Sajmište: A Site Worth Preserving
“The former grounds of Sajmište concentration camp in Belgrade, Serbia are very much still occupied, but no longer by the Nazis... ”
Many of the original buildings, including the Central Tower, shown above, are now used for other purposes. Restaurant “So & Biber”, was the building which held the corpses of the concentration camp inmates who died from starvation, disease and torture. The bodies were stored before being buried in mass graves. One sitting at the restaurant terrace will most likely not be aware – just as those who go to the Novi Belgrade Atheltic Club or bring their children to the daycare center in the neighboring building; That they are entering the former concentration camp hospital, or morgue or flat where between 20,000 to 23,000 were tortured to death. A person walking carelessly, a worker at a nearby restaurant, or bus passengers looking aimlessly would be shown no indication or evidence that the buildings they are looking at or inhabit featured as scenes of detention, torture and mass killings.
The Danube River - Located adjacent to the camp
A tram cruises along the Stari Savski bridge during sunrise
“The Italian Pavilion”- Now in private hands, which is occupied by a daycare center. The new center raises questions on how the remembrance of one of the biggest atrocities is being handled and preserved.
The Danube River
Irfanullah of Afghanistan
Many young refugees like Irfanullah seek shelter near Sajmište. Each night he and his brothers sleep under Stari Savski bridge. Irfanullah at one point was attending university to become a doctor. Now his goal is to make it to Germany because there is more freedom and opportunity. Irfanullah says it will be a very difficult task due to the power of his passport.
A convenience store located directly in front of the former tower
