Abstract
The study examines identity formation and the sense of belonging among second-generation Bosnian immigrants in Serbia and Montenegro, children of refugees displaced by the Bosnian War. Despite a shared cultural heritage across the Balkans, these individuals often navigate historical animosities and nationalist tensions in a post-conflict society. A qualitative approach, grounded in Social Identity Theory and based on semi-structured interviews, identified three central themes: rejection of national and ethnic distinctions in favour of a broader Balkan identity, the essential role of family in shaping values, and artistic expression as a means of self-exploration. The findings suggest identity among secondgeneration immigrants is fluid and continuously shaped by personal interactions rather than inherited divisions. These findings contribute to the existing literature by offering insight into how cultural heritage, familial dynamics, and creative expression shaped participants’ identities.