WILL HALID BEŠLIĆ GET A MONUMENT AT THE FAMOUS KNEŽAK SPRING?

In the small village of Knežina, nestled on the slopes of Mount Romanija, an emotional initiative has been launched to honor the late folk music legend Halid Bešlić. The proposal? To erect a monument at the Knežak spring — a place immortalized in his beloved song "Romanija."

PHOTO: Knežak izvor

The idea first surfaced in a local Facebook group, where residents paid tribute to Bešlić’s lifelong connection to his birthplace.

"Everyone knows how much Halid Bešlić has done to make the name of our Knežina known far and wide. I propose that we place a monument to Halid at the Knežak spring — as a token of gratitude to the man who never forgot where he came from," read the post that quickly spread across social media.

The initiators describe it as a “shared project, a memory, and a message to future generations” — a lasting symbol of respect for a man who, as they say, “marked our region and left an indelible mark on all of us.”

The idea was met with overwhelming support and emotion in Knežina, with messages pouring in that “Halid deserves to have his name and legacy forever etched in the place where it all began.”

Halid Bešlić, one of the most iconic folk singers in the Balkans, passed away on October 7 at the age of 72, after a brief illness. Born on November 20, 1953, in Knežina near Sokolac, Bešlić left a lasting impact on the music scene of the former Yugoslavia and beyond.

His final solo concert took place in mid-August this year in Banja Luka. Since his passing, social media has been flooded with his songs, interviews, and heartfelt tributes.

Known not only for his voice but also for his humility and integrity, Halid lived a scandal-free life — a rarity in the world of stardom. He was a man of the people, and that’s how he’ll be remembered.

One of his most quoted statements captures the essence of who he was:

“I just want to leave this world as a good man.”

“I could drive flashy cars, shoot million-dollar music videos — but why would I, when my neighbor doesn’t have bread to eat? I find joy in feeding others, donating to public kitchens, helping children’s homes. I want to be remembered as a good man, not just a good singer,” Halid once said in an interview with Klix.ba.

And it seems he got his wish — Halid leaves behind not just music, but a legacy of kindness and humanity.

There isn’t a place in Bosnia and Herzegovina that isn't mourning the loss of the legendary singer who grew up beside the famed Knežak spring, under the shadow of Romanija mountain.

Halid may be gone, but his songs — and his spirit — will live on forever. The entire Balkans are saying goodbye.