Spahić: Europe built on the foundations of the Charter of Ban Kulin, let it be an incentive for reconciliation of peoples

The Charter of Bosnian Ban Kulin, written on 29 August 1189, celebrates its 828th birthday today.

Written in the Old Bosnian vernacular language and the Bosnian script Bosančica, the Charter is the oldest discovered state document among all South Slavic peoples and states.  

Bosnian Ban Kulin issued to the Duke of Dubrovnik, Krvaš, and all other Dubrovnik citizens a charter guaranteeing unhindered passage and trade through the territory of Bosnia.

The Charter of Ban Kulin is the first known diplomatic document written in the local language. Its value for Bosnian medieval history is immeasurable. It is the first known document issued by a Bosnian ruler to a ruler, i.e., a duke, of another state.

The President of the GDS BiH, Ibrahim Spahić, sent a congratulatory message today to citizens of BiH at home and abroad on the occasion of the 828th anniversary of the Charter of Ban Kulin.

„The Charter of Ban Kulin is a testament to our statehood, but also to the language, culture, nature, and character of our society in the past. To the distinctiveness of the people of medieval Bosnia and their hospitality, openness, and dedication to life in peace and freedom. The wisdom and responsibility of Ban Kulin for the well-being of his citizens is also confirmed in the Charter, which guarantees equal freedoms to citizens of the neighboring Republic of Dubrovnik in Bosnia“, said Spahić.

„These are the values on which Europe is founded, and our country takes pride in its history and contribution to their construction. At the same time, we are aware that current relations in Southeast Europe are not good. It is statesmanlike to develop good neighborly relations and mutual respect and trust among neighbors. The Charter of Ban Kulin strongly confirms this and inspires cooperation in the best interest of the citizens of our countries“, added Spahić.

He called on all state institutions of BiH and state institutions of neighboring countries to establish relations that will serve as an example of cooperation in Europe, which is seeking a path to renew unity in diversity during a time of moral, economic, and social crisis, especially in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

"The heritage, as well as the future of our relations with neighbors, are best contained in the document of the Charter of Ban Kulin“, emphasized Spahić, adding that such messages and documents are expected in BiH from both close and distant neighbors.

The Charter of Ban Kulin has been preserved in three copies in Dubrovnik. Two copies remain there today, while the third copy, stolen in the 19th century, is now in the possession of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia. Many consider it to be the original among the known copies. BiH has submitted a request for its return. Russia rejected the request, considering that the Charter of Ban Kulin, as the second oldest Slavic document, equally belongs to their history as well.

Translation of the Charter into the Bosnian language

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. I, Ban Kulin of Bosnia, promise to you, Duke Krvaš, and to all citizens of Dubrovnik, to be a true friend to you from now and forever. And to keep justice with you and true trust, as long as I live.

All Dubrovnik citizens who travel wherever I rule, trading, wherever they wish to go, wherever any of them wants, with true trust and a true heart, without any malice, and whatever anyone gives me of their own will as a gift. They shall not suffer violence from my officials, and as long as they are with me, I will give them help as to myself, as much as possible, without any evil intent.

May God help me and all the Holy Gospel.

I, Radoje, the ban's scribe, wrote this book of the ban's charter in the year one thousand one hundred and eighty-nine from the birth of Christ, in the month of August, on the twenty-ninth day, (on the day) of the beheading of John the Baptist.