UNVEILING OF THE MONUMENT TO MEDIEVAL SERBIAN RULER STEFAN TVRTKO I KOTROMANIĆ IN BANJA LUKA
In the presence of numerous citizens, a monument dedicated to the medieval Serbian ruler, Stefan Tvrtko I Kotromanić, was unveiled in Banja Luka. This grand monument, standing over ten meters tall, now adorns the newly renovated space within the largest roundabout near Kastel Fortress.
In addition to the impressive monument, this unique setting in the heart of the city is enriched by lush greenery and the longest fountain in Banja Luka, featuring eight cascades symbolizing the waterfalls of the Vrbas River.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Mayor Draško Stanivuković, who emphasized that Banja Luka has gained a new symbol and another iconic landmark.
- Banja Luka has received a new place, more than just a park or square, a space that preserves an important period of Serbian history and a key historical figure – Stefan Tvrtko I Kotromanić, the medieval ruler of Serbs, Bosnia, Primorje, and western lands, said the Mayor.
He also noted that alongside responsible local policies, Banja Luka is committed to maintaining responsible national policies.
- Some tend to claim that the monument to Tvrtko I Kotromanić emphasizes Bosnian roots, but on the contrary, by doing this, we emphasize the Serbian character of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. Tvrtko was a Serbian ruler, crowned in Mileševa according to the Nemanjić tradition, and bore the titular name Stefan. To renounce Tvrtko would mean to renounce our own identity, something we, as a people, are not prepared to do. Erecting this monument means laying the foundation of Serbian history, culture, and tradition in the heart of Banja Luka, Stanivuković stressed.
He added that the location itself is symbolic, as it connects several neighborhoods in the city.
- Right at the intersection of Obilićevo and Lazarevo, Centar, and Kočić’s Vijenac, we placed a monument over 10 meters high. It is important to send the message that Bosnia and Herzegovina, historically, is inseparable from the Serbian people, despite the many political flaws and injustices directed towards Serbs, he stated.
The Mayor also mentioned the monument to Kulin Ban, with the Trade Charter that begins with the words: “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” written on the Feast of the Beheading of St. John, as a testament to the presence of Christianity in this region.
- In addition, we have returned the double-headed eagle to the Banski Dvor after 83 years, and we built a park dedicated to the High Treason Trial, recognizing the importance of preserving the memory of the suffering of our people, simply for being Serbs, Stanivuković added.
Valentina Savić-Mandić, the project coordinator, highlighted that this site has always been the dividing line between eastern and European architecture in Banja Luka, and today it has become a place of unity.
- This space has been designed with smaller squares, the monument, and a linear fountain with eight cascades, symbolizing the waterfalls of the Vrbas River. During the construction, a medieval well was discovered, which we have preserved and showcased with glass flooring, adding historical significance to this location, she explained.
She added that she is proud of the project because Banja Luka now has a place where citizens can gather, meet, and enjoy the beautiful ambiance.
Professor Duško Pevulja stated that this is yet another significant day for Banja Luka, which has gained another identity symbol that the city, and Republika Srpska, needed to reaffirm that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Serbian land.
- Through these symbols, we return to our roots, which have a distinctly Serbian character. This monument represents the unfolding of history and the correction of injustices, said Pevulja, reminding that, in addition to the Liberation Park dedicated to the High Treason Trial, a bust of Professor Gugo Lazarević, who marked the second half of the 20th century, was also unveiled.
