Publications
Bjelojevici Village Near Stolac in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bjelojevici Village, near Stolac in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stands out for its unique historical and cultural significance, as evidenced by the ancient well Neves ('Greek Well') and an exceptionally rich medieval necropolis of stećak tombstones. The study reveals that this locality has been a continuous hub of human activity, attracting people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds—Catholics, Orthodox, and Muslims—who were united by its unique natural environment. Through interviews with current residents and existing literature, the research highlights the village's rich history of settlement and migration, underscoring its importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate due to its cultural and historical continuity.
Environmental Influences on Stećci Necropolises in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Spatial Analyses
Stećci, medieval stone tombstones primarily concentrated in Bosnia and Herzegovina, face significant threats from both natural weathering and anthropogenic activities. A spatial analysis reveals that these necropolises are particularly vulnerable to physical deterioration caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, wind, rain, and snow, which compromises the legibility of inscriptions and the aesthetic quality of decorative motifs. Additionally, historical conflicts, agricultural practices, and reuse as construction materials have further exacerbated their decline. Despite being inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2016, stećci remain endangered, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced protective measures. This study employs geospatial analysis using satellite and cartographic data, supported by GIS technologies, to examine the relationship between the spatial distribution of major necropolises and natural factors such as geological substrate, relief, and hydrographic characteristics.
Neki problemi terenske obrade i konzervacije stećaka na primjeru nekropola s područja Visokog
A comprehensive survey of stećak medieval tombstone graveyards in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, conducted over multiple phases from 2016 to 2024, has documented 424 stećaks across 32 necropolises. This work highlights critical challenges in field processing and conservation that significantly impact the accuracy and outcomes of such archaeological research. The study emphasizes the importance of preliminary cleaning and technical documentation as essential steps in preserving these heritage sites while underscoring persistent obstacles that hinder effective conservation efforts.
Nišan s prikazima životinja iz harema Ali-pašine džamije: pitanje kontinuiteta likovne tradicije srednjeg vijeka u ranom osmanskom periodu / A Gravestone (Nišan) with Animal Motifs in the Graveyard of the Ali-paša Mosque: On the Continuity of Medieval Artistic Tradition in the Early Ottoman Period
A gravestone (nišan) from the Ali-paša Mosque graveyard in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, reveals significant insights into the cultural transition between medieval and early Ottoman periods. This monument, dating to the second half of the 15th century, features animal motifs and serves as a valuable example of funerary sculpture from this era. The nišan, composed of a headstone (bašlık) and footstone (ajaklık), provides evidence for the continuity of medieval artistic traditions in early Ottoman art. The study analyzes this understudied monument to understand its role in bridging these cultural periods, offering new perspectives on the evolution of funerary sculpture in Bosnia.
Digitization of Typographic Cultural Heritage and its Application in Interactive Web Presentation
A digital solution enhances accessibility and engagement with medieval cultural heritage, demonstrating how typographic digitization can bridge gaps between traditional and modern learning. The study focuses on 14th to 16th century 'stećak' tombstone graveyards in Bosnia and Herzegovina, integrating their unique writing system ('Bosančica'), iconography, and relief into an interactive web platform. By leveraging widely available tools, the research creates a visually enriched educational experience that pairs historical context with dynamic digital resources. A custom transliterator further personalizes user interaction by converting Latin script input to 'Bosančica,' offering an innovative approach to cultural preservation and public engagement.
Stećky, bogomilský mýtus a nacionalistické naratívy v Bosne a Hercegovine
Stećki, the medieval tombstone graveyards of Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenge long-standing nationalist narratives by revealing their multiconfessional character. This study debunks the 'Bogomil myth,' which falsely links stećki to a heretical sect, showing instead that they represent a shared cultural heritage transcending ethnic and religious boundaries. By comparing historical interpretations with modern research, the analysis exposes how stećki have been weaponized in nationalist discourses since the 19th century, reinforcing territorial claims while overshadowing their broader significance as a symbol of medieval Balkans' diversity.
Srednjovjekovni kameni spomenici u Zemaljskom muzeju Bosne i Hercegovine
A collection of medieval stećak tombstones, housed at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been cataloged and documented with individual descriptions and photographs. These tombstones, recognized as movable property by the Commission to Preserve National Monuments in 2019, represent a significant cultural heritage. The study provides a historical overview of their development and contributes to the preservation efforts of these unique medieval monuments.
Tombstones with Anthropomorphic Depictions in the Area Around the Kalenićka Reka
Medieval tombstones with anthropomorphic depictions from the Kalenićka Reka region reveal rare, schematic representations of human figures, some symbolizing souls (orant figures) and others potentially depicting significant clergy. These artifacts, found both within sacred structures and nearby, pose challenges in dating due to their minimal epigraphic details and stylistic simplicity. Researchers dated them by comparing stylistic parameters with better-documented examples from the region and beyond, suggesting a broader temporal range than previously assumed.
Stećci na području Dubrovačkoga primorja – nove spoznaje
A comprehensive analysis of stećci, medieval tombstone graveyards, in the Dubrovnik coastal region reveals new insights into their distribution, typology, and cultural significance. The study updates and expands upon earlier research, incorporating findings from a presentation at the 2019 conference 'Stećci u 21. stoljeću - nove spoznaje i mogućnosti interpretacije.' It provides a detailed examination of these monuments, contributing to the understanding of their historical and archaeological context within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Contribution of Geophysics to the Knowledge of the Hidden Archaeological Heritage of Montenegro
Geophysical surveys have uncovered new buried structures at significant archaeological sites in Montenegro, including the Hellenistic-Illyrian site of Mjace, Roman towns like Doclea and Municipium S, the medieval city of Svač, and Stećci medieval tombstone graveyards. This research demonstrates the potential of non-destructive geophysical methods to enhance our understanding of hidden archaeological heritage without causing damage. By identifying and mapping subsurface features, these techniques support preventive archaeology efforts and contribute to the preservation and management of cultural sites. The findings provide an updated perspective on Montenegro's rich archaeological landscape, highlighting its historical significance and the importance of continued exploration and protection.
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