Stećci, Bogomil Myth, and Nationalist Narratives in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Authors: Mentel Andrej

Title variants

CS

Stećky, bogomilský mýtus a nacionalistické naratívy v Bosne a Hercegovine

• Languages of publication: SK

Abstracts

EN

The aim of this study is to analyse different historical interpretations of stećci (medieval tombstones from Bosnia and Herzegovina and surrounding regions) and to highlight their use in the construction of national narratives and territorial claims. The study compares national interpretations that present stećci as a symbol of specific ethnic groups (Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats) with modern research emphasizing their multi-confessional character. Particular attention is paid to the so-called "Bogomil myth", which associates the stećci with the heretical Bogomil sect, and its role in ideological discourses from the 19th century to the present day. The research shows that the stećci represent a significant cultural heritage that cannot be reduced to a single religious or ethnic narrative.

Keywords

EN

Stećak (medieval Bosnian tombstone); Bogomil myth; Multiethnic heritage; Nationalist narratives; Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Publisher: The National Institute of Folk Culture
• Journal: Národopisná revue (Journal of Ethnology)
• Year: 2024
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 301 - 314

Contributors

author

Mentel Andrej