Zvornik


Zvornik is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in entity of Republika Srpska, on the left bank of the Drina river. As of 2013, it has a population of 58,856 inhabitants.
The town of Mali Zvornik lies directly across the river in Serbia. Kula Grad, a village that is part of Zvornik municipality, is home to a Middle Age fort, Zvornik fortress, built in the 12th century.

History

Zvornik is first mentioned in 1410, although it was known as Zvonik at that time. The town's geographic location has made it an important trade link between Bosnia and the east. For instance, the main road connecting Sarajevo and Belgrade runs through the city. The medieval fort known as Kula grad was built in the early 7th century and still stands on the Mlađevac mountainous range overlooking the Drina Valley.

Ottoman rule

During the Ottoman period, Zvornik was the capital of the Sanjak of Zvornik within the Eyalet of Bosnia. This was primarily the case because of the city's crucial role in the economy and the strategic importance of the city's location. The Sanjak of Zvornik was one of six Ottoman sanjaks with most developed shipbuilding. In 1806, Zvornik was home to Mehmed-beg Kulenović.

World War II

troops of the fascist Independent State of Croatia occupied Zvornik, along with most of Bosnia, in April 1941. The town was liberated in July 1943 by the 1st Proletarian Brigade during the Battle of Zvornik.

Bosnian war

During the Bosnian War Zvornik's Bosniak population was expelled. The military attack of paramilitary groups that came from Serbia on Zvornik Bosniaks commenced on 8 April 1992. During April 1992, many European news stations daily reported Serb armed attacks and mass killings of the Bosniak population of Zvornik and the surrounding villages.
On 19 May 1992, combined JNA, Serb paramilitary and Arkan's Tigers occupied Zvornik and Mali Zvornik. The suburbs of Karakaj and Čelopek were places of prisons where hundreds of local Bosniaks were killed. The remaining Bosniaks and non-Serbs were relegated to concentration camps and detention facilities throughout the area. During the war Serb forces destroyed mosques in and around the city.

Settlements

Aside from the city proper area of Zvornik, the municipality comprises the following settlements:

Demographics

Population

Ethnic composition

:

Economy

The following table gives a preview of total number of registered people employed in legal entities per their core activity :
ActivityTotal
Agriculture, forestry and fishing80
Mining and quarrying19
Manufacturing3,176
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply186
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities173
Construction665
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles1,444
Transportation and storage603
Accommodation and food services415
Information and communication105
Financial and insurance activities103
Real estate activities12
Professional, scientific and technical activities114
Administrative and support service activities28
Public administration and defense; compulsory social security688
Education801
Human health and social work activities665
Arts, entertainment and recreation76
Other service activities126
Total9,479

Culture

The Cultural Summer of Zvornik is an annual event held in the first week of August and usually lasts for six days. Its main objective is to become a traditional cultural event which will open the doors of Zvornik for recognized cultural values.
The festival was first held in August 2001 as a local event and until now it grew up to one of to biggest festivals on the Balkans.
In 2007, famous singers such as Neda Ukraden and Sandi Cenov participated, but in 2008 this festival managed to feature some of the most notable stars from former Yugoslavia, like Željko Joksimović, Hari Mata Hari, Van Gogh, Marinko Rokvić and others.
Music is not the only thing that this fest offers, there is also a regatta on the river Drina, a fun marathon and many cultural events and competitions during day and night.

Sport

The local football clubs, FK Drina Zvornik and ŽFK Drina Zvornik, play in the First League of the Republika Srpska. Members of the First league of Republika Srpska also are volleyball and handball clubs Zvornik.

Notable people