SIGNIFICANCE OF RAS, STUDENICA AND TOPOLA IN ETHNIC HISTORY OF SERBIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Medieval period of Nemanjić dynasty reign is rightly considered a zenith in development of Serbian state as historical frame, within which ethnical and national conscience of Serbs was formed. Town Ras, where the founder of dynasty Stevan Nemanjić held court, symbolizes a state core, while monastery Studenica (found in 1185) symbolises a religious and ideological center of medieval Serbia. Author indicates that after the loss of independency by Turkish occupation, Ras (the state of Nemanjići) and Studenica (secular center) were specially cultivated among Serbians during several centuries of slavery, as a symbol of togetherness and national renesance in folk tradition and conscience. This was reflected in the renewal of Serbian state independence at First Rebelion (1804-1813), personified in the colossal figure of national hero Karađorđe, and his town Topola, which proves that great ideas could be preserved even during trial periods. Author points out an appearance of Balkan state synthesis, which belonged to Byzantimum up to Dušan Nemanjić reign, and observes from ethnological point the events which followed after the middle of XI century, indicating the beginning of »Yugoslav Pan-Slavistic« idea of enslaved Slavs in Habzburg monarchy, and even wider.