From Bosnia to Tyneside

Destination Tyneside gallery

Floor 1

Through film, family photographs and personal objects, Smajo Beso shares the story of his childhood escape from the war in Bosnia. In 1994, aged just nine, Smajo and his family were forced to flee their home in Stolac, leaving behind everything they knew to begin a new life on Tyneside. 

Their story reflects the experiences of millions affected by the Bosnian War. By 1995, 1.2 million Bosnians had fled their country, and 4,500 refugees were formally resettled in the UK during what was then Europe’s largest refugee crisis since the Second World War. 

Today, Smajo is an established genocide educator who teaches and speaks widely about his experiences. You can discover more and follow Smajo on his Instagram and Tik Tok accounts.