Nasiha Kapidžić-Hadžić
Nasiha Kapidžić-Hadžić was one of the most beloved children’s authors and poets of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose lyrical storytelling and imaginative worlds shaped generations of young readers. Her works, rich with warmth, humour, and gentle pedagogy, remain a cornerstone of children’s literature in the region and continue to be read in schools today.
Early Life and First Steps in Writing
Born in Banja Luka in 1932, Kapidžić-Hadžić grew up in a culturally vibrant environment. Her father, Hadžić Ali Effendi Kapidžić, was a respected imam in the Royal Yugoslav Army.
A defining moment in her childhood came when she underwent leg surgery and was confined to bed for an extended period. During this time, at just six years old, she began writing—transforming immobility into creativity. This early encounter with storytelling would shape the rest of her life.
She completed her schooling in Banja Luka before moving to Belgrade, where she studied at the University of Belgrade and earned her degree. Upon returning, she worked as a teacher at the Banja Luka Gymnasium and later became a radio producer for children’s programming at Radio Sarajevo—a role that further deepened her connection with young audiences.
Literary Career and Contributions
Kapidžić-Hadžić entered the literary scene in 1962 with her first children’s book Maskenbal u šumi (“Masquerade in the Woods”), which quickly established her as a distinctive voice in children’s literature.
Over the following decades, she produced a rich body of work that included poetry, stories, and radio plays. Her writing is characterised by its musicality, emotional depth, and vivid imagery. Nature—especially birds—features prominently in her works, serving as both playful characters and symbolic vehicles for imagination, freedom, and moral reflection.
Her notable works include:
- Vezeni most (“Embroidered Bridge”, 1965)
- Od zmaja do viteza (“From Dragon to Knight”, 1970)
- Kad si bila mala (“When You Were a Little Girl”, 1973)
- San o livadici (“The Dream About Meadows”, 1974)
- Glas djetinjstva (“The Voice of Childhood”, 1975)
- Šare djetinjstva (“The Ornaments of Childhood”, 1977)
- Krilo i šapa (“Wing and Paw”)
Her texts often blended tenderness with humour, encouraging children to explore the world with curiosity while subtly conveying values of empathy, kindness, and imagination. Many of her works became part of school curricula and were translated into multiple languages.
Recognition and Influence
Kapidžić-Hadžić received numerous literary awards, including the Veselin Masleša Award, the Sixth of April Award of the City of Sarajevo, and recognition from the Zmaj Children’s Games festival. These honours reflected both her literary excellence and her cultural impact.
Her ability to connect with children—through simple yet profound language—made her one of the most recognised authors of children’s literature in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Yugoslav period.
Final Years and Passing
During the 1990s, Kapidžić-Hadžić lived in Sarajevo throughout the siege. Despite the hardship of war and declining health, she remained a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity.
She passed away on 22 September 1995, leaving behind a legacy deeply embedded in the literary and emotional landscape of the country.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Her legacy has been formally recognised in multiple ways. In 1996, a national postage stamp was issued in her honour. Her childhood home in Banja Luka has been declared a protected national monument, preserving her memory and connection to place. A memorial featuring her poem Vezeni most stands as a tribute to her enduring influence.
Kapidžić-Hadžić’s work continues to inspire. Through her poetry and stories—filled with birds, nature, and childhood wonder—she gave generations of children not only literature, but a way to see the world with imagination and compassion.