Filipović: Even today, many decision-makers fear the shadow of the Dragon of Bosnia

In every way, Husein-kapetan Gradaščević, who entered our tradition under the name Dragon of Bosnia, can be considered the most significant figure of our recent history, said academician Muhamed Filipović for the Bosnian news agency Patria.

- Regardless of the circumstances under which he was chosen to lead the uprising of Bosnians, i.e., Bosniaks, and that uprising gathered Bosniaks of all faiths, both Orthodox and Catholic, of course the leading force were Muslims, Bosniaks of the Muslim faith, since they were the most developed in a social sense, the wealthiest, the most organized and the most educated at that moment in our country – Filipović points out.

Today marks 180 years since the death of the leader of the struggle for Bosnia's autonomy, Husein-kapetan Gradaščević. After his father's death, Husein became the captain of Gradačac. He served as captain from 1821 to 1832. The last battle of his numerous army took place on June 4, 1832, at Stup. Husein-kapetan had already won a victory over the sultan's army, but from the side appeared Ali-pasha Rizvanbegović and Smail-aga Čengić, who came from Herzegovina to Trnovo, and then near the place Crna Rijeka broke through the flank defense of Husein-kapetan's army. This led to the defeat of Husein-kapetan's army. He died at the age of 31.

Filipović believes that he played a great role because under his name and leadership, the fundamental demand of all Bosnian history was set.

- And that is the return to Bosnia and Herzegovina of the prerogatives of a separate state, i.e., in this case, autonomy. Unfortunately, because of this demand, many people lost their heads, not only during the uprising of 1832 but also afterwards in numerous and very radical ruthless purges carried out by the Ottoman authorities among the Bosnian leaders. Bosnians must not forget that the Ottomans exterminated, so to speak, the elite of Bosnian society in the period from 1832 until the end of the mission of Omer-pasha Latas. So Bosnia was largely decapitated, and what followed can be largely interpreted as a consequence precisely of the lack of that elite layer that would lead the Bosnian people in a political and social sense – says Filipović.

In any case, Filipović said, Husein-kapetan Gradaščević is a great figure to whom BiH has not paid appropriate tribute.

- Probably today those who decide on matters fear the shadow of the Dragon of Bosnia, who was resolute for Bosnian independence and the integrity of its territory – emphasizes academician Filipović.