Sevdalinka – The Soulful Song of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sevdalinka is a traditional urban folk song from Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its deep emotion, poetic beauty, and timeless melodies. Rooted in centuries of cultural fusion between Ottoman influences and South Slavic oral traditions, sevdalinka tells stories of love, longing, and life.
Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024, sevdalinka is more than music – it is a living expression of identity and emotion. Often performed a capella or with traditional instruments, each song captures the spirit of Bosnian cities and the feelings of generations past and present.
Its name comes from the Turkish word sevda, meaning love – and sevdah has become a word that expresses a very particular kind of heartfelt melancholy. Whether sung in a courtyard, tavern, or family gathering, sevdalinka connects people across time and place.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of sevdalinka, don’t miss a visit to Sevdah Art House | Art Kuća Sevdaha – a unique museum in the heart of Sarajevo dedicated to this iconic musical tradition and its legendary performers.
Located in the historic Velike daire in Baščaršija, once used by Ottoman-era traders, the museum now houses a rich collection of personal items, instruments, awards, posters, clothing, and rare recordings from sevdah legends like Himzo Polovina, Zaim Imamović, Ismet Alajbegović – Šerbo, Safet Isović, and Zehra Deović, among others.
The central courtyard of the museum is home to the cozy Sevdah Kahva, where you can enjoy traditional Bosnian coffee while listening to the most beautiful sevdalinkas. There’s also a charming gift shop offering books, CDs, and souvenirs themed around sevdah.
Discover upcoming sevdalinka concerts, festivals, and cultural performances happening across the country. View the full Sevdalinka calendar here.