Remembering the Brave European Intellectual Predrag Matvejević

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina marked the first anniversary of the death of the great Bosnian and European intellectual Predrag Matvejević by remembering his character and his multifaceted work of enduring value.

Their observations on this spiritual pillar and true institution, which he established through his literary work and political activism during his lifetime, were presented by academics Zdenko Lešić, Hanifa Kapidžić Osmanagić, Vladimir Premec and Slavo Kukić, corresponding members of this elite institution.

The launch of the exploration and analysis of Predrag's work by the participants of the homage was significantly contributed to by Prof. Dr. Duraković, who built upon the participants' impressions with his concise but convincing fact-based comments.

In his introductory remarks, Prof. Dr. Esad Duraković put forward the thesis that Matvejević was an authentic Mostarian, claiming that they are characterised by the trait of a "collective feeling of being citizens of the world," i.e., cosmopolitans. He confirmed that Predrag affirmed and proved such belonging in the best way by promoting the fundamental values of modern civilisation, human rights and freedoms in all segments of life.

Academician Zdenko Lešić, in his address, focused on Matvejević's curriculum vitae, noting that he transferred the spirit of the Mediterranean from his native Mostar into his works.

- Predrag was restoring the possibility of a renewed common life, believing that all peoples in these areas have been connected and reliant on each other for centuries. He carried his life's burden from Mostar.

Lešić pointed out a very important fact when discussing Matvejević's role model, which in fact represented the spiritus movens of all his very substantive, complex and energetic actions. It is about Jean-Paul Sartre, the French philosopher, novelist, essayist and playwright, the creator of atheistic existentialism who also distinguished himself in the political field ("Critique of Dialectical Reason"). He was attracted by the pronounced activist side of this philosopher, and Predrag became a true and uncompromising fighter for freedom. Lešić highlighted all aspects of freedom as he advocated for them, such as freedom of thought, freedom of public speech, freedom of choice and creation, etc.

He emphasised that Matvejević used literature as a means for such a noble mission and that it essentially represented a weapon in that direction. Among domestic role models, he had Krleža, with whom he began collaborating early on. In his analysis, Academician Lešić could not bypass the capital work "Mediterranean Breviary," claiming that it is simultaneously a polymorphic work - a compendium, a study and an authentic essay with which he definitively opened all European universities. It is precisely because of this that it is difficult to evaluate so many "boundless thoughts, narrative pearls and gems."

Prof. Dr. Slavo Kukić shed more light from his perspective on Matvejević's work and his activism, which he demonstrated especially in the most difficult times for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said that he knew how to recognise evil and "acted in the right way with the courage characteristic only of true intellectuals." He reminded of his double title of academician, that he was an honorary citizen of Sarajevo with a series of recognitions in Europe.

- Matvejević is an exceptional, prominent personality characterised by intellectual courage. In bad times, he spoke out with good, human advice and ideas, defending the endangered in Sarajevo and Mostar. Predrag actually became a symbol of togetherness, freedom, tolerance. He is one of the few who publicly raised his voice against nationalism and the abolition of civil rights and freedoms. He was proud of having three homelands: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Italy, Kukić emphasised, adding that he possessed extraordinary courage in the fight for social justice and a more humane society.

Academician Vladimir Premec, in his emotional presentation, recalled several encounters with Matvejević, especially during a meeting of professors in Strasbourg where the perspectives of the newly established countries from the area of the former Yugoslavia were discussed. He emphasised that the initiator of that large and significant gathering was actually Matvejević, who felt the need to find paths for reaching a favourable solution for all peoples. In this action of gathering, Premec recognised Krležianism in Matvejević, that desire to make an effort for a more humane community.

- In the Breviary, which he built throughout his life, one can see his concern and struggle for Bosnia and Herzegovina because it reflects the equality of our country with Europe, said Premec, expressing visible dejection and sadness over the loss of a humanist and intellectual giant such as Matvejević was.

Hanifa Kapidžić Osmanagić focused on Matvejević's book "Our Bread," in which the author showed himself as an anthropologist who constantly expands his interest to all fields. He was, Hanifa confirmed, preoccupied with the theme of the Mediterranean, providing an abundance of data on history, human life, nature, mutual influences and thus the enrichment of communities, etc. Hanifa expressed the opinion that the Breviary is essentially a travelogue essay written with scientific acribia, and that the book "Our Bread" originated as a reflection of a dream about bread that he often dreamed of in childhood.

- The book about bread is what he himself became - bread - concluded Hanifa Osmanagić.