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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Julian Borger in Sarajevo

‘It’s defiance’: why some Bosniaks are reviving historic flag as they cheer on World Cup squad

A woman draped in the lily flag walks towards a building draped in the official flag
The official flag (above) represents both tenacious hope and deep disappointment. Photograph: Jasmin Brutus/The Guardian

Before each game in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup adventure, Sarajevo has blossomed with primary colours – and two distinct flags.

One is the national flag dating to 1998: blue and yellow diagonal halves emblazoned with a slanting line of white stars. The other has golden lilies on a blue shield set against a white background, and has a far deeper history, steeped in centuries of complexity. Its striking resurgence as a national symbol, showcased during Bosnia’s first World Cup for 12 years, comes with its own powerful message.

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