in the late 1800s, many young men came from bosnia to chicago to work in construction. they built roads, buildings, and tunnels for the chicago commuter train system. many bosnians worked on the tunnels for arif dilich’s paschen construction company, a large company in chicago. the dzemijetul hajrije was like a family to the many young single men. it had religious services and special activities for eid and other holidays. it helped pay for medical expenses and funerals.