovic-kimdir-aliya-izzetbegovicin-hayati-618363.html 13. İzetbegovic, Alija. Tarihe Tanıklığım: The Islamic Foundation, İstanbul: Leicester 2002; Klasik Yayınları, 2004. 14. İzetbegovic, Alija. İslam Deklarasyonu. İstanbul: Fide Yayınları, 2005. ## Citations [^1]: TRT Haber, "Aliya İzzetbegoviç kimdir? Aliya İzzetbegoviç'in hayatı..." TRT Haber, accessed 13 April 2026, https://www.trthaber.com/haber/guncel/aliya-izzetbegovic-kimdir-aliya-izzetbegovicin-hayati-618363.html [^2]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya" TDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, accessed 13 April 2026, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/izzetbegovic-aliya [^3]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^4]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^5]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^6]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^7]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya" [^8]: Muzej Alija İzetbegovic, "Aliya İzetbegoviç – Demokratik olarak seçilen ilk Bosna ve Hersek Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanlığı Konseyi Başkanı" Muzej Alija İzetbegovic,, accessed 13 April 2026, https://muzejalijaizetbegovic.ba/biyografi/?lang=tr [^9]: Muzej Alija İzetbegovic, "Aliya İzetbegoviç – Demokratik olarak seçilen ilk Bosna ve Hersek Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanlığı Konseyi Başkanı." [^10]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^11]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^12]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^13]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^14]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^15]: TRT Haber, "Aliya İzzetbegoviç kimdir? Aliya İzzetbegoviç'in hayatı..." [^16]: Muzej Alija İzetbegovic, "Aliya İzetbegoviç – Demokratik olarak seçilen ilk Bosna ve Hersek Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanlığı Konseyi Başkanı." [^17]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^18]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^19]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^20]: Admir Mulaosmanovıc, "İZZETBEGOVİÇ, Aliya." [^21]: Muzej Alija İzetbegovic, "Aliya İzetbegoviç – Demokratik olarak seçilen ilk Bosna ve Hersek Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanlığı Konseyi Başkanı" [^22]: Muzej Alija İzetbegovic, "Aliya İzetbegoviç – Demokratik olarak seçilen ilk Bosna ve Hersek Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanlığı Konseyi Başkanı" [^23]: TRT Haber, "Aliya İzzetbegoviç kimdir? Aliya İzzetbegoviç'in hayatı..."