Historians warn: State and NGO sector are forgetting the most important dates in BiH history

The anniversary of the death of the first Bosnian king Tvrtko I Kotromanić falls on March 10, but this date, as in previous years, will not be marked in the country, or at least not to the extent it should be, writes the Bosnian news agency Patria.

A large number of citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina have almost no knowledge of Tvrtko I.

Historian Husnija Kamberović said in an interview with Patria that it is devastating that the country does not attach any significance to dates that are among the most important in the country. However, to correct this mistake, the entire community should contribute, not just historians.

- Historians in their scientific work should certainly contribute, but this issue requires the engagement of the entire community, primarily the state but also the non-governmental sector – said Professor Kamberović.

Historian Admir Mulaosmanović also warns that in the West, the non-governmental sector takes on the responsibility of nurturing the memory of people important to the past, but unfortunately this is not happening in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even though there are registered associations in the country that declare themselves as guardians of BiH history.  

- If not the state, then the non-governmental sector could take a very significant role in marking important dates for our country – Mulaosmanović says for Patria.

Tvrtko I Kotromanić was the first Bosnian ruler to take the title of king. He was crowned in Mile near Visoko, and was also buried there after suddenly dying at the age of 53.

During his reign, Bosnia was considered an economic power, basing its economy on rich deposits of gold, silver, lead and other valuable metals. The gold coin that was minted best testifies to what kind of economic power it was. 

Tvrtko's ducat was four times larger than the Ottoman one, had 24 carats, was four centimeters wide and weighed 16 grams.