Bosnia's oldest cemetery holds Ottoman graves

By Emre Bastug

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - The oldest Muslim cemetery in Bosnia and Herzegovina has 20 graves which date back to Ottoman period, archaeologists say.

The cemetery unveiled last month is located in southeastern Foca city.

Built in the end of 15th century, it suffered the vicissitudes of several wars.

The greatest damage was caused by Serb forces during the Bosnian War from 1992-95.

During the excavations, a bullet hive from World War II was found as well as a moat dug by the Serb forces.

Senad Cengic, who led the excavation, said the first Muslims came to the area in 1418 during the Ottoman period.

"The first Muslims came to Ustikolina village in 1418 during the Ottoman period and the people of the region became Muslims in 1445," said Cengic.

Archaeologist Adnan Muftarevic said that during the ongoing excavations tombs from the late 15th and early 16th centuries were discovered.

Muftarevic said natural causes had not damaged the cemetery in the past 200 years as much as Serb soldiers.

"The graves were broken by hand and looted," said Muftarevic.

Experts so far claim that people of Balkan and Anatolian origin were buried at the cemetery.

Archaeologists claim the excavations will carry on for another 30 days following which a restoration project will take place.