The passage that saved lives in the Bosnian War: The Tunnel of Hope
With the start of the Bosnian War, Sarajevo, put under siege by Serb forces, largely lost its connection to the outside world. Civilians living under intense bombardment and the threat of snipers faced serious difficulties in accessing food, medicine, and basic necessities.
- Life
- Published Date: 02:27 | 21 February 2026
- Modified Date: 02:29 | 21 February 2026
The "Tunnel of Hope," one of the symbols of the Bosnian War which saw the greatest massacres in Europe after World War II, was completed on July 30, 1993, after 4 months and 4 days of intense effort.
The tunnel, one meter wide, 160 cm high, and 800 meters long, connected Sarajevo to Bosnian-controlled territory on the other side of the airport area. Despite the difficult conditions, humanitarian aid, military equipment, and various necessities were delivered to the city via the tunnel, and the evacuation of the wounded was ensured.
Used by thousands of people throughout the war, the Tunnel of Hope played a significant role in Sarajevo's survival. Today, a section of the tunnel is preserved as a museum, reminding visitors of the difficult conditions of that period as one of the most striking symbols of the Bosnian War.
It is estimated that approximately 300,000 lives were saved through the Tunnel of Hope, which provided Sarajevo's connection to the world during the Bosnian War.