Long Overdue Honor for Dervi? M. Korkut, Rescuer of the Sarajevo Hagaddah and Friend of Bosnian Jews

Dervi? M. Korkut is a fascinating figure in Bosnian history--intellectual, humanist, historian, rescuer of the Sarajevo Hagaddah, Righteous Among the Nations.

On October 17, 1941, Bosnian Jewish intellectual, Dr. Vita Kajon, entrusted with Dervi? Korkut one of Bosnia's most treasured archives.

It is not hyperbolic to say that Korkut risked his life protecting this 14th-century illuminated manuscript throughout World War Two. Because of his actions, The Sarajevo Hagaddah can be viewed at The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Perhaps even more remarkable, Korkut and his wife Servet also sheltered a young Jewish woman, the Partisan Donkica Papo (later Mira Bakovic). The commission of Yad Vashem's Righteous Among the Nation's to Dervi? and Servet affirms their individual courage and commitment. Their actions, though, are emblematic of Bosnia's historical tolerance for believers of all faith traditions.

It is fitting that the Kortuk family home in Travnica will now serve as a museum, as reported in the Sarajevo Times.

For those who are curious to know more about Dervi? M. Korkut and his extraordinary life and legacy, I recommend the thoughtful and impeccably researched book: HIKMET KAR?I?'s: Dervi? M. Korkut: A Biography, Rescuer of the Sarajevo Haggadah