Despot Stefan Lazarević i naše vreme

Abstract

Despot Stefan Lazarevic is neither the most notable nor the most prominent figure in Serbian history, but his life is important, remarkable, and insufficiently studied. Stefan Lazarevic lived during the tragic and bloody aftermath of the Battle of Kosovo, the watershed moment in the history of the Serbs. He successfully led the country after the Golgotha on Kosovo Field. The greatest challenge for research is his complex character and the difficult, unsettled times during which he lived, ruled and battled. It is necessary to discover the permanent legacy of Stefan Lazarevic and the message his life has for us today through a study of his life, leadership and politics. On the side of his mother Milica, he was a descendant of the Nemanjić dynasty. Both of his parents - Emperor Lazar and Empress Milica, are saints, and he was also canonized. Despot Stefan was one of the greatest knights of his time, and a member of the "Golden order". He established Belgrade as the capital of Serbia. Unfortunately, the only monument in Belgrade dedicated to him is located in Kalemegdan and unworthy of a statesman, knight and hero of his stature. Stefan Lazarevic suffered extreme personal sacrifices and humiliations as he was forced, with his brother Vuk, to bring his sister Olivera to the harem of Sultan Bayezid's, the man who had killed their father. He was also forced to fight as a Turkish vassal in several battles, the most famous one being the Battle of Angora, after which his vassalship with the Turks ended. Despot Stefan struggled for power with his brother Vuk. Stefan Lazarevic built the magnificent Manasija monastery, as his endowment to his people, along with the Resava school of transcription. He also authored the exquisite Slovo ljubve. In the year 2027, on the occasion of the 600 anniversary of the death of Stefan Nemanja, Serbs should organize a scientific meeting on this significant personage. This is necessary because, in the words of Prof. Djuro Šušnjić, we should take interest in the thoughts and beliefs of our ancestors if we would better understand ourselves.