Grahovo (
Serbian Cyrillic
The Serbian Cyrillic alphabet ( sr, / , ) is a variation of the Cyrillic script used to write the Serbian language, updated in 1818 by Serbian linguist Vuk Karadžić. It is one of the two alphabets used to write standard modern Serbian, th ...
: Грахово) is a field and historical region in western
Montenegro
)
, image_map = Europe-Montenegro.svg
, map_caption =
, image_map2 =
, capital = Podgorica
, coordinates =
, largest_city = capital
, official_languages = M ...
. The region's area roughly comprises 219 km
2, west of Rudine, in the centre between
Petrovići and
Cuce
Cuce (Cyrillic: Цуце, ) is a historical tribe (''pleme'') and region in Montenegro, located in the area of the Katunska nahija from Old Montenegro.
History
The toponym ''Cuce'' is first mentioned in 1431 in documents from Kotor, then again i ...
, from the top of
Orjen mountain to the west of the
Ostrog Monastery
The Ostrog Monastery ( sr, Манастир Острог, Manastir Ostrog, ) is a monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church situated against an almost vertical background, high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, in Montenegro. It is dedicate ...
.
Etymology
The name Grahovo is composed of Serbo-Croatian grah (bean) (from
Proto-Slavic
Proto-Slavic (abbreviated PSl., PS.; also called Common Slavic or Common Slavonic) is the Attested language, unattested, linguistic reconstruction, reconstructed proto-language of all Slavic languages. It represents Slavic speech approximately ...
*gorxъ) and -ovo (from
Proto-Slavic
Proto-Slavic (abbreviated PSl., PS.; also called Common Slavic or Common Slavonic) is the Attested language, unattested, linguistic reconstruction, reconstructed proto-language of all Slavic languages. It represents Slavic speech approximately ...
*-ovъ), a suffix used in
Slavic languages
The Slavic languages, also known as the Slavonic languages, are Indo-European languages spoken primarily by the Slavic peoples and their descendants. They are thought to descend from a proto-language called Proto-Slavic, spoken during the Ear ...
to indicate a placename, thereby making the name of Grahovo, 'place of beans'.
Geography
Grahovo field is a
small karst field in the northwestern part of
Montenegro
)
, image_map = Europe-Montenegro.svg
, map_caption =
, image_map2 =
, capital = Podgorica
, coordinates =
, largest_city = capital
, official_languages = M ...
, not far from the border with
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina ( sh, / , ), abbreviated BiH () or B&H, sometimes called Bosnia–Herzegovina and often known informally as Bosnia, is a country at the crossroads of south and southeast Europe, located in the Balkans. Bosnia and H ...
northeast of
Orjen
Orjen (Serbian Cyrillic: Орјен, ) is a transboundary Dinaric Mediterranean limestone mountain range, located between southernmost Bosnia and Herzegovina and southwestern Montenegro.
Its highest peak is Veliki kabao, which stands at . ...
. It covers an area of 6.4 km2, stretches for 7 kilometers and is 1.5 kilometers wide. The altitude of the field is 695–780 meters. It is close to the
Risan Bay, which is 6.5 km away. Northeast of the field is the vast
karst plateau
The Karst Plateau or the Karst region ( sl, Kras, it, Carso), also locally called Karst, is a karst plateau region extending across the border of southwestern Slovenia and northeastern Italy.
It lies between the Vipava Valley, the low hills sur ...
of Katun Karst and Banjan, and to the west rises
Orjen
Orjen (Serbian Cyrillic: Орјен, ) is a transboundary Dinaric Mediterranean limestone mountain range, located between southernmost Bosnia and Herzegovina and southwestern Montenegro.
Its highest peak is Veliki kabao, which stands at . ...
(1894 m) and its branches.
The field was formed in
limestone
Limestone ( calcium carbonate ) is a type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of . Limestone forms whe ...
s of
Cretaceous age, on the border with
dolomites
The Dolomites ( it, Dolomiti ; Ladin: ''Dolomites''; german: Dolomiten ; vec, Dołomiti : fur, Dolomitis), also known as the Dolomite Mountains, Dolomite Alps or Dolomitic Alps, are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy. They form par ...
, and its bottom was covered with
fluvioglacial deposits
Glaciofluvial deposits or Glacio-fluvial sediments consist of boulders, gravel, sand, silt and clay from ice sheets or glaciers.
They are transported, sorted and deposited by streams of water.
The deposits are formed beside, below or downstream ...
of the Orient Glacia, with an average thickness of 10 meters. Grahovo field belongs to the group of periodically flooded karst fields, so there are well-developed industries such as farming and livestock.
The
Grahovo river flows through it, on which an artificial lake for watering was built. It has an average temperature of 2 °C in January and 23 °C in July. The annual rainfall is 2895 mm. The fields occupy 50% of the field area, and the rest are meadows.
On the northern edge of the field is the springs of Grabovica,
Grahovo River and Čeline. There is also an
archeological site
An archaeological site is a place (or group of physical sites) in which evidence of past activity is preserved (either prehistoric or historic or contemporary), and which has been, or may be, investigated using the discipline of archaeology and ...
in the field - the Petkovići
necropolis
A necropolis (plural necropolises, necropoles, necropoleis, necropoli) is a large, designed cemetery with elaborate tomb monuments. The name stems from the Ancient Greek ''nekropolis'', literally meaning "city of the dead".
The term usually im ...
and the Grahovo settlement. A
Stećak
Stećak (, ) or Stećci in plural form (, ) is the name for monumental medieval tombstones, that lie scattered across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the border parts of Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. An estimated 60,000 are found within the border ...
can be found in the
Saint Nikola Church of Grahovo.
In the past, the borders to the south and east were different. The region was inhabited by the
Riđani a
tribe-clan that had assimilated or migrated by the end of the 17th century. Mountain ranges,
Mt. Njegoš and
Mt. Somina form a natural border to the north. Brekovac, Bratogošti, and Tisovac extend down to
Trebišnjica
The Trebišnjica ( sr-cyrl, Требишњица) is a river in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It used to be a sinking river, long above the ground. With a total length of above and under the ground, it is one of the longest sinking rivers in the world ...
and
Bilećko Lake
Bileća Lake ( sr, Билећко jезеро, Bilećko jezero) is an artificial lake located in the municipality of Bileća, in the entity of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, its length forming part of the Montenegrin border thus a smal ...
from the northwest to the southwest border. The southern and eastern boundaries of
Banjani
Banjani ( sr-cyrl, Бањани) was a tribe of Old Herzegovina, and historical region in western Montenegro. Its territory comprises , west of Nikšić, in the centre between Nikšić and Bileća, from the top of Njegoš mountain to the Trebi ...
travel over hilly terrain, with no major natural barriers.
The Region of Grahovo is determined by the following settlements that were part of the Municipality which was abolished in 1960, The settlements are
Balosave,
Bare,
Broćanac,
Vilusi,
Grahovac
Grahovac (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Граховац) is a village in western Montenegro, in the municipality of Nikšić. The village is located on a karst plateau overlooking the Grahovo field and Lake Grahovo. According to the 2011 census, it had ...
,
Grahovo,
Gornje Polje,
Dolovi,
Zagora,
Zaslap,
Jabuke,
Nudo,
Podbužer,
Riječani and
Spila.
History
Pre-Slavic
The
Western Goths
The Visigoths (; la, Visigothi, Wisigothi, Vesi, Visi, Wesi, Wisi) were an early Germanic people who, along with the Ostrogoths, constituted the two major political entities of the Goths within the Roman Empire in late antiquity, or what is kno ...
invaded this area in 459, and the
Eastern Goths conquered 488/489; years and managed it for about half a century (488-536), when it became part of the Byzantine state again.The movements of various peoples were constantly taking place. Already at the end of VI and start of the 7th century; after the destruction of
Doclea (602), and the areas of the Slavs, who penetrate the
Balkan Peninsula
The Balkans ( ), also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throughout the who ...
and inhabit it.The geographical names of settlements and buildings also speak of these diameters. Sites that have survived to this day, and bear the Illyrian-Romanesque or some mixed Illyrian-Romanesque and Slavic names (Balosave, Broćanac, Bobijerna, Deljevac, Droškorica, Katalina, Kurjaj, Mirotin, Maočići, Skorča, Gora, Tospude, etc.). It is interesting that the names of the villages and some larger ones localities (except Vilus and Spila) Slavic:
Grahovo,
Grahovac
Grahovac (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Граховац) is a village in western Montenegro, in the municipality of Nikšić. The village is located on a karst plateau overlooking the Grahovo field and Lake Grahovo. According to the 2011 census, it had ...
, Zaslap. Rijeka, Bara and so on. Slavs form their own social organizations. Among the most earlier it mentions Onogost (after the priest Dukljanin, created in the time of X to XII centuries).
Pre-Ottoman History
Grahovo was first mentioned in 1318, then in a
Kotor
Kotor (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Котор, ), historically known as Cattaro (from Italian: ), is a coastal town in Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor. The city has a population of 13,510 and is the administrative c ...
document in 1377, and then again in 1399. Vilusi was mentioned in a
Kotor
Kotor (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Котор, ), historically known as Cattaro (from Italian: ), is a coastal town in Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor. The city has a population of 13,510 and is the administrative c ...
Document in 1440. During the medieval period, it was inhabited by the Catholic Albanian
Mataruge tribe. The region was settled by the
Riđani specifically the territories of
Krivošije
Krivošije ( sr-cyrl, Кривошије, ) are a historical tribe and microregion in southwestern Montenegro, located on a high plateau belonging to the Orjen mountain range, north of the Bay of Kotor. Krivošije was historically located at a tr ...
and Cerovo Ždrijelo near Grahovo. According to traditional belief, the tribe Riđani and other brotherhoods extensively tried to emigrate towards the fertile lands of the Grahovo field, However they faced resistance from the
Mataruge
The Mataruge (alternatively, Mataruga or Motoruga) were a medieval Albanian tribe which originally lived in Old Herzegovina and southern Dalmatia. Their name is attested in historical record for the first time in 1222 in the Pelješac peninsula o ...
natives. Mataruge attacked settlers and travelers on the Risan-Grahovo route.
Ottoman History
During the times of the
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire, * ; is an archaic version. The definite article forms and were synonymous * and el, Оθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία, Othōmanikē Avtokratoria, label=none * info page on book at Martin Luther University) ...
, After the establishment of the Nahija of Riđani, it's seat was in Grahovo. The tribe was governed by its ''
vojvoda'' (of
Drobnjaci
Drobnjaci (, ) are historical tribe and region, Drobnjak, in Old Herzegovina in Montenegro (municipalities from Nikšić to Šavnik, Žabljak and Pljevlja). Its unofficial centre is in Šavnik. The Serb Orthodox families have St. George (''Đu ...
and
Banjani
Banjani ( sr-cyrl, Бањани) was a tribe of Old Herzegovina, and historical region in western Montenegro. Its territory comprises , west of Nikšić, in the centre between Nikšić and Bileća, from the top of Njegoš mountain to the Trebi ...
) or by their ''
knez'' (Prince of Riđani). In 1466 the ''
subaşi
The ''soubashi'' ( tr, subaşı, sq, subash, sh, subaša) was an Ottoman gubernatorial title used to describe different positions within Ottoman hierarchy, depending on the context. This title was given to Ottoman timar holders who generated more ...
'' of Riđani was Širmerd. In 1469
Riđani were one of the "
Vlach
"Vlach" ( or ), also "Wallachian" (and many other variants), is a historical term and exonym used from the Middle Ages until the Modern Era to designate mainly Romanians but also Aromanians, Megleno-Romanians, Istro-Romanians and other Eastern ...
" tribes that participated in the kidnapping of a young male and female population of
Konavle
Konavle () is a municipality and a small region located southeast of Dubrovnik, Croatia.
It is administratively part of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and the center of the municipality is Cavtat.
Demographics
The total municipality population wa ...
and Herzegovina. They sold them to Ottoman subaşi, vojvodas,
martolos
The ''martolos'' was an internal security force of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans ('' Rumelia''), mostly active between the 15th to 17th centuries. It initially constituted out of the local mostly Christian populations (Rum Millet), but over ti ...
es and Muslims in
Trebinje
Trebinje ( sr-Cyrl, Требиње, ) is a city and municipality located in the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is situated on the banks of Trebišnjica river in the re ...
who sold them as slaves.
Riđani were registered in the first
Ottoman ''
defter
A ''defter'' (plural: ''defterler'') was a type of tax register and land cadastre in the Ottoman Empire.
Description
The information collected could vary, but ''tahrir defterleri'' typically included details of villages, dwellings, household ...
'' (tax registry) of the
Sanjak of Herzegovina
The Sanjak of Herzegovina ( tr, Hersek Sancağı; sh, Hercegovački sandžak) was an Ottoman administrative unit established in 1470. The seat was in Foča until 1572 when it was moved to Taşlıca (Pljevlja). The sanjak was initially part of ...
, as part of the Novi ''
kadiluk
A kadiluk, in some cases equivalent to a kaza, was a local administrative subdivision of the Ottoman empire, which was the territory of a kadı, or judge.
There could be several kadiluks in a sanjak. The kadı's duties extended beyond those of ...
'' (modern-day
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi ( cyrl, Херцег Нови, ) is a coastal town in Montenegro located at the Western entrance to the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of Mount Orjen. It is the administrative center of the Herceg Novi Municipality with around 33,000 in ...
). One of the knezes (princes) of
Riđani in the
Ottoman period
The Ottoman Empire, * ; is an archaic version. The definite article forms and were synonymous * and el, Оθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία, Othōmanikē Avtokratoria, label=none * info page on book at Martin Luther University) ...
was Sinan, who was also chieftain of Banjani, and son-in-law of
Ali Paša Hercegović.
In 1499 the
Church of Saint Nikola was built by the Vujačić, Bulajić and Vučetić brotherhoods, remains in the time of the
Risan
Risan ( Montenegrin: Рисан, ) is a town in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. It traces its origins to the ancient settlement of Rhizon, the oldest settlement in the Bay of Kotor.
Lying in the innermost portion of the bay, the settlement was prot ...
prince Mirko Vujačić, when it was built by
Ragusan Ragusan may refer to:
* citizen of the Republic of Ragusa
hr, Sloboda se ne prodaje za sve zlato svijeta it, La libertà non si vende nemmeno per tutto l'oro del mondo"Liberty is not sold for all the gold in the world"
, population_estimate ...
investors.
In 1614,
Mariano Bolizza
Mariano Bolizza or Marin Bolica (1603 – 27 November 1643) was a nobleman and writer from Cattaro.
Biography
Bolizza was born in Kotor, at the time part of the Republic of Venice (now Montenegro). He studied at the University of Padua and, ha ...
wrote that Grahovo was situated in a beautiful plain, and commanded by
Mile Perin. The settlement had 90 houses, out of which 70 were of the
Serbian rite, and 20 were Turkish (Muslim). The town had 200 men in arms.
Grahovo remained part of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 until 1858
Venetian-Turkish conflicts
In 1649 the tribes of
Nikšići,
Riđani and
Drobnjaci
Drobnjaci (, ) are historical tribe and region, Drobnjak, in Old Herzegovina in Montenegro (municipalities from Nikšić to Šavnik, Žabljak and Pljevlja). Its unofficial centre is in Šavnik. The Serb Orthodox families have St. George (''Đu ...
rebelled against the Ottomans capturing
Risan
Risan ( Montenegrin: Рисан, ) is a town in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. It traces its origins to the ancient settlement of Rhizon, the oldest settlement in the Bay of Kotor.
Lying in the innermost portion of the bay, the settlement was prot ...
, and
Grahovo. This had been the first time Grahovo was ever liberated from Ottoman rule, Thus handing it over to the
Republic of Venice
The Republic of Venice ( vec, Repùblega de Venèsia) or Venetian Republic ( vec, Repùblega Vèneta, links=no), traditionally known as La Serenissima ( en, Most Serene Republic of Venice, italics=yes; vec, Serenìsima Repùblega de Venèsia, ...
. In mid-17th century their chieftain was
Radul of Riđani
Radul of Riđani ( sr, Радул из Риђана; 1650–66) was a Serbian Orthodox priest and chieftain (''knez'') of Riđani, a tribe in Old Herzegovina (later annexed by the Principality of Montenegro). He was also influential among the Ba ...
. Riđani distinguished themselves in the struggle against the Ottomans, particularly during the late 17th-century
Morean War
The Morean War ( it, Guerra di Morea), also known as the Sixth Ottoman–Venetian War, was fought between 1684–1699 as part of the wider conflict known as the "Great Turkish War", between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire. Military ...
. Riđani slowly fled west to Herzegovina, especially after the Ottomans established
Nikšić
Nikšić ( cnr, Никшић, italic=no, sr-cyrl, Никшић, italic=no; ), is the second largest city in Montenegro, with a total population of 56,970 located in the west of the country, in the centre of the spacious Nikšić field at the foot ...
as their stronghold, while remnants of Riđani with newly immigrated
Uskoks
The Uskoks ( hr, Uskoci, , singular: ; notes on naming) were irregular soldiers in Habsburg Croatia that inhabited areas on the eastern Adriatic coast and surrounding territories during the Ottoman wars in Europe. Bands of Uskoks fought a g ...
formed three tribal societies:
Krivošije
Krivošije ( sr-cyrl, Кривошије, ) are a historical tribe and microregion in southwestern Montenegro, located on a high plateau belonging to the Orjen mountain range, north of the Bay of Kotor. Krivošije was historically located at a tr ...
,
Grahovo and Nikšićke Rudine.
![Grahovo Polje 1687](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Grahovo_Polje_1687.png)
In 1687, A Prince named Ilija Balotić from the
Drobnjaci tribe sent a letter to the town of Grahovo which according to him he would relieve the town and provide it with 100 families, of which 200 men were able to fight in the war. Another one of his writings conclude that he would attempt to strengthen the Grahovo field with 500 Soldiers, as to which they would guard places which were the most important. It was ordered by Ilija Balotić that with the
Nikšići tribe, which demanded to have high salaries, that they would move into the Grahovo field on the day of Saint Nikola. The settlers will build and share homes with each other which will be organized and supported by Calvary Bolica, and Captain Krsto Zmajević from
Perast
Perast ( cnr, Пераст) is an old town in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. It is situated a few kilometres northwest of Kotor and is noted for its proximity to the islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks.
History
According to the pr ...
. Since they showed their loyalty to the Campaign.
The joint Montenegrin-Venetian forces took control of Grahovo for 13 years, During their reign, Grahovo became an operation base for their troops in Herzegovina where they launched many attacks in Korjenići and Gacko. Grahovo remained under Venice until 1699 when the Ottomans annexed it during the Karlovac Peace deal.
The significance of the attack on the
Herzegovinian Turks was undertaken in 1738 by the citizens of
Grahovo,
Pivljani,
Moračani , and
Drobnjaci
Drobnjaci (, ) are historical tribe and region, Drobnjak, in Old Herzegovina in Montenegro (municipalities from Nikšić to Šavnik, Žabljak and Pljevlja). Its unofficial centre is in Šavnik. The Serb Orthodox families have St. George (''Đu ...
. The Riđani, as an old tribe, once inhabited the area from the togost to the glaciers above
Risan
Risan ( Montenegrin: Рисан, ) is a town in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. It traces its origins to the ancient settlement of Rhizon, the oldest settlement in the Bay of Kotor.
Lying in the innermost portion of the bay, the settlement was prot ...
. In anti-Turkish movements throughout the 17th century, especially in the Morean War, the tribe played a prominent role. Since the founding of the Turkish city in
Niksic, it has begun, like the
Niksic tribe, to weaken and displace, mostly in other parts of
Herzegovina
Herzegovina ( or ; sh-Latn-Cyrl, Hercegovina, separator=" / ", Херцеговина, ) is the southern and smaller of two main geographical region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being Bosnia. It has never had strictly defined geogra ...
. From the rest of the population and new settlers,
Uskoks
The Uskoks ( hr, Uskoci, , singular: ; notes on naming) were irregular soldiers in Habsburg Croatia that inhabited areas on the eastern Adriatic coast and surrounding territories during the Ottoman wars in Europe. Bands of Uskoks fought a g ...
, three smaller tribal groups were formed from the middle of the eighteenth century -
Krivošije
Krivošije ( sr-cyrl, Кривошије, ) are a historical tribe and microregion in southwestern Montenegro, located on a high plateau belonging to the Orjen mountain range, north of the Bay of Kotor. Krivošije was historically located at a tr ...
,
Grahovo, and
Nikšić Rudine, while a part of the territory of Riđa was appropriated by Čevljani and
Cuce
Cuce (Cyrillic: Цуце, ) is a historical tribe (''pleme'') and region in Montenegro, located in the area of the Katunska nahija from Old Montenegro.
History
The toponym ''Cuce'' is first mentioned in 1431 in documents from Kotor, then again i ...
. The name
Riđani remained in the name of only one village in the Nikšić field. The karst area of
Grahovo, which stretches between
Krivošije
Krivošije ( sr-cyrl, Кривошије, ) are a historical tribe and microregion in southwestern Montenegro, located on a high plateau belonging to the Orjen mountain range, north of the Bay of Kotor. Krivošije was historically located at a tr ...
,
Cuce
Cuce (Cyrillic: Цуце, ) is a historical tribe (''pleme'') and region in Montenegro, located in the area of the Katunska nahija from Old Montenegro.
History
The toponym ''Cuce'' is first mentioned in 1431 in documents from Kotor, then again i ...
,
Banjani
Banjani ( sr-cyrl, Бањани) was a tribe of Old Herzegovina, and historical region in western Montenegro. Its territory comprises , west of Nikšić, in the centre between Nikšić and Bileća, from the top of Njegoš mountain to the Trebi ...
, and Nikšićki Rudini, was, as a border zone, the reason for frequent conflicts between
Montenegrins
Montenegrins ( cnr, Црногорци, Crnogorci, or ; lit. "Black Mountain People") are a South Slavic ethnic group that share a common Montenegrin culture, history, and language, identified with the country of Montenegro.
Genetics
Accordin ...
and
Turks
Turk or Turks may refer to:
Communities and ethnic groups
* Turkic peoples, a collection of ethnic groups who speak Turkic languages
* Turkish people, or the Turks, a Turkic ethnic group and nation
* Turkish citizen, a citizen of the Republic o ...
. After the conflicts of
1836
Events
January–March
* January 1 – Queen Maria II of Portugal marries Prince Ferdinand Augustus Francis Anthony of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
* January 5 – Davy Crockett arrives in Texas.
* January 12
** , with Charles Darwin on board, r ...
,
1852
Events
January–March
* January 14 – President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte proclaims a new constitution for the French Second Republic.
* January 15 – Nine men representing various Jewish charitable organizations come tog ...
, and
1858
Events
January–March
* January –
**Benito Juárez (1806–1872) becomes Liberal President of Mexico. At the same time, conservatives install Félix María Zuloaga (1813–1898) as president.
**William I of Prussia becomes regent f ...
.
Grahovo Drama
''Main articles: (
Battle of Grahovo) (
Battle of Grahovac
The Battle of Grahovac took place in the eponymous village of Grahovac from 11 to 13 May 1858, when the Montenegrin Grand Duke Mirko Petrović-Njegoš led the army of Principality of Montenegro against the Ottomans, ending in a decisive Mont ...
)''After the rise of
Petar II Petrović-Njegoš
Petar II Petrović-Njegoš ( sr-cyrl, Петар II Петровић-Његош, ; – ), commonly referred to simply as Njegoš (), was a Prince-Bishop (''vladika'') of Montenegro, poet and philosopher whose works are widely considered ...
to power in the
Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro
The Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro ( sr, Митрополство Црногорско, Mitropolstvo Crnogorsko) was an ecclesiastical principality that existed from 1516 until 1852. The principality was located around modern-day Montenegro. It ...
, members of the
Grahovo tribe, led by
vojvoda Jakov Daković refused to pay
haraç
Haraç ( hy, խարջ, kharj, mk, арач, arač, gr, χαράτσι, charatsi, sh-Cyrl-Latn, харач, harač) was a land tax levied on non-Muslims in the Ottoman Empire.
''Haraç'' was developed from an earlier form of land taxation, '' ...
to the Ottoman authorities and joined the rest of
Montenegrins
Montenegrins ( cnr, Црногорци, Crnogorci, or ; lit. "Black Mountain People") are a South Slavic ethnic group that share a common Montenegrin culture, history, and language, identified with the country of Montenegro.
Genetics
Accordin ...
in guerrilla warfare in Ottoman-controlled
Herzegovina
Herzegovina ( or ; sh-Latn-Cyrl, Hercegovina, separator=" / ", Херцеговина, ) is the southern and smaller of two main geographical region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being Bosnia. It has never had strictly defined geogra ...
, expressing the desire to unite with Montenegro. In response,
Ali-paša Rizvanbegović, vizier of Herzegovina, attacked Grahovo in 1836 known as the
Battle of Grahovo. The battle that ensued took place when a band of around 300 young men led by Joko Petrović-Njegoš, arrived at Grahovo and decided to attack the Ottoman army without waiting for reinforcements. The Ottomans retreated at first, and then ambushed the Montenegrins near the Čelina stream (''Čelinski Potok''), resulting in Ottoman victory and 70 Montenegrin casualties, including nine members of the
House of Petrović-Njegoš
A house is a single-unit residential building. It may range in complexity from a rudimentary hut to a complex structure of wood, masonry, concrete or other material, outfitted with plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and air condit ...
, including the Prince-Bishop's teenage brother.
![Multimedia foto 2015 05 01 grahovo1](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Multimedia_foto_2015_05_01_grahovo1.jpg)
Four years after the
Montenegrin defeat at Grahovo, seeking revenge for the death of his brother,
Njegoš plotted the assassination of Smail-aga with the assistance of the local Christians from Herzegovina who lived on the territory under Smail-aga's control. Njegoš ordered a Montenegrin tribal leader,
Novica Cerović
Novica Cerović ( sr-Cyrl, Новица Цepoвић; 1805–1895) was a Montenegrin '' vojvoda'' (duke) of the Drobnjak clan, who is noted as having defeated and killed a local Ottoman tyrant, Smail-aga Čengić, on the auspices of Petar II Petr ...
, to ambush
Smail-aga Čengić, the Ottoman commander who was responsible for killing Njegoš's brother Joko.
In late September 1840, Montenegrins attracted
Čengić and his army deep into their territory, organized an ambush, and murdered them by attacking their camp during the night. The assault occurred in the village of Mljetičak, north of
Nikšić
Nikšić ( cnr, Никшић, italic=no, sr-cyrl, Никшић, italic=no; ), is the second largest city in Montenegro, with a total population of 56,970 located in the west of the country, in the centre of the spacious Nikšić field at the foot ...
. In the ensuing clash, Smail-aga was shot and killed, after which his severed head was brought to
Cetinje
Cetinje (, ) is a town in Montenegro. It is the former royal capital (''prijestonica'' / приjестоница) of Montenegro and is the location of several national institutions, including the official residence of the president of Montenegro ...
. As a sign of his gratitude,
Njegoš made
Cerović a senator.
On 28 April 1858
Ottoman commander Hussein Pasha captured the villages of
Vilusi and
Grahovo and continued his advance towards
Grahovac
Grahovac (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Граховац) is a village in western Montenegro, in the municipality of Nikšić. The village is located on a karst plateau overlooking the Grahovo field and Lake Grahovo. According to the 2011 census, it had ...
, a small village located on a plateau elevated slightly above the captured area. The core of Montenegrin resistance was in Grahovac, which was the main bastion of Montenegrin defense according to military plans. The fighting itself started on 29 April, early in the morning. The Ottomans attacked
Grahovac
Grahovac (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Граховац) is a village in western Montenegro, in the municipality of Nikšić. The village is located on a karst plateau overlooking the Grahovo field and Lake Grahovo. According to the 2011 census, it had ...
while Montenegrins were stubbornly defending, determined not to retreat at any cost. Most of 3,000 Ottoman and 1,000 Montenegrin casualties were made on that day. On 30 April, Hussein Pasha offered a
truce
A ceasefire (also known as a truce or armistice), also spelled cease fire (the antonym of 'open fire'), is a temporary stoppage of a war in which each side agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions. Ceasefires may be between state act ...
to Montenegrin commander-in-chief Grand Duke
Mirko Petrović-Njegoš
Mirko Petrović-Njegoš ( sr-cyr, Мирко Петровић-Његош; 19 August 1820 – 1 August 1867) was a Montenegrin military commander, politician and poet, belonging to the House of Petrović-Njegoš. He was given the title of ''veliki ...
, but he refused it, although he did allow the Ottomans time to bury their dead. He also refused to send men to disrupt the Ottomans supply of water. Although this would have given him a tactical advantage, he considered it a dishonourable move.
On 1 May, the fighting started again as the Ottomans got military support from
Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina ( sh, / , ), abbreviated BiH () or B&H, sometimes called Bosnia–Herzegovina and often known informally as Bosnia, is a country at the crossroads of south and southeast Europe, located in the Balkans. Bosnia and He ...
. But this time, Montenegrins took charge and attacked the Ottomans, forcing them into a successive retreat. The biggest problem for Montenegrins was a well-armed Ottoman artillery, which was constantly bombarding their positions with cannons. Eventually, Montenegrins decided to charge across the battlefield and take over the cannons. After they saw two of the commanders,
Serdar Serdar may refer to
* Serdar (given name)
* Serdar (surname)
* SERDAR, a stabilized remote-controlled Ukrainian weapon station
* Serdar (city) in Turkmenistan, the capital of Serdar District
* Serdar (Ottoman rank), a military and noble rank of the ...
(
Count
Count (feminine: countess) is a historical title of nobility in certain European countries, varying in relative status, generally of middling rank in the hierarchy of nobility. Pine, L. G. ''Titles: How the King Became His Majesty''. New York: ...
) Đuro Kusovac and priest Luka Jovović, being killed while charging, the rest of the Montenegrin troops, including the guardsmen, began a rapid advance with a shout: "Forward, to avenge our commanders". The offensive was successful, and by capturing Ottoman cannons, Montenegrins had officially won the battle. This major victory had had even more diplomatic significance. The glory of Montenegrin weapons was soon immortalised in the songs and literature of all the South Slavs, in particular the Serbs in Vojvodina, then part of Austria-Hungary. This Montenegrin victory forced the Great Powers to officially demarcate the borders between Montenegro and Ottoman Empire, de facto recognizing Montenegro's centuries-long independence. Montenegro gained
Grahovo, Rudine,
Nikšići, more than half of
Drobnjaci
Drobnjaci (, ) are historical tribe and region, Drobnjak, in Old Herzegovina in Montenegro (municipalities from Nikšić to Šavnik, Žabljak and Pljevlja). Its unofficial centre is in Šavnik. The Serb Orthodox families have St. George (''Đu ...
,
Tušina
The Tušina ( sr-cyrl, Тушина) is one of the five rivers in the municipality of Šavnik, Montenegro
)
, image_map = Europe-Montenegro.svg
, map_caption =
, image_map2 =
, capital ...
, Uskoci, Lipovo, Upper
Vasojevići
The Vasojevići ( sh, Васојевићи, ) is a historical highland tribe (''pleme'') and region of Montenegro, in the area of the Brda. It is the largest of the historical tribes, occupying the area between Lijeva Rijeka in the South up to ...
, and part of
Kuči and Dodoši.
Prince Danilo granted all of the battle survivors the "Grahovo medal", and Mirko Petrović-Njegoš was proclaimed "Grand Duke of Grahovo". In 1864
King Nicholas I
Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš ( sr-cyr, Никола I Петровић-Његош; – 1 March 1921) was the last monarch of Montenegro from 1860 to 1918, reigning as prince from 1860 to 1910 and as the country's first and only king from 1910 to 19 ...
built the Church of the Ascension on the site of Hussein Pasha's headquarters, and in 2008, the Montenegrin government revealed an
obelisk
An obelisk (; from grc, ὀβελίσκος ; diminutive of ''obelos'', " spit, nail, pointed pillar") is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid-like shape or pyramidion at the top. Originally constructed by Anc ...
which honours the battle and its participants. Both on the church and the obelisk read the famous quotation from
Petar II Petrović-Njegoš
Petar II Petrović-Njegoš ( sr-cyrl, Петар II Петровић-Његош, ; – ), commonly referred to simply as Njegoš (), was a Prince-Bishop (''vladika'') of Montenegro, poet and philosopher whose works are widely considered ...
's ''
The Mountain Wreath
''The Mountain Wreath'' ( sr, Горски вијенац / Gorski vijenac) is a poem and a play written by Prince-Bishop and poet Petar II Petrović-Njegoš.
Njegoš wrote ''The Mountain Wreath'' during 1846 in Cetinje and published it the foll ...
'': ''The monument to your bravery is Montenegro and its freedom''.
International Red Cross
In Nikšićka Župa and Grahovo, the International Red Cross formed the first hospitals, a month and a half after Montenegro became a member of the International Red Cross in Geneva.
Royal Status
The Region is home to the Daković family which were titled as the Princes of Grahovo, the first mentioned was Jakov Daković. Although there is little information about his personal biography, He participated in battles against the
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire, * ; is an archaic version. The definite article forms and were synonymous * and el, Оθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία, Othōmanikē Avtokratoria, label=none * info page on book at Martin Luther University) ...
, and was killed in 1853. After the battles of Grahovo and Grahovac, the Petrović Njegoš head, Mirko Petrović Njegoš, was awarded the Grand Prince of Grahovo, Most Montenegrin Kings and descendants of Royals were titled as Grand Prince of Grahovo even till this day (''see:''
Boris, Hereditary Prince of Montenegro
Boris Petrović-Njegoš (born 21 January 1980), known professionally as Boris Petrovitch Njegosh, is a French-born designer, a member of the House of Petrović-Njegoš, and the only son and heir apparent to Nicholas, Prince of Montenegro.
Educa ...
).
Christmas Awakening
Due to the large spread propaganda against the
King of Montenegro, Nikola Petrović-Njegoš, Most of the population was against the
Zelenaši Uprising of 1919. For unity,
Nikola
Nikola () is a given name which, like Nicholas, is a version of the Greek ''Nikolaos'' (Νικόλαος). It is common as a masculine given name in the South Slavic countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montene ...
was left disappointed. When the uprising in Montenegro started, Captain Stojan Popović from Belgrade came to Grahovo and organized units against the rebellion. However, Grahovo was raided, burnt to the ground, looted and sacked. This was not what Grahovo expected as they had been largely for unity with Serbia. Grahovo was called to defeat the Zelenaši and they followed with it. Over 400 Soldiers and Officers were put to defeat the local Cuce Rebels. Akim Daković forced the Cuce to send 4 officers for peace negotiations. The Brđani raided
Cuce
Cuce (Cyrillic: Цуце, ) is a historical tribe (''pleme'') and region in Montenegro, located in the area of the Katunska nahija from Old Montenegro.
History
The toponym ''Cuce'' is first mentioned in 1431 in documents from Kotor, then again i ...
in response and torched the area, After the Cuce found out, they called for Grahovo to help them.
World War Two
A monument of Sava Kovačević was erected on the view of the field Grahovo.
Yugoslavia
During
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia (; sh-Latn-Cyrl, separator=" / ", Jugoslavija, Југославија ; sl, Jugoslavija ; mk, Југославија ;; rup, Iugoslavia; hu, Jugoszlávia; rue, label=Pannonian Rusyn, Югославия, translit=Juhoslavija ...
, Its population was the highest in 1953, Following censuses showed a consecutive decrease in its inhabitants. Most of the population started to slowly leave the area and most notably a stream of emigration followed with the
1979 Earthquakes of Montenegro.
Literature
During the times of the 19th to 20th century, in honor of the
Battle of Grahovo and the
Battle of Grahovac
The Battle of Grahovac took place in the eponymous village of Grahovac from 11 to 13 May 1858, when the Montenegrin Grand Duke Mirko Petrović-Njegoš led the army of Principality of Montenegro against the Ottomans, ending in a decisive Mont ...
the Birth of Freedom-Grahovo was written.
''
"At that time, at the plant''
''
the tribe intended for us;''
''
evil is reaching us''
''
and it came upon us.''
''
Military parachute''
''
Grahovo was ours;''
''
a cross and a moon on his face''
''
green quarreled.''
''
Kosovo is irrigated''
''
with the blood of nine Jugovićs,''
''
Grahovo was soaked with the''
''
blood - of ten Petrovićs.''
''
Suffering, suffering, death''
''
by Zeman Ali Pasha''
''
tirelessly - and persistently''
''
our hands are shining.''
''
Grahovac finishes everything,''
''
our Grahovac miracle new;''
''
he avenges evil and penance,''
''
what is happening in Kosovo. "''
''
(King Nikola, "Grahovsko kolo" 1913)''
''The legend of Dubnica and Milica Bulajić''
''A Turk, a fugitive from Korjenić, the owner of a large part of the land in Grahovac, stared at Milica, the daughter of Prince Bulajić from Grahovo. Milica did not want to become a Turk or follow him, even though he was seen loudly, but she told him in front of the people: "Make a well in Bar, and bring the living water to Ševrljug below Grahovac, and then you will be my master." When she heard that the prince's daughter was torturing and forcing the heavens, she told him: "If they work like this I will curse you for the tears and sweat of the people, and I will be cursed for the people who have brought misfortune on them and trampled on their faith. commands ". Beg agreed to this without discussion, continued the construction and in a year and a half finished the work to the satisfaction of the people of Grahovlje, the prince and his daughter. On the solemn day, when the water supply system was opening, in the presence of the fugitive, his entourage, the prince and the citizens of Grahovlje, young Milica inspected the water supply system - a gift from her fiancé. Then, with her father and the young fugitive, she climbed on the voat and watched the clear water of Ševrljug flow into the well. The people rejoiced and played, the prince rejoiced, and the young fugitive shone with pleasure. And just at that moment, young Milica spread her arms and shouted: "Goodbye father, goodbye and you, brothers, and don't mention me badly." People ran to stop her, and she screamed and jumped headlong into the well and drowned. in the presence of the fugitive, his entourage, the prince and the citizens of Grahovlje, young Milica inspected the water supply - the gift of her fiancé. Then, with her father and the young fugitive, she climbed on the voat and watched the clear water of Ševrljug flow into the well. The people rejoiced and played, the prince rejoiced, and the young fugitive shone with pleasure. And just at that moment, young Milica spread her arms and shouted: "Goodbye father, goodbye and you, brothers, and don't mention me badly." People ran to stop her, and she screamed and jumped headlong into the well and drowned. in the presence of the fugitive, his entourage, the prince and the citizens of Grahovlje, young Milica inspected the water supply - the gift of her fiancé. Then, with her father and the young fugitive, she climbed on the voat and watched the clear water of Ševrljug flow into the well. The people rejoiced and played, the prince rejoiced, and the young fugitive shone with pleasure. And just at that moment, young Milica spread her arms and shouted: "Goodbye father, goodbye and you, brothers, and don't mention me badly." People ran to stop her, and she screamed and jumped headlong into the well and drowned.''
The song "
Oj Junaštva Svijetla Zoro Oj" originates from the
Battle of Grahovo, First recorded in 1863, It was a component song of the "Battle of Grahovo or
blood feud
A feud , referred to in more extreme cases as a blood feud, vendetta, faida, clan war, gang war, or private war, is a long-running argument or fight, often between social groups of people, especially families or clans. Feuds begin because one part ...
in Montenegro" (Бој на Грахову или крвна освета у Црној Гори) heroic play in three parts.
Demographic History of Grahovo
Kovačevići have 150 homes originating from Bosnia, The Bulajić have 110 homes, originating from Kuči. The Vujačići have 65 homes, originating from the Kuči.
Economy
19th century
In 1875 a hospital was created in Grahovo that had 60 beds and 4 doctors. In Grahovo there has been a postal service since 1896, and a telegraph service since 1907. There were over 100 people engaged in trading in the area of Grahovo. With the disappearance of border traffic near the then town of Grahovo, the economic decline of the place began and this decline is still visible to this day. The population of the town halved of which were engaged in trade and service activities, even the number of houses was halved since then. The same was the case with the then town of Vilusi.
Modern
The economy of Grahovo is supported mostly by cafes, a hotel and Agriculture of the field. Grahovo used to have 17 cafes and shops, billiards were played here between the two world wars, there was also street lighting, and each village had its own library. In addition, there was the local football club "Iskra". A Russian family (Tjuševskij) have recently moved into Grahovo from
Orsk, Russia.
Gallery
Articles and Notable People
People from Grahovo may include
*
Sava Kovačević
Sava Kovačević ( sr-cyrl, Сава Ковачевић; 25 January 1905 – 13 June 1943) was a Yugoslav Partisan divisional commander during World War II, and one of the heroes of the communist Partisan movement.
Early life
Kovačević was ...
, World War II resistance fighter
*
Nikola Kovačević, Montenegrin communist politician
*
Žarko Bulajić, Montenegrin communist politician
*
Veljko Bulajić
Veljko Bulajić (born 22 March 1928) is a Montenegrins of Croatia, Montenegrin film director and UNESCO Kalinga Prize recipient. He has spent the majority of his life working in Croatia and is primarily known for directing World War II-themed movi ...
, Yugoslav film director
*
Filip Kovačević, Montenegrin author
*
Jakov Daković Prince of Grahovo
*
Anto Daković Prince of Grahovo
*
Đuro Milutinović Blind Guslar of the Grahovo Tribe
*
Petar Zimonjić
Petar Zimonjić ( sr-cyr, Петар Зимоњић; 24 June 1866 – June 1941) was a bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church serving as the metropolitan of Dabar-Bosnia in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia from 1920 until the beginning of World War II.
...
Metropolite of Bosnia
*
Marko Daković
Marko Daković (Serbian Cyrillic: Марко Даковић; Grahovo, 20 February 1880 – Athens, 16 April 1941) was a Montenegrin and Serbian politician and lawyer, independent MP in the National Assembly of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and min ...
Politician and Leader of United Serb Youth of Montenegro
*
Veljko Kovačević
Veljko Kovačević (19 December 1912 – 24 May 1994) was a Montenegrin general and writer.
Biography
He was born in Grahovo (part of Nikšić) in the Kingdom of Montenegro. After abandoning the studies at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb in ...
Montenegrin General and writer
*
Mehmed Aga Rizvanagić was an Ottoman Agha and descended from the Kovačevići in Grahovo
*
Marko Vujačić politician and writer of Montenegro
*
Drago Obrenov Kovačević a Montenegrin Harambaša and Hajduk, known as a hero
*
Gavrilo Princip
Gavrilo Princip ( sr-Cyrl, Гаврило Принцип, ; 25 July 189428 April 1918) was a Bosnian Serb student who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.
Prin ...
by paternal ancestry of the Jovičević brotherhood
Settlements and Sites may include
*
Grahovo Lake A semi Lake-River northeast of Gornje Polje
*
Grahovo, Nikšić
Grahovo (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Грахово, ) is a historical settlement in the Nikšić Municipality of northwestern Montenegro. It is located in the historical region of Grahovo (region), Grahovo.
History
In 1614, Mariano Bolizza wrote that G ...
Historical settlement and center of the Grahovo Region with a small town
*
Grahovac, Nikšić Historical Settlement near Grahovo, featured the Battle of Grahovac
*
Dolovi, Nikšić Settlement in The Nikšić municipality north of Gornje Polje and near the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina
*
Vilusi, Nikšić Historical Settlement east of
Dolovi, Nikšić
*
Gornje Polje A Historical settlement part of the field of Grahovo
*
Saint Nikola Church of Grahovo Church in the Grahovo field
*
Church of the Holy Savior (Grahovac) Church in Grahovac
Battles and Conflicts may include
*
Battle of Grahovo
*
Battle of Grahovac
The Battle of Grahovac took place in the eponymous village of Grahovac from 11 to 13 May 1858, when the Montenegrin Grand Duke Mirko Petrović-Njegoš led the army of Principality of Montenegro against the Ottomans, ending in a decisive Mont ...
Culture and other organizations
*
Grahovo Tribe tribal and historical region
References
Clarifications
Notes
Bibliography
*
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*
*
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*
*
*
*
External Links
*
*
*
{{coord missing, Montenegro
Regions of Montenegro