Untold Stories: The Bosnia Series - The Other Archive Episode 4: From My Uncle to Moazzam Begg
Aug 16, 2025
Moazzam Begg, a former detainee and activist, shares his harrowing journey as a foreign fighter in Bosnia during the war. He reflects on the complexities of identity and faith amidst conflict. Joining him is a firsthand account from an aid worker who recalls the struggles faced while delivering humanitarian assistance. Their powerful narratives highlight themes of resilience, community, and the importance of historical awareness in preventing future atrocities. Together, they shed light on the significance of standing by those in need during crises.
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Charity Convoys From The UK
- My uncle left the UK in his late 20s to run charity convoys delivering food and vehicles to Bosnia.
- He returned multiple times and stayed months, losing a friend who died and is buried there.
Faith Renewed In Conflict
- My uncle described learning to pray and read namaz during his Bosnia trips as he encountered practicing Muslims.
- The trips revived his faith and changed his friends and priorities.
Embargoes Amplified Vulnerability
- Mostar showed extreme destruction and ethnic targeting with Muslims severely disadvantaged by an arms embargo.
- The West's policies limited Bosnian Muslims' ability to defend themselves and amplified their vulnerability.
