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Center for Bosnian Studies

The Center for Bosnian Studies is a historical and cultural preservation initiative at Saint Louis University committed to establishing an enduring record of the experiences of Bosnian genocide survivors and their families. It is especially focused on those living in metropolitan St. Louis, which is currently the largest Bosnian population outside Bosnia, estimated at 60,000.

Founded in 2006 at Fontbonne University as the Bosnia Memory Project, it was later renamed the Center for Bosnian Studies to reflect its expanding role as a leading source of knowledge and resources on Bosnia and its diaspora. After almost 20 years at Fontbonne University, the center moved to its new permanent home at Saint Louis University in 2025.

It continues to preserve stories and artifacts from the Bosnian war and genocide through an oral history project, special collections of rare books and archival materials, and a growing digital collection of unique resources. The Center for Bosnian Studies also hosts events to raise awareness about the history and culture of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Bosnian diaspora and participates in related research endeavors.

Media Coverage 

Media outlets use the resources of the Center, which has been featured or mentioned by such outlets as PBS, BBC, Voice of America, St. Louis Public Radio, the New York Times, and the Sarajevo Times. Below is a sampling of stories about the Center and its impact.  

For media inquiries, please contact Adna Karamehic-Oates, director of the Center for Bosnian Studies, at adna.karamehicoates@slu.edu or call 314-977-3596.