Etnoantropološki problemi / Issues in Ethnology and Anthropology, 2017
Medieval diplomacy often implied the exchange of gifts between rulers or two delegations. It was ... more Medieval diplomacy often implied the exchange of gifts between rulers or two delegations. It was customary to give expensive cloth, jewellery, weapons, everyday objects made of precious metals, richly decorated manuscripts, and relics. Often, the gifts were animals - those used in hunting or warfare (such as horses, dogs or falcons), as well as rare and exotic animals (elephants, giraffes, tigers). The value and preciousness of these "living gifts" was measured through the strength, symbolic value or rarity of the animals which were a key part of diplomatic gift giving. The presence of animals in court ceremonies, royal processions, and later in ruler insignia through different heraldic markings, was, from ancient times, a key part of the manifestations of power and standing of rulers. The inclusion of animals in diplomatic protocol gained a certain political and cultural dimension of mediation between different states and cultures.
The Uses of the Middle Ages in Modern European States, 2011
Some events become cornerstones or crucial segments of certain historical processes and prove wor... more Some events become cornerstones or crucial segments of certain historical processes and prove worthy of memory for centuries. At the time of their occurrence, or soon afterwards, contemporaries may understand and sometimes even predict their impact and significance. But the memory of the battle of Kosovo of 1389 is significant for other reasons, disconnected from the event itself. The paucity of historical records on the battle demonstrates that it only gained its significance after some time, gradually and systematically being lifted into Serbian national mythology. Over centuries the genuine historical core of the story was distorted, dissolved or reshaped under layers of narrative tradition. Epic poetry based on carefully sifted historical facts created a picturesque, yet homogeneous group of characters shaped as much from imaginary as from historical elements. This was convenient for determining and promoting moral patterns and values over the centuries when the medieval Serbian states, which had been subjugated by the Ottomans, no longer existed. By simplifying the original historic circumstances and presenting them through an easily understandable scenario, the foundation on which to create and solidify ethnic identity was set. This construction of Serbian ethnic memory gave the historic event a vibrant future. The historical core was wrapped in legendary substance, creating an almost sacred aura, which ensured a stable endurance of this narrative.
This paper explores the contents and historical context of the Cyrillic inscription written in ol... more This paper explores the contents and historical context of the Cyrillic inscription written in old Serbian language with some Turkish words on the fresco ?St. Nicholas takes Basil from the house of Emir? from the Church of St. Nicholas in Ramaca. Based on an analysis of the historical circumstances and events that took place at the end of the fourteenth and the beginning of the fifteenth century on the Balkan Peninsula and especially in the Lazarevic Principality, it is assumed that the presence of Turkish words in the mentioned inscription implies the influences of Islamic heterodox dervishes in the Christian milieu. The dating of the fresco painting from the Church in Ramaca can be narrowed down to the time of the reign of Stefan Lazarevic.
The paper explores perceptions of the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s among secondary-school and MA st... more The paper explores perceptions of the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s among secondary-school and MA students of history in the Republic of Serbia. The starting premise is that pupils should gain access to information, research, and certain attitudes toward recent conflicts within the official education system, but the outcome seems to be the opposite. Surveys and studies show that the main source of information about this recent history comes from a wider social milieu. History textbooks in Serbia, as the main teaching material, in most cases contain closed narratives written in quite distant and neutral manner with selective choice of data. The specific focus is put on visual materials/sources represented in history textbooks as the information that could additionally construct the notion about the Yugoslav Wars.
Exploring the image of the “other” and recognizing various narrative layers in historical sources... more Exploring the image of the “other” and recognizing various narrative layers in historical sources is one of the most important methodological approaches in multifaceted reconstruction of the past. The perception and presentation of historical persons, events or phenomena belonging to the category of the “other” are often shaped by stereotypes and notions immanent to certain cultural settings. The hagiography of despot Stefan Lazarević written by Constantine the Philosopher in the fourth decade of 15th century as unique narrative source on the life and reign Serbian ruler epitomizes the trustworthy exemplar for the research of the forenamed phenomena. Among many historical persons Constantine the Philosopher had portrayed, the image of sultan Bayezid I is probably one of the most vivid and controversial. Representations of Bayezid I could be comprehended as the literary vehicle for the contextualization and reflection on political, military, diplomatic and dynastic relations amid Principality of Lazarević and Ottoman Empire that defined the historical epoch between the Battle of Kosovo (1389) and the Battle of Ankara (1402). Contrary to the typical image of the “Turks”, usually perceived as conquerors, perpetrators, infidels and villains, Constantine the Philosopher had depicted the character of sultan Bayezid I in various, occasionally contrasted shades. By portraying Bayezid I Constantine the Philosopher tried to act more as historian than hagiographer. He had presented the Ottoman sultan, the suzerain of Stefan Lazarević in quite balanced manner, showing both positive and negative aspects of his personality and political decisions. Sultan Bayezid I is described as supreme sovereign with human face, feelings, conscience but also attributes that show his dark, resolute, unrestricted and ruthless side of character. The reasons for stepping out of, at that time usual, stereotypical description of the “other” could be in the nature and complexity of political and personal relations between Stefan Lazarević and sultan Bayezid I. Taking into consideration the accounts Constantine the Philosopher embedded into his literary work, it is obvious that Serbian-Ottoman relationships established at the time of reign of sultan Bayezid I made fertile political setting for the development of Lazаrević Principality in forthcoming years.
У раду се преиспитује садржај и историјски контекст на-станка ћириличког натписа на старосрпском ... more У раду се преиспитује садржај и историјски контекст на-станка ћириличког натписа на старосрпском језику, са појединим турским речима, на фресци "Св. Никола одводи Василија из емирове куће" у цркви Св. Николе у Рамаћи. На основу анализе историјских околности и догађаја који су се одиграли крајем XIV и почетком XV века на Балканском по-луострву и посебно у Моравској Србији, износи се претпо-ставка да је присуство турских речи у споменутом натпи-су у вези са исламским утицајима хетеродоксних дервиша у хришћанској средини. Хронологија живописања храма у Рамаћи сужава се на време владавине Стефана Лазаревића. Кључне речи: Св. Никола, Рамаћа, деспот Стефан Лаза-ревић, бабаије-лутајући дервиши, чалапи, тенгри сул-тан, Османлије This paper explores the contents and historical context of the Cyrillic inscription written in old Serbian language with some Turkish words on the fresco "St. Nicholas takes Basil from the house of Emir" from the Church of St. Nicholas in Ramaća. Based on an analysis of the historical circumstances and events that took place at the end of the fourteenth and the beginning of the fifteenth century on the Balkan Peninsula and especially in the Lazarević Principality, it is assumed that the presence of Turkish words in the mentioned inscription implies the influences of Islamic heterodox dervishes in the Christian milieu. The dating of the fresco painting from the Church in Ramaća can be narrowed down to the time of the reign of Stefan Lazarević.
The chosen topic challenges the issue of Ottoman political role and influence on establishing the... more The chosen topic challenges the issue of Ottoman political role and influence on establishing the hierarchy among Serbian landlords at the end of 14 th century. The battles at Maritza 1371 and Kosovo 1389 changed the hereditary dynamics in Serbian principalities that lead to struggle for the ideological and political succession of decomposed Serbian Empire. Once the Ottomans began to subjugate Serbian feudatories, they became the unavoidable and decisive political factor in the balance of powers among splintered states and dynastical fractions. The hypothesis is that the Ottomans played decisive and twofold role in Serbian state of affairs at the end of 14 th century. Although Ottomans were the conquerors, they also used their political and military power to stabilize the political setting in central Serbian lands. One of the major political partners of Ottoman court in the period after the battle of Kosovo was Serbian Princess Milica (the widow of late prince Lazar and mother of prince Stefan and Olivera, wife of sultan Yildirim Bayezid), who was the head of family rule in this period. This paper will elaborate her historical role in establishing compound liaisons and strengthening the Ottoman position in Lazarević principality that enabled further dispersive spreading of Ottoman influence in the region. The common notion is that Serbian state of affairs at the end of 14 th century was deeply shaped by the decisive political role of Ottoman Empire. After the major Ottoman breaches into the Balkans at the beginning of the second half of 14 th century, the political turmoil in Christian states was heating up. This newly established setting additionally endangered the existence of the Serbian central state itself. 1 In the years that followed, Serbian Empire disintegrated (1371) and shattered into the archipelagos of smaller independent regions under the rule of different, but often family related Serbian noble dynasties. Within the next two decades and particularly after the Battle of Kosovo (1389) it was obvious that some noble dynasties were losing ether the heads/chiefs of the dynasties, or their successors, i.e. the most prominent male family members. The hereditary lines were if not ended, than temporarily interrupted or diverged. The Ottoman warfare significantly reinforced the process of political, economic and military power drain of Serbian independent principalities, the inheritors of once centralized state. At the end of 14 th century, when crucial events were dramatically changing the political landscape on the Balkans, some noblewomen became engaged in the state and diplomatic affairs that influenced further chain of events. Among them Princess Milica is the best
The topic relates to the historical issues defining the political and social outline of the Lazar... more The topic relates to the historical issues defining the political and social outline of the Lazarević Principality in the reflection of the early Ottoman conquests in the Balkans. The timeframe covers the period of the late 14 th up to the beginning of the 15 th century. The article deals with the concrete effects of the early Ottoman conquest on social mobility that the Lazarević Principality experienced in the mentioned period. The direct and implicit Ottoman political and military actions induced certain historical processes and specific changes in the political and social milieu in Serbian feudal states. The influence of the early Ottoman conquests had both positive and negative aspects on the development of the Lazarević Principality. The social changes within the Principality caused by different factors adjusted to the new political setting under the rule of Yildirim Bayezid. During the early period of Ottoman conquests the hierarchy of the nobility in the Lazarević Principality went through several different substantial alterations. The late 14 th century in the Balkans is marked with certain internal and external political phenomena that initiated significant changes of the elite social class in Christian states. The gradual disintegration of the Serbian central state and the abrupt political rise of the Serbian nobility concurred with the appearance of the Ottomans and their conquests in southeastern Europe. These two different and separate processes overlapped with the restructuring of states and social capacity in the central Balkans.
Apstrakt: Srednjovekovna diplomatija podrazumevala je razmenu darova između vladara ili dveju del... more Apstrakt: Srednjovekovna diplomatija podrazumevala je razmenu darova između vladara ili dveju delegacija. Uobičajeno je bilo da se poklanjaju skupocene tkanine, nakit, oružje, predmeti za svakodnevnu upotrebu izrađeni od plemenitih metala, bogato ukrašene rukopisne knjige, relikvije. Ne retko su se kao poklon davale i životinje, kako one koje se koriste u lovu ili ratu (konji, psi, sokoli), tako i retke i egzotične životinje (slonovi, žirafe, tigrovi).
Etnoantropološki problemi / Issues in Ethnology and Anthropology, 2017
Medieval diplomacy often implied the exchange of gifts between rulers or two delegations. It was ... more Medieval diplomacy often implied the exchange of gifts between rulers or two delegations. It was customary to give expensive cloth, jewellery, weapons, everyday objects made of precious metals, richly decorated manuscripts, and relics. Often, the gifts were animals - those used in hunting or warfare (such as horses, dogs or falcons), as well as rare and exotic animals (elephants, giraffes, tigers). The value and preciousness of these "living gifts" was measured through the strength, symbolic value or rarity of the animals which were a key part of diplomatic gift giving. The presence of animals in court ceremonies, royal processions, and later in ruler insignia through different heraldic markings, was, from ancient times, a key part of the manifestations of power and standing of rulers. The inclusion of animals in diplomatic protocol gained a certain political and cultural dimension of mediation between different states and cultures.
The Uses of the Middle Ages in Modern European States, 2011
Some events become cornerstones or crucial segments of certain historical processes and prove wor... more Some events become cornerstones or crucial segments of certain historical processes and prove worthy of memory for centuries. At the time of their occurrence, or soon afterwards, contemporaries may understand and sometimes even predict their impact and significance. But the memory of the battle of Kosovo of 1389 is significant for other reasons, disconnected from the event itself. The paucity of historical records on the battle demonstrates that it only gained its significance after some time, gradually and systematically being lifted into Serbian national mythology. Over centuries the genuine historical core of the story was distorted, dissolved or reshaped under layers of narrative tradition. Epic poetry based on carefully sifted historical facts created a picturesque, yet homogeneous group of characters shaped as much from imaginary as from historical elements. This was convenient for determining and promoting moral patterns and values over the centuries when the medieval Serbian states, which had been subjugated by the Ottomans, no longer existed. By simplifying the original historic circumstances and presenting them through an easily understandable scenario, the foundation on which to create and solidify ethnic identity was set. This construction of Serbian ethnic memory gave the historic event a vibrant future. The historical core was wrapped in legendary substance, creating an almost sacred aura, which ensured a stable endurance of this narrative.
This paper explores the contents and historical context of the Cyrillic inscription written in ol... more This paper explores the contents and historical context of the Cyrillic inscription written in old Serbian language with some Turkish words on the fresco ?St. Nicholas takes Basil from the house of Emir? from the Church of St. Nicholas in Ramaca. Based on an analysis of the historical circumstances and events that took place at the end of the fourteenth and the beginning of the fifteenth century on the Balkan Peninsula and especially in the Lazarevic Principality, it is assumed that the presence of Turkish words in the mentioned inscription implies the influences of Islamic heterodox dervishes in the Christian milieu. The dating of the fresco painting from the Church in Ramaca can be narrowed down to the time of the reign of Stefan Lazarevic.
The paper explores perceptions of the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s among secondary-school and MA st... more The paper explores perceptions of the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s among secondary-school and MA students of history in the Republic of Serbia. The starting premise is that pupils should gain access to information, research, and certain attitudes toward recent conflicts within the official education system, but the outcome seems to be the opposite. Surveys and studies show that the main source of information about this recent history comes from a wider social milieu. History textbooks in Serbia, as the main teaching material, in most cases contain closed narratives written in quite distant and neutral manner with selective choice of data. The specific focus is put on visual materials/sources represented in history textbooks as the information that could additionally construct the notion about the Yugoslav Wars.
Exploring the image of the “other” and recognizing various narrative layers in historical sources... more Exploring the image of the “other” and recognizing various narrative layers in historical sources is one of the most important methodological approaches in multifaceted reconstruction of the past. The perception and presentation of historical persons, events or phenomena belonging to the category of the “other” are often shaped by stereotypes and notions immanent to certain cultural settings. The hagiography of despot Stefan Lazarević written by Constantine the Philosopher in the fourth decade of 15th century as unique narrative source on the life and reign Serbian ruler epitomizes the trustworthy exemplar for the research of the forenamed phenomena. Among many historical persons Constantine the Philosopher had portrayed, the image of sultan Bayezid I is probably one of the most vivid and controversial. Representations of Bayezid I could be comprehended as the literary vehicle for the contextualization and reflection on political, military, diplomatic and dynastic relations amid Principality of Lazarević and Ottoman Empire that defined the historical epoch between the Battle of Kosovo (1389) and the Battle of Ankara (1402). Contrary to the typical image of the “Turks”, usually perceived as conquerors, perpetrators, infidels and villains, Constantine the Philosopher had depicted the character of sultan Bayezid I in various, occasionally contrasted shades. By portraying Bayezid I Constantine the Philosopher tried to act more as historian than hagiographer. He had presented the Ottoman sultan, the suzerain of Stefan Lazarević in quite balanced manner, showing both positive and negative aspects of his personality and political decisions. Sultan Bayezid I is described as supreme sovereign with human face, feelings, conscience but also attributes that show his dark, resolute, unrestricted and ruthless side of character. The reasons for stepping out of, at that time usual, stereotypical description of the “other” could be in the nature and complexity of political and personal relations between Stefan Lazarević and sultan Bayezid I. Taking into consideration the accounts Constantine the Philosopher embedded into his literary work, it is obvious that Serbian-Ottoman relationships established at the time of reign of sultan Bayezid I made fertile political setting for the development of Lazаrević Principality in forthcoming years.
У раду се преиспитује садржај и историјски контекст на-станка ћириличког натписа на старосрпском ... more У раду се преиспитује садржај и историјски контекст на-станка ћириличког натписа на старосрпском језику, са појединим турским речима, на фресци "Св. Никола одводи Василија из емирове куће" у цркви Св. Николе у Рамаћи. На основу анализе историјских околности и догађаја који су се одиграли крајем XIV и почетком XV века на Балканском по-луострву и посебно у Моравској Србији, износи се претпо-ставка да је присуство турских речи у споменутом натпи-су у вези са исламским утицајима хетеродоксних дервиша у хришћанској средини. Хронологија живописања храма у Рамаћи сужава се на време владавине Стефана Лазаревића. Кључне речи: Св. Никола, Рамаћа, деспот Стефан Лаза-ревић, бабаије-лутајући дервиши, чалапи, тенгри сул-тан, Османлије This paper explores the contents and historical context of the Cyrillic inscription written in old Serbian language with some Turkish words on the fresco "St. Nicholas takes Basil from the house of Emir" from the Church of St. Nicholas in Ramaća. Based on an analysis of the historical circumstances and events that took place at the end of the fourteenth and the beginning of the fifteenth century on the Balkan Peninsula and especially in the Lazarević Principality, it is assumed that the presence of Turkish words in the mentioned inscription implies the influences of Islamic heterodox dervishes in the Christian milieu. The dating of the fresco painting from the Church in Ramaća can be narrowed down to the time of the reign of Stefan Lazarević.
The chosen topic challenges the issue of Ottoman political role and influence on establishing the... more The chosen topic challenges the issue of Ottoman political role and influence on establishing the hierarchy among Serbian landlords at the end of 14 th century. The battles at Maritza 1371 and Kosovo 1389 changed the hereditary dynamics in Serbian principalities that lead to struggle for the ideological and political succession of decomposed Serbian Empire. Once the Ottomans began to subjugate Serbian feudatories, they became the unavoidable and decisive political factor in the balance of powers among splintered states and dynastical fractions. The hypothesis is that the Ottomans played decisive and twofold role in Serbian state of affairs at the end of 14 th century. Although Ottomans were the conquerors, they also used their political and military power to stabilize the political setting in central Serbian lands. One of the major political partners of Ottoman court in the period after the battle of Kosovo was Serbian Princess Milica (the widow of late prince Lazar and mother of prince Stefan and Olivera, wife of sultan Yildirim Bayezid), who was the head of family rule in this period. This paper will elaborate her historical role in establishing compound liaisons and strengthening the Ottoman position in Lazarević principality that enabled further dispersive spreading of Ottoman influence in the region. The common notion is that Serbian state of affairs at the end of 14 th century was deeply shaped by the decisive political role of Ottoman Empire. After the major Ottoman breaches into the Balkans at the beginning of the second half of 14 th century, the political turmoil in Christian states was heating up. This newly established setting additionally endangered the existence of the Serbian central state itself. 1 In the years that followed, Serbian Empire disintegrated (1371) and shattered into the archipelagos of smaller independent regions under the rule of different, but often family related Serbian noble dynasties. Within the next two decades and particularly after the Battle of Kosovo (1389) it was obvious that some noble dynasties were losing ether the heads/chiefs of the dynasties, or their successors, i.e. the most prominent male family members. The hereditary lines were if not ended, than temporarily interrupted or diverged. The Ottoman warfare significantly reinforced the process of political, economic and military power drain of Serbian independent principalities, the inheritors of once centralized state. At the end of 14 th century, when crucial events were dramatically changing the political landscape on the Balkans, some noblewomen became engaged in the state and diplomatic affairs that influenced further chain of events. Among them Princess Milica is the best
The topic relates to the historical issues defining the political and social outline of the Lazar... more The topic relates to the historical issues defining the political and social outline of the Lazarević Principality in the reflection of the early Ottoman conquests in the Balkans. The timeframe covers the period of the late 14 th up to the beginning of the 15 th century. The article deals with the concrete effects of the early Ottoman conquest on social mobility that the Lazarević Principality experienced in the mentioned period. The direct and implicit Ottoman political and military actions induced certain historical processes and specific changes in the political and social milieu in Serbian feudal states. The influence of the early Ottoman conquests had both positive and negative aspects on the development of the Lazarević Principality. The social changes within the Principality caused by different factors adjusted to the new political setting under the rule of Yildirim Bayezid. During the early period of Ottoman conquests the hierarchy of the nobility in the Lazarević Principality went through several different substantial alterations. The late 14 th century in the Balkans is marked with certain internal and external political phenomena that initiated significant changes of the elite social class in Christian states. The gradual disintegration of the Serbian central state and the abrupt political rise of the Serbian nobility concurred with the appearance of the Ottomans and their conquests in southeastern Europe. These two different and separate processes overlapped with the restructuring of states and social capacity in the central Balkans.
Apstrakt: Srednjovekovna diplomatija podrazumevala je razmenu darova između vladara ili dveju del... more Apstrakt: Srednjovekovna diplomatija podrazumevala je razmenu darova između vladara ili dveju delegacija. Uobičajeno je bilo da se poklanjaju skupocene tkanine, nakit, oružje, predmeti za svakodnevnu upotrebu izrađeni od plemenitih metala, bogato ukrašene rukopisne knjige, relikvije. Ne retko su se kao poklon davale i životinje, kako one koje se koriste u lovu ili ratu (konji, psi, sokoli), tako i retke i egzotične životinje (slonovi, žirafe, tigrovi).
Translate from the collection of works Rudnik and Venčac with its surroundings in the Middle Ages and early modern times, 2022
The mine, as an area in Serbian history, was very important during the Nemanjic dynasty, especial... more The mine, as an area in Serbian history, was very important during the Nemanjic dynasty, especially a very strategic area, during the reigns of Stefan Dragutin, Stefan Uros II Milutin, Stefan Vladislav II and Stefan Decanski. We can especially mention that during the reigns of King Milutin and Dragutin, the Saxons had an influence on the opening and further development of mining on the Rudnik mountain, where there are deposits of silver, copper and lead, which lay around Veliki and Mali Šturc. and the settlement itself was located in the valley of the river Jasenica, and the defense of the settlement was taken over by the fortress Ostrvica. Also during Milutin's rule, there were mints in Rudnik and Brskovo. The mine was a strategically important hub, because it was included in the road network, it also had a defensive role in Serbian medieval history. Only a few decades later, at the beginning of the summer of 1359, the Hungarian King Louis I launched a campaign against Serbia. In less than a month, he reached Rudnik from Slankamen, which fell into his hands. However, the conquest results of this incursion were short-lived and the Hungarian king had to leave the temporarily occupied territories. Thus, the area of Rudnik was again within the Serbian Empire. This short digression into a chronologically more distant period than the one covered by our topic is an example of a delicate and important geostrategic position, the exposure of the Rudnik area to often conflicting political influences and military plans of various actors during the late Middle Ages. With the weakening of the central government in the Serbian state during the reign of Emperor Uroš, in the late 1950s, disintegration processes began, which in the next phase of the history of Serbian medieval statehood led to the supremacy of Serbian regional lords. The strengthened local or court nobles used the political moment in order to, by appropriating certain governmental features, reach for regal rights and elevate their feudal areas to the rank of real small states. Its zenith lasted relatively short (1359-1363), but in that period it managed to control a large territory that stretched from the Adriatic hinterland of Dubrovnik all the way to Rudnik in the northeast and Zvečan in the south. Vojislav Vojinović, at least temporarily the support and support of the central government of the emperor, tried to include all the important resources necessary for independent administration in the area he ruled. With Rudnik within his area, he was able to strengthen his economic and military position and, thus, his hierarchical high position in the country. The sudden death of Prince Vojislav, probably caused by the plague, brought the widow Goislav and her sons in his place at the end of 1363. In the meantime, there was a redistribution of forces within the Empire, which was legalized by the establishment of sovereignty between Emperor Uroš and King Vukašin in 1365. Shortly afterwards, until 1367, the area of Rudnik was ruled by the prefect Nikola Altomanović, nephew of Vojislav Vojinović, who soon completely suppressed Goislava and his sons and occupied almost the entire area of his uncle. Almost unexpectedly and suddenly, the nobles from Raska and Travunija gathered around the barely adult great prefect Nikola Altomanović, the son of Prince Vojislav Vojinović. The first information about his activities dates back to 1367, and already in 1368 he became the master of the entire former area of Prince Vojislav. He was soon approached by Sanko Miltenović, the most powerful landowner in Hum, until then subordinate to the Bosnian ban Tvrtko. It was, in fact, a futile attempt to gather the entire Serbian homeland-Raska, Travunija and Hum.
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Papers by Marko Suica