Bosnian Canadian
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 25,665[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta | |
| Languages | |
| Canadian English, Bosnian and Canadian French | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Roman Catholicism, Atheism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Bosnian American, and European Canadian |
A Bosnian Canadian is a Canadian citizen whose ancestry can be traced to Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the 2001 Canadian census, there are 25,665 people who have claimed Bosnian ancestry.[1] A large majority of Bosnian Canadians emigrated to Canada during and after the Bosnian War which lasted from 1992-1995. History of Bosnian arrivals to Canada, however, dates back to as far as the 19th century.[1] While official census reports from the 2001 Census indicate that there are 25,665 Bosnian-Canadians in Canada, it is estimated that today there are some 60,000 Canadians of full or partial Bosnian descent living in the country.
History[edit]
The Bosnian Community in Canada has a long and distinguished history dating back more than a century.[1] After the Bosnian War, between 1992 and 1995, many Bosnians from all ethnic backgrounds fled to Canada as refugees. According to 2001 Canadian census, estimates say there are 25,665 people of Bosnian origin living in Canada.[1] The traditional centers of residence and culture for people from Bosnia and Herzegovina are situated in Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. Numerous Bosnian cultural, sport and religious associations, Bosnian language newspapers and other periodicals are published in many states. The largest Bosnian organisation in Canada is the Congress of North American Bosniaks.[2]
Religion[edit]
The Bosnian Islamic Association Gazi Husrev-Beg (BIAGH) was founded in November 1977 under the name 'Association of Islamic Community Gazi Husrev-Beg'. It's been operating under its current name (BIAGH) ever since 1995. Primary reason of its foundation was to respond to the religious needs of its members. That was made possible through a full-time Imam, who has been serving this community uninterruptedly since June 1982. The BIAGH caters to the needs of Bosniaks that pertain to Bosniak tradition, folklore, sport and different creative workshops.
Notable Bosnian Canadians[edit]
- Asmir Begović, soccer player and Bosnia and Herzegovina international
- George Chuvalo, boxer
- Admir Salihović, soccer player
- Dina Pandzic, model
- Mila Mulroney - wife of the 18th Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney
- Nemanja Mitrović. basketball player
- Zijad Delić, imam, activist, teacher, scholar and public speaker
- Neven Pajkić, boxer
- Goran Simić, poet
- Arnej, musician
- Nik Zoricic, (1983-2012) skier
- Vladimir Kuljanin, basketball player
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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