History of Montenegro
Montenegrins belong to South Slavonic group of nations. They moved from the area north of the Carpathians and they settled in Balkans in VI and VII century and in parts of former Roman province of Dalmatia. Historical sources are mentioning them as Serbians from about VII century and their historic, cultural, linguistic, religious and family links are tightly interlocked and connected to Serbian historical and cultural heritage.
Around IX century principalities of Duklja was formed and rulled by a medeaval Vojislavljevic dynasty that also ruled areas of Travunia, Zahumlje, Raska and Bosnia and juggled geographically, politically and religiously between being vassals to Byzantine Empire. Prince Stefan Vojislavljevic was the Prince of Serbs from 1018 – 1034. His son Mihajlo I was the Prince of Trivals and Serbs from 1050 and was crowned by Pope as the King of Slavs from 1077-1081. Vojislavljevic dynasty and Duklja remained a centre of Serbian state until it was continued by own dynasty branch Vukanovic. Vukan (1050-1112) was a Grand Prince of Serbs until his death. During the first years of his rule, he was holding inner regions of Serbia, named Raska. When his cousin Constanite Bodin of Duklja died in 1101, he became one of the most powerful Serbian princes and rulers. He fought against Byzantes and defeated them several times and conquered northern parts of Macedonina, He started Vukanovic dynasty, also known as Urosevic which later became dynasty of Nemanjic and gave Serbia 12 monarch between 1166- 1371.
Montenegro territory was a part of Serbian Empire under as a country had a continuity till the Ottoman invasion. Just after reaching its peak with tsar Stefan Dušan in XIV century Serbia fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Duklja , became Zeta by XIII the century and temporarily came under the rule of Balsic family and then Crnojevic noble family.
Around XV century Zeta started being reffered to as Monte Negro (Crna Gora) by Venetians. With the Ottoman invasion of Serbian lands large parts of the country fell under the Ottoman control and some parts were controlled by Venice state. However, the Serbian- Montenegrin state gained certain autonomy and continued its existence and was from 1515 – 1851 was ruled by bishops (vladike), establishing family of Petrovic- Njegos that ruled until 1918. Petar Petrovic Njegos one of the most distinguished bishop of this dynasty. He was a bishop, a writer and a philosopher and worked on south Slavic unity. Njegos searched for stronger ties with Russia in a wake of the end of the Ottoman rule in Balkans.
In 1918 Montenegro joined again to the Serbian territories when Kingdom of Serbs, Croatians and Slovenians was established. Montenegro became a Republic in the new state formation called Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It continued to be a part of the same country with changed names, until 2006.
Today, Montenegro is an independent country with a distinguished national, religious and linguistic identity but also with nurturing similarities with the other Slavic Balkan nations.
Montenigrin Character
Perpetual historic turmoil and position in between the Western and the Eastern culture, constant destruction of the country and reinvention of ideals together with mountainous geography and complex relationship with neighbouring countries influenced Montenegrin mentality and their character to be robust, proud, sometimes temperamental but also strong, determined, honest, sensitive, warm, thoughtful , hospitable, honourable and hardworking. Montenegrin character is a complex mix of modern and traditional, patriarchal views and customs with a strong feeling for a family belonging and ties.
Montenegrin Attractions
Montenegro is a magnificent country in Southeast of Europe, taking up the most southern East coast of the Adriatic Sea, situated on the Balkan Peninsula. It is a land of unspoilt nature and beautiful scenery. Montenegro is country of often inaccessible and almost untouched nature, spectacular mountains, lively seaside towns, calm fishing villages and wild rivers that attract adventure lovers. Above the modern harbour of Bar, there are ruins of medieval fortress that was in use up to XX century, until a catastrophic earthquake in 1984. The old towns of Budva, Kotor and Herceg Novi are treasuring fascinating long lasting beauty of Venetian architecture. The exclusive holiday resort of Sveti Stefan has been a holiday destination and a hiding spot for many jet set tourists from around the world.
Inside of the country treasures Cetinje, the old capital that was never conquered by Ottomans and also beautiful scenery and mountain villages that kept traditional way of life until today.
Modern Montenegrin Language
Montenegrin language belongs to the group of South Slavonic languages. It uses both: Latin and Cyrillic script. Montenegrin uses Shtocavian (štokavski) dialect. It has a sub dialect: ijekavski. This difference emerged as a result of a difference in pronunciation of the long vowel JAT that was found in the Old Slavonic which was the common language of all Slavonic tribes. Therefore a noun “milk” is pronounced as “as “mlIJEko” in ijekavian sub dialect. Ijekavian is spoken by Serbians in Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro. As in most languages, there are local accentual variations from region to region and Montenegrin has a distinguished accentuation, which to a native speaker tells quickly from which part of Montenegro the speaker is coming.
The alphabet is phonetic and rules for reading are rather simple and easy to grasp. The modern alphabets that are in use today were reformed by Vuk Stefanović Karadžić – famous Serbian linguist and philologist. The alphabets and the Shtocavian (štokavski) dialect were accepted as a norm in XIX century. The leading linguists and lexicographers of Croatia and Serbia signed The Vienna Literary Agreement in 1850. This agreement led to the standardisation of the both languages and creating Serbo-Croatian language bringing Serbians and Croatians closer linguistically, culturally and politically.
After separation from Yugoslavia, Montenegrin became the official language of Montenegro. Since 2009, Montenegrin has two additional letters in the alphabet to reflect the national regional accents: Ś and Ź to reflect pronunciation of ‘sj’ and ‘zj’ or С́ and З́ in Cyrillic alphabet, pronounced in some words in Montenegrin language.
Montenegrin is spoken in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia but also amongst Montenegrins and people of Montenegrin descent in Hungary, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Canada.
Tips for visiting Montenegro
People are very hospitable and they like to show off in front of guests, especially when feeding them. When you are visiting a friend or a family in Montenegro, you must eat – if you do not, your host may end up hugely offended.
Montenegrins will love to hear you speak their language and will highly appreciate your effort. However, most of younger generation will be able to speak English.
Favourite national specialities and dishes are: Njeguski prsut, ćevapčići, pljeskavice, ražnjići,vešalice, kajmak, sarma and all sorts of meat and vegetable soups and stew, as well as fresh sea food in the coastal towns and restaurants.
Favourite sports are: Basketball, Football, Volleyball and Tennis.
National dance is kolo.
National instruments are: gusle, gajde, frula.
Passion of the whole region and a favourite past time is sipping a cup of homemade strong black coffee known under several names: domaća kafa or turska or grčka kafa.
A special grape brandy ‘lozovaca’ as well as range of Montenigrin vines are something to be tasted.