"PRINCESS BANJALUKA" UNITES MYSTERIES AND LEGENDS

The promotion of the book Princess Banjaluka by Dr. Aleksandra Savić was held in late May at the Student Cultural Center of the University of Banja Luka.

This fairytale-inspired event brought ancient Banja Luka to life, weaving together legends, Slavic folklore, and the spirit of timeless fairy tales.

Aleksandra Savić presented the result of her years-long research and spoke passionately about the inspiration behind this unique story. The book uses imagination and symbolism to revive the spirit of bygone times, intertwining history, culture, and literature with contemporary values.

As the author explained ahead of the event, the inspiration for Princess Banjaluka came from 17th-century writings about the city, as well as the emotional experience of sharing the story with children.

"Many unusual things inspired me to write Princess Banjaluka. First, the fact that someone in the distant 17th century described our city as exotic. Second, the feeling I had while recounting the princess's adventures to children. And finally, my deep love for history, literature, and cultural heritage," Savić shared.

Though set in the distant past, the fairytale carries powerful messages for the present. According to Savić, the book is intended for both children and adults.

"It speaks of universal values: boundless love, patriotism, friendship, and perseverance. The message is that anything is possible. It is our belief in our own choices and inner, authentic principles that guides us, protects us, and helps us overcome every obstacle. In the end, the fairytale reminds us that we are all princes and princesses, whose crown is not on the head but in the heart," said the author.

The character of Princess Banjaluka is not a historical figure, but rather a symbol of the city and its cultural legacy.

"She is a fictional character from an old tale, who reappears centuries later to become a symbol of the city, cultural connection, and love," Savić explained.

Although born of imagination, the fairytale is deeply rooted in history and the city’s cultural identity.

"The story is entirely imaginative, but it draws from a type of creativity that unites history, culture, beloved literary characters, and ever-relevant elements of fairy tales," Savić added.

The creation of the book took more than five years and involved thorough research of historical and literary sources, as well as careful development of content that would resonate with today’s readers.

"The research was focused both on uncovering authentic historical and literary references and on building a story that would be modern, relatable to today’s audience, and a true representation of our city," Savić emphasized, as reported by Nezavisne novine.