LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE SRETENJE CONSTITUTION

The national and religious holiday of Sretenje is one of the most significant dates in Serbian history. In 1835, the Sretenje Constitution, the first modern Constitution of Serbia, was adopted. This document marked the beginning of contemporary Serbian statehood.

The 19th century will be remembered as the century of the Serbian people's awakening. On February 15, 1835, in the then Serbian capital, Kragujevac, the most liberal act of its time in Europe was adopted – the Sretenje Constitution.

The Sretenje Constitution established the abolition of feudalism, the division of power into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the strengthening of fundamental human rights, as well as national symbols such as the flag and coat of arms. With this, the development of modern Serbia began.

"The adoption of this Constitution symbolizes that Serbia was following the course of European civilization, that the values of European civilization were also the values of the Serbian people, and that Serbia integrated itself into European principles. The Constitution envisioned the creation of a national assembly, an independent judiciary, and introduced solutions that laid the foundation for Serbia to transform into a small democratic country or at least one striving towards democracy," said historian Stanislav Sretenović, as reported by Euronews.

THE CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT OF DIMITRIJE DAVIDOVIĆ

One of the most educated Serbs of that time, Dimitrije Davidović, managed to become the leading figure alongside Prince Miloš Obrenović. Although a doctor by profession, the most significant period of his career was between 1830 and 1835, when, as a diplomat in Constantinople, he worked on resolving the issue of Serbian autonomy. He crowned his work by drafting the Sretenje Constitution.

"He was a figure that highlights the importance of Serbs from the Habsburg Monarchy, who, since the First Serbian Uprising in 1804, had been supporting Serbia's development and its centuries-long desire to separate from Ottoman heritage and the burden of Ottoman presence," Sretenović stated.

THE CONSTITUTION IS PRESERVED UNDER STRICT CONDITIONS

As a guardian of political and national identity, the Serbian State Archives is the sole institution preserving the original handwritten copy of the Sretenje Constitution.

"It is kept under the strictest conditions, in the most appropriate manner. It is not regularly displayed, as it must be preserved from the ravages of time and stored according to prescribed conditions, with proper air temperature, humidity, and lighting. It is exhibited only on rare occasions," said Anja Vulić from the State Archives.

The Constitution was a thorn in the side of the great powers of the time, leading to its abolition after only 55 days. However, it still represented a bold step, making Serbia, albeit briefly, the freest country in Europe.