Serbian History
Serbians 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. Historical sources are mentioning them from about VII century but they only started writing about themselves in XII century. As they settled on the grounds that once were belonging to the Roman Empire, in fact on the borders of the broken Great Roman Empire, Serbians were influenced by both: Byzantium on the east and The Latin world, on the west. The first known Serbian ruler was Prince Višeslav in VIII century. Positioned in between the West and the East – Serbians were constantly changing dynasties, rulers, friends and enemies throughout the history. Previously pagans, Serbians accept Christianity in IX century. In XII century, the Eastern influence prevails. Serbians are gaining independence from Byzantine Empire and later on they are choosing the Eastern Church – becoming Orthodox Christians with their own autonomous church and patriarchy. Serbia 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. Certain autonomy was kept till XVI century. Time of oppression caused two great migrations of Serbs: the first one in the late XVII and the second one in the early XVIII century, The Turkish occupation lasted for about 500 hundred years – till XIX century when the Ottoman Empire crumbled and Serbia finally gain its independence again. In the XX century came Balkan Wars, I WW and II WW. Serbia had a main part in establishing The Kingdom of Serbians, Croatians and Slovenians after the I WW. Serbian royal dynasties of Obrenović and Karađorđević were ruling the country in turns. The beginning of the WW II brought the kingdom of Yugoslavia to an end. But after the war, once again, South Slavonic nations were all reunited in the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia. Their separation caused another civil war at the end of XX century. Now Serbia is a Republic.
Serbian Character
Constant historical turmoil, position in between the West and the East, constant destruction of the country and reinvention of ideals together with mountainous geography and complex relationship with neighbouring countries influenced Serbian mentality and made Serbian character to be robust, sometimes temperamental, but also forgiving, sensitive, honest, open, warm, thoughtful , proud, hospitable, determined, honourable, persistent and hardworking. Serbian character is a complex mix of modern and traditional, patriarchal views and customs.
Serbian Attractions
Serbia is a magnificent country in Southeast of Europe, situated on the Balkan Peninsula. It is a land of unspoilt nature and beautiful scenery. Serbia is a landlocked country but its almost untouched nature, spectacular mountains, deep forests and wild rivers. Quiet spa towns are offering wide range of medical and relaxation treatments. They are rich with natural sources of healing mineral mud and springs of geothermal and mineral water. The spas have a long tradition in Serbia and some of them are known and used from Roman times. There around 40 spas and some of them are: Banja Koviljača, Niška Banja, Vrnjačka Banja, Bukovička Banja and Sokobanja. Numerous lakes and river canyons that have not yet been discovered by commercial tourism are proving to be attractive for those who want to unwind and relax. Serbia is also rich in little explored Roman archaeological sites but also famous ones like Gamzigrad, on the east of Serbia. Grand medieval fortresses and castles in Kalemegdan and Smederevo are witnesses of the turbulent history of this region. One should not miss visiting some of numerous fascinating monasteries that guarded Serbian national identity and culture through centuries. The monasteries are dating from XI century and they are scattered all over Serbia. Among the oldest ones are: Petkovica, Fenek, Kovilj, Rača, Tronoša, Studenica, Žiča, Ljubostinja, Mileševa and Prohor Pčinjski. Some of them, such as: Gračanica, Sopoćani, Stari Ras, Visoki Dečani and Patriarchate of Peć Monastery and they are placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as the most valuable examples of Byzantine paintings and architecture and also as a record of Serbian history and life. Peaceful traditional villages that are scattered over the mountains and hills are preserving the forgotten style of life and often offering a large choice of accommodation to those seeking an escape from the hectic modern life. Wide and quiet XIX century farms on the north are the quiescent gems where you can switch off the clock and relax. If you like culture,books, nightlife and shopping then you must visit vibrant Belgrade with numerous museums, theatres, bookshops, restaurants with live music, boats and night clubs.
Modern Serbian Language
Serbian language belongs to the group of South Slavonic languages. It uses both: Latin and Cyrillic script. Serbian uses Shtocavian (štokavski) dialect. It has two sub dialects: ekavski and 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” can be pronounced as “mlEko” in ekavian subdialect or as “mlIJEko” in ijekavian sub dialect. Ekavian is used mostly by Serbians in Serbia, while ijekavian is spoken by Serbians in Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro. As in most languages, there are local accentual variations from region to region – so accents spoken on Kosovo and southern Serbia will sound much different to the local accents in the north of the country. 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, Serbian became the official language of Serbia. Serbian is spoken in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia but also amongst Serbians and people of Serbian descent in Hungary, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Canada.
Tips for visiting Serbia
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 Serbia, you must eat – if you do not, your host may end up hugely offended.
It is better to pay the bill in rounds rather than “go Dutch”.
Serbians 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: ćevapčići, pljeskavice, ražnjići,vešalice, kajmak, sarma and all sorts of meat and vegetable soups and stews.
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.