Bezmilje

Bezmilje (Бесмиље in Cyrillic) is a colloquial term, primarily used in the former Yugoslavia, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, that denotes a period or state of lawlessness, chaos, and complete disorder. It often implies a breakdown of social norms, ethical behavior, and institutional control. The term carries a strong negative connotation and is used to describe situations characterized by widespread corruption, impunity, violence, and a general lack of respect for rules and regulations.

The word itself is derived from the Turkish word "besmele" (بسمله), which refers to the Islamic phrase "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim" ("In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"). The connection between the religious phrase and the term "bezmilje" lies in the ironic contrast: where the "besmele" invokes divine guidance and order, "bezmilje" represents the complete absence of such principles. It suggests a situation so devoid of morality that it is as if God has been forgotten or ignored.

The term is frequently used in political and social commentary to criticize governments, institutions, or individuals perceived as contributing to a state of anarchy or moral decay. It's not typically used in formal legal or official contexts, but rather as a descriptive label for particularly egregious instances of societal breakdown. The term is culturally specific and its usage is largely confined to regions influenced by the Ottoman Empire and its aftermath, where a familiarity with the Turkish origin of the word "besmele" is common.