Cities In Serbia Research Articles

Urban Regeneration through Cultural–Tourism Entrepreneurship Based on Albergo Diffuso Development: The Venac Historic Core in Sombor, Serbia

The inner core of Sombor, known as “Venac”, is probably the best-preserved one among medium-sized cities in Serbia. The stagnation of Sombor during the 20th century and its urban shrinkage in the 21st century have prevented significant transformations of the core, enabling its preservation under state protection as an urban heritage site. However, the recent rise of cultural tourism has triggered urban regeneration. As the city is still unprepared for this change, this regeneration has mostly omitted the inner core. Realising this, local representatives and experts have started rethinking innovative approaches to its regeneration, including the concept of Albergo Diffuso. This sustainable concept is created to revive the historic cores of small, shrinking cities and towns. Basically, it represents a hotel situated in several old buildings dispersed throughout a historic urban fabric, fitting perfectly into the regeneration of Venac. However, the current lack of precise spatial indicators and thresholds makes their incorporation into the planning process challenging. Considering this, this study focuses on the current spatial development of tourism in Venac, analysing the elements that would support and facilitate the application of this concept in the future. This article also proposes a set of new planning measures to support a strategically organised approach—from the emphasis on urban reuse and physical renewal to multileveled linking of basic concept conditions to the prioritization of pedestrian-friendly places and the application of innovative urban design in open public spaces. By connecting the selected Albergo Diffuso approach with spatial development and its analysis, this study also contributes to the spatial imprint of the concept’s implementation.

Determinants of housing prices: Serbian Cities’ perspective

This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of housing prices in Serbia, addressing the critical need to understand the drivers of real estate prices and their implications for economic and social welfare. Employing a panel data analysis approach on a unique dataset covering 24 distinct urban areas in Serbia from 2011 to 2021, we examine the relevance of diverse economic, demographic, and infrastructural indicators, providing novel insights within a developing country context. Our findings reveal that the housing market stock-flow model effectively predicts housing price appreciation trends, explaining over 60 percent of variation in property prices. Notably, disparities in labour income, captured by average wages and registered employment rates, emerge as significant determinants of real estate prices, underlining socio-economic disparities within Serbian cities. Housing prices exhibit a positive response to the population/housing stock ratio, suggesting higher prices in cities experiencing faster population growth relative to housing supply. Intensified construction is associated with elevated housing prices. Additionally, we find positive association between the inflation variable and housing prices, underlining real estate’s potential as an inflation hedge. Public service provision and infrastructural amenities also emerge as contributors to higher housing prices in urban areas, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive urban planning strategies. Our study contributes to the literature by providing specific quantitative evidence, advancing the understanding of urban housing market dynamics in developing countries. By offering nuanced insights into determinants of housing prices, our research informs policymakers and urban planners seeking to foster equitable and sustainable urban development strategies.

Screening Men and Women above the Age of 50 Years for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Pilot Study in an Upper Middle Income Country

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is recommended in high risk populations based on local conditions. Differences in lifestyle and risk factors between countries with different income status make risk stratification based on geographic location necessary. The majority of epidemiological studies on AAA have reported data from high income countries. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors for AAA in an upper middle income country in Eastern Europe. A pilot screening project for AAA, supported by a mass media campaign, was conducted in 2023 in seven cities in Serbia. Ultrasound evaluation of the abdominal aorta was performed by a registered vascular surgeon on individuals who agreed to participate. Participants who attended screening completed a questionnaire on demographic and clinical information. To assess risk factors for AAA, univariable logistic regression analysis was performed to compute the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Multivariable logistic regression was subsequently performed with adjustments for sex, age, family history of AAA, and other relevant factors. A total of 4 046 participants (51.2% male and 48.8% female; mean age 68.8 ± 7.6 years) responded to the campaign. An aneurysm was found in 195 (4.8%) screened individuals (8.2% of men and 1.3% of women). In males aged 50 - 64 years, the prevalence of AAA was 5.4%. Male sex, older age, family history of AAA, being a smoker or ex-smoker, being overweight, and alcohol consumption were predictors of AAA in the univariable analysis. After adjustments in the multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 8.04, 95% CI 4.87 - 13.28), older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.07), positive family history (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.61 - 3.78), smoker status (OR 3.10, 95% CI 2.10 - 4.59), ex-smoker status (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.39 - 3.27), and being overweight (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.25 - 2.74) were independent risk factors for AAA. The prevalence of AAA has not been reduced in all countries, and screening strategies might be changed based on local epidemiological data. The results of this pilot study underline the importance of exploring the prevalence of AAA in populations with a high prevalence of smoking.

Effects and Consequences of Authoritarian Urbanism: Large-Scale Waterfront Redevelopments in Belgrade, Zagreb, and Novi Sad

This article highlights the (post) transitioning urban context as an emerging market for powerful international real-estate development companies, supported by an authoritarian planning trend aiming to secure foreign investments. Such a pattern is particularly noticeable in the implementation of the large-scale redevelopment project Belgrade Waterfront in the Serbian capital city, causing many controversies due to state-led regulatory interventions, investor-friendly decision-making, and a general lack of transparency. Although proactive but fragile civil society organizations in Serbia failed to influence the implementation dynamics of this megaproject, it inspired contestation by professional and civic organizations elsewhere, which finally led to significant disputes over similar developments. This study highlights similarities of this project to the initiatives emerging in other cities of the ex-Yugoslav countries: Zagreb Manhattan, announced to settle on the waterfronts of the Croatian capital, and more recently the Novi Sad Waterfront in the second largest Serbian city. The article concludes with a general overview of the effects and consequences characterizing the emerging trend in the production of space and highlights the rising role of the civil sector in more inclusive and democratic urban planning in ex-Yugoslav cities.

Održivi razvoj gradskog turizma u Kragujevcu

The development of tourism in cities in recent years has increasingly led to negative ecological, socio-cultural, and economic effects. Cities in Serbia are facing the same issues, and therefore must plan their tourism development according to the principles of sustainable development in order to reduce the negative impact of tourism. Market research is crucial for planning strategies for sustainable urban tourism development. This scientific work highlights the importance of market research for the sustainable development of tourism in Kragujevac, with a focus on the identification of key elements that contribute to the improvement of city tourism. A survey conducted among 302 respondents during June and July 2023 collected data on demographics, motivation for visiting, satisfaction with the offerings, and perceptions of the ecological and social aspects of tourism. The results show that tourists are most attracted to cultural and historical landmarks, events, natural beauty, and gastronomic offerings. The research revealed challenges in the sustainable use of natural and cultural resources, which requires further consideration to enhance tourism development. Strategies that support environmentally friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources and promoting eco-tourism, along with improving tourists' awareness of sustainable practices, are recommended.

Effects of urban vegetation on PM mitigation: The case of a street in Novi Sad, Serbia

Experiencing rapid development and growth, cities worldwide face a surge in air pollution, primarily driven by the increased concentrations of the particulate matter (PM) originating from various anthropogenic sources, such as traffic, household fuel combustion, and industrial and construction activities. Urban green spaces can naturally filter PM through physicochemical processes, serving as effective urban planning instruments for the improvement of the air quality. Focusing on a street in Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia, this study investigates the efficiency of vegetation in mitigating air pollution, specifically PM10 emissions from traffic and construction activities. Using the contemporary monitoring and modelling techniques for measuring and predicting PM10 concentrations, the focus of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of vegetation in affecting and minimizing detected PM concentrations. The results indicate a significant reduction in the monitored PM10 concentrations behind the green barrier compared to the modelled concentrations near the pollution source (on the road) for both traffic and construction-related emissions. The paper highlights the capacity of green elements to act as natural air pollution mitigators and suggests better integration of strategic environmental management into urban planning to foster the development of healthier and more sustainable cities, providing recommendations to facilitate this objective.

HIV testing cascade among men who have sex with men at higher HIV risk in Serbia

Abstract Background Successful HIV prevention requires motivation, access, and effective use by priority populations. Accessible and non-stigmatizing HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is the first step towards timely diagnosis. In Serbia, there is a concentrated HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM), with 49.2% of new diagnoses being detected late in 2021, based on initial CD4 cell count. We examined key aspects related to HIV testing among a high-risk sample of Serbian MSM to improve national HIV prevention guidelines. Methods A bio-behavioral cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling study among MSM in 4 cities in Serbia was conducted in 2021 (N = 1,300). We analyzed HIV testing among MSM who had unprotected anal sexual intercourse (UAI) in the last 12 months. The motivation pillar was operationalized as adequate knowledge of where VCT services can be obtained, the access pillar was operationalized as having ever had HIV testing, and the effective use of the VCT service pillar was operationalized as HIV testing in the last 6 months. Results Of all MSM reached, 63.8% had practiced UAI in the last 12 months, of whom 66.47% knew where to access VCT services. Of these, 88.9% had even been tested for HIV, yet only a quarter (25.5%) had been tested in the last 6 months. Therefore, only 15.1% of MSM who practiced UAI in the last 12 months had been recently tested for HIV. Conclusions HIV testing rate is high among Serbian MSM if they have adequate knowledge of where VCT services can be obtained. However, even though community-based VCT among MSM is subsidized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia, the effective use of the VCT services is very low among high-risk MSM. This suggests that VCT service promotion must be transformed to be both visible and culturally sensitive to the Serbian MSM community. VCT protocols should also encourage regular testing (at least every 6 months) for those most at risk for HIV acquisition.

Mosquito and human surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases in the Serbian city of Novi Sad in 2022.

Mosquito and human surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases in the Serbian city of Novi Sad in 2022.

Project-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education in Serbia: First Experiences of Preschool Teachers

The aim of the research was to examine the attitude of preschool teachers towards the implementation of project-based learning within the system of preschool education in the Republic of Serbia, with a special emphasis on the identification of its advantages and disadvantages. The research sample comprised 410 preschool teachers from 9 cities in Serbia. The findings showed that preschool teachers have a moderately positive attitude towards the benefits of the project-based learning for children and preschool teachers (M=4). The respondents also agree with all the statements from the questionnaire which relate to the difficulties in implementation of the project-based learning approach. A statistically significant difference among preschool teachers in relation to the academic level and length of work experience, occured only in case of one item, which is related to the lack of didactic materials (p=0,008; p=0.02).

Satisfaction with Sustainable Tourism—A Case of the Special Nature Reserve “Meadows of Great Bustard”, Vojvodina Province

The Special Nature Reserve, a part of the nature “Meadows of Great Bustard” (MGB), is a protected area with an extremely rare and sensitive ecosystem. The MGB spreads in the northeast of Vojvodina in Serbia. The natural potentials of MGB, in addition to diverse flora and fauna, are symbolized by a jeopardized species of bird called the Great Bustard (Otis tarda). Only a few specimens of this species live in this protected area, and they need to be protected. Globally, the Great Bustard is vulnerable species (VU) and a seriously protected species in Serbia. The goal of the research in this paper is to determine whether sustainable tourism affects the satisfaction of residents, using a quantitative method through the Prism of Sustainability (PoS) research model, which includes the technique of surveying respondents (residents). In this part of Vojvodina lives a population that has specific social characteristics. The cultural legacy, customs of this part of Banat, way of treating nature, local crafts, and local events stand out among those characteristics. The favorable geographical position of MGB, the proximity of Romania and Hungary, and good traffic connections with numerous cities in Serbia and the region represent significant potential for tourism development. The natural motives of MGB and ecological interests should be a priority in planning and developing tourism. A nature-based tourism destination can be formed by combining natural and social motives. The main forms of tourism, important for the development of this area, are ecotourism, scientific research tourism, and birdwatching tourism in the MGB. The significant results of the research are those that point out that the respondents rated ecological and socio-cultural sustainability as the most important. Also, these two dimensions have the greatest impact on sustainable tourism in the MGB. After the conducted research, it can be concluded that the residents are satisfied with sustainable tourism, i.e., sustainable tourism significantly affects the satisfaction of residents.

The City as a Metaphor for Order: The Prohibition on the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages at Night as a Means of Purifying Public Space

This paper discusses a segment of a study that took place between 2012 and 2015, which examined the then-existing ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in commercial establishments at night in several Serbian cities, including Belgrade, Kragujevac, Novi Sad, Šabac, and Zrenjanin. The research also looked at how the media represented the ban from 2006 to 2013 and analysed data obtained through a questionnaire completed by 22 individuals from Belgrade in 2023.
 The study examined various aspects of the ban, including its role in the context of spatial power operation, which is discussed in this paper. The researcher began with the assumption that the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at night in commercial establishments could be interpreted as a way of purifying public space, through which one social group establishes dominance over others in society by controlling public space. This is achieved not only by excluding members of specific social groups from the specified place, but also by excluding socially inappropriate practices deemed typical for those groups. The ultimate goal is to organise public space so that it reflects dominant societal values and achieves dominance for the group that tends to represent those values.
 The restriction was seen to be targeted at preventing members of the lower classes and young people, as members of the aforementioned classes, from occupying public space. It also had the broader aim of prohibiting the purchase and problematic use of alcoholic beverages late at night, a practice identified in the aforementioned socioeconomic strata, where it was perceived as a possible source of disruption, violence, and a threat to upper-class citizens. The decision was an attempt to increase the safety of the higher classes by limiting the ability of members of the lower classes and youth to purchase alcoholic beverages at night, as well as through spatial segregation. Although not explicitly stated, one of the effects sought by this decision was the prohibition of alcohol consumption in public places among the aforementioned social groups.
 The purpose was to instil a sense of security in the community and to project an image of moral order in society. It represented a mechanism for the higher classes to assert their authority in society and to establish their class identity by spatially separating themselves from the classes with which they were placed in a relationship of opposition. Thus, public space was created to reflect the values advocated by upper-class citizens, such as order, self-control, moderation, and decency, which aided their dominance in society.

Awareness of physicians and dentists in Serbia about the association between periodontitis and systemic diseases: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundStrong evidence supports the association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of a group of physicians and dentists in Serbia regarding this topic and assess their professional actions to prevent and control both periodontal and systemic diseases.MethodsAn anonymous self-administered structured questionnaire was sent to the available e-mail addresses of randomly selected healthcare providers working in Serbia. According to the inclusion criteria, general practitioners, specialists, general dentists, and specialists working in government hospitals and private practices in various cities in Serbia were recruited in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions divided into three parts. The first part recorded the sociodemographic characteristics of participants, the second part included questions about the clinical manifestation and etiology of periodontitis, as well as knowledge of the association between periodontitis and systemic diseases, and the third part included questions about professional procedures for the prevention and control of periodontitis and systemic diseases.ResultsA total of 1301 health participants, 739 (57.8%) physicians and 562 (43.2%) dentists, were included in this cross-sectional study. Most respondents (94.7%) were aware of the association between periodontitis and general health. The highest percentage of respondents associated diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. Factors significantly associated with higher knowledge were female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–2.52; p < 0.001) and dental profession (OR, 5.86; 95% CI], 4.03–8.53; p < 0.001). Participants who had higher knowledge score were more likely to ask their patients about gum/systematic health (p < 0.001) and refer them to dentists/physicians (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIt was concluded that compared to the group of dentists, the group of physicians had less knowledge of the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases. The female gender was significantly associated with better knowledge. A better understanding of this topic is associated with better clinical practice.

Rethinking the spatial transformation of postsocialist cities: Shrinking, sprawling or densifying

This research examines the spatial transformations of postsocialist cities in the context of the polarized national urban system. Focusing on two different periods (1990–2000 and 2000–2014/2015), we study the patterns of spatial changes in 15 selected cities in Serbia in terms of urban sprawl, densification, and urban shrinkage. Using an open-source database, we analyze the relationship between the built-up area, population, and urban density to identify the types and trajectories of spatial transformations. Our results show that urban sprawl characterizes cities with growing/stable populations and those with declining populations but with different scales and dynamics over time. Despite the distinct trend of population decline, no cities were marked by compact shrinkage. Nevertheless, we identify a significant decrease in the annual change rates of the built-up area throughout the latter period in all cities, indicating a possible future decline in inefficient outward expansion. We also observed that this period gave rise to the imbalance between the pace of spatial growth of large cities and medium-sized cities. The obtained spatial patterns fit into the framework of Serbia's asymmetric urban system, with sprawl shrinkage as dominant phenomenon in urban centres ranking lower in the urban system hierarchy and less frequent sprawl growth in major urban centres. Our research results could ignite a process of redefining urban and land policies towards more efficient land use.

Parking enforcement - support for parking management

Parking management is used to balance the supply and demand for parking. Furthermore, it is used to limit the traffic demand and enable the efficient functioning of the traffic network. However, street parking regulations are uneasy to enforce. In almost all cities in Serbia, parking on the street does not work in the desired way. Many drivers park on prohibited places. Those who park on regular places where one of the restrictive regimes applies, often do so without paying and/or exceeding the prescribed time limit. Poor functioning of the enforcement system was recognized as one of the main causes for the poor parking condition. Parking enforcement represents a reaction to non-compliance with the prescribed parking regimes. For adequate reaction, it is necessary to understand the causes and patterns of such drivers behavior. Therefore, we need to investigate the connection between non-compliance with the parking regime and the control and sanctioning of violations. The analysis of the parking situation in three cities in Serbia assessed the extent and consequences of non-compliance with the parking regime on street parking places. In addition, it determined the causes of insufficient efficiency of the system for controlling and sanctioning parking violations. We proposed possible directions and measures for mitigating these problems. As argument, we pointed out positive experiences and effects from cities in Europe and the world that implemented those measures.

Neraskidive spone - srpski arhitekti i vojska (XIX-XXI vek)

From the 19th century uprising period to the present day, Serbia has witnessed a controlled militarization of urban areas as part of its defense policy, with the army showcasing its fighting spirit and emphasizing its crucial role in the public security system. During peacetime, this process unfolds gradually and inconspicuously as 'peacetime protective' measures, but escalates during political crises and wars. The devastating war conflicts, resulting from geopolitical and regional crises that often spilled into Serbia's territory over the last two centuries, have had adverse effects on both military and civil infrastructure. Beyond architecture, which holds significant communicative importance, this militarization has also impacted other aspects of visual culture. Military facilities, as a means of controlling public spaces, have assumed a prominent position in Serbian cities' symbolic topographies, often occupying main squares. Their construction is coordinated with the strategies of the Ministry of the Army's (or Defense) strategies, general urban plans and Serbia's spatial development. However, conflicts between architects and military institution managers often arose during implementation, with architects striving for adherence to planned solutions and artistic visions, while clients sought adaptation to current security needs. Despite developing in a more modest form compared to major world powers, Serbia's militarization of public spaces continues to merit critical examination. Beyond the architecturally-urban perspective dominant in scientific historiography, military complexes warrant a more comprehensive analysis from a security standpoint and as a legacy of a distinct military visual culture, influenced by military hierarchy dynamics and the country's changing geopolitical position. Thus, increased openness of military institutions to research their architectural past and improved collaboration between architectural and military historians could effectively address existing knowledge gaps.

Niški novčani zavodi u bankarskom sistemu Kraljevine Jugoslavije

At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, a large number of local financial institutions were established in the Kingdom of Serbia. Nis was the second largest city in Serbia, and at the same time an important traffic and strategic center. By the end of the 19th century, three banks were established in Nis, and by the beginning og the WWI, their number had rise to eight. It was characteristic of almost all these financial institutions that they were the owners of mills, brick factories, textile factories, leather factories, and warehouses. The beginning of the WWI and the occupation of Serbia caused great material losses to the banks in Nis, especially from the Bulgarian army, which took away all movable property after the retreat. Among the human victims was a relatively large number of shareholders, board members and officials of financial institutions. With the end of the war, the banks could not immediately resume their operations, and for the first two years mostly collected their assets, and the two Nis banks could not continue their operations due to the high degree of damage. The remaining banks, accustomed to working with nonbanking businesses, continued this practice and invested in trade and industry. The chronic need for capital influenced the establishment of six more banks in Nis after the war. However, by 1925, two banks went bankrupt, and this happened to two more financial institutions by the end of the decade, so that the banking crises in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was met by eight Nis banks. Due to the great crisis, business in the 1930s was extremely limited. Two financial institutions in Nis were under protection, and two managed to operate successfully until the outbreak of the WWII on the territory of Yugoslavia, when all normal work of banks was impossible.

Opažanja vaspitača i roditelja o ulozi dece posmatrača u vršnjačkom nasilju

Introduction. Peer violence impacts the development of children who are victims of violence, but children who witness violence are also prone to experience consequences pertaining to their socio-emotional development. The state should provide dedicated support to intervention programmes in preschool institutions aimed at preventing and suppressing peer violence, which would focus on children who are witnesses, i.e., observers of violence. Objectives. This research was aimed at analysing the perceptions of preschool teachers and parents about the role of children observers in peer violence. Methods. The sample consisted of preschool teachers employed in preschool institutions in several cities in Serbia (n = 104) and parents whose children attended preschools (n = 84). For the purposes of the research, an adapted Likert-type scale was used, which assessed the role of children "observers" of peer violence and the possibilities of developing support programmes for children exposed to violence. The instrument was developed based on a pilot study on the role of children observers in bullying. Results. Research results showed that the perceptions of parents pertaining to the role of children observers in peer violence were statistically significantly different in relation to the opinions of preschool teachers. Parents believed that children who were observers of peer violence were not sufficiently involved in intervention programmes for the prevention and suppression of peer violence in preschool institutions. Conclusion. These findings have significant practical implications for the planning of initiatives in preschool institutions aimed at fostering a supportive environment in which children who witness peer violence would play a prominent role.

O arhitekturi zanatsko-uslužnih centara Ranka Radovića - stvaranje urbanog ambijenta

Ranko Radović (1935-2005) was a prominent Serbian, Montenegrin and Yugoslavian architect, urban planner and designer, professor and architecture historian and theorist. This paper explores the architectural concepts and urban characteristics of the craft and service centers he designed, which were built in Belgrade (1968-1972), Šabac (1982) and Ljig (1988), as well as his architectural-urban planning research proposal for the reconstruction and revitalization of the old market and the area under the bastion of the fortress in Novi Pazar (1986-1987). In addition to his notable designs for the Sutjeska Battle Memorial House (Bosnia and Herzegovina), the town hall in Aranđelovac, the Partizanka hotel, a post office and a bank in Vrnjačka Banja, and the reconstruction of the Atelje 212 theater in Belgrade (Serbia), Radović's solutions for craft and service centers in Belgrade, Šabac and Ljig represent specific considerations of architecture and urbanity, in which the experiences of modernism, critical regionalism, and the influences of postmodernism are sublimated. He also produced a proposal, partly implemented, for the protection and revitalization of the old bazaar market in Novi Pazar, with a grouping of low-rise buildings for craft and service purposes and prefabricated-temporary structures based on the traditional scale. As a contribution to the study of Ranko Radović's work, these specific micro-urban structures are analyzed in the context of his theoretical views on contemporary architecture, urbanism and tradition, and the aim of the work is to illuminate and document Radović's contribution to the ideas of the development of modern architecture and cities in Serbia. Due to the architectural concepts and urbanistic values of craft-service centers expressed in the ideas of ephemerality and changeability, the paper provides an analytical overview and photo-documentation of their existing state, and the possibilities of their revitalization are discussed.

The musical identity of the Roma people on the streets of Belgrade

This paper deals with the musical street practice of the Roma people on the territory of Belgrade. An attempt shall be made to present this practice in its entirety, with all its particularities, based on data obtained in the field (through interviews with performers), Internet sources (YouTube videos, texts, etc.), and academic literature. The Romani practice is possibly the most common street musical practice on the territory of Belgrade, and while it is undoubtedly diverse, it still possesses numerous characteristics which shape its particular identity. Therefore, the elements of the aforementioned musical practice shall be presented and analyzed, including: 1. forms of musical performance, 2. types of performing ensembles, 3. choice and condition of the instruments used in performing, 4. choice of musical repertoire, 5. the language being sung in, 6. choice of public spaces at which it takes place, 7. events and special occasions during which this musical practice occurs, 8. career development and 9. child exploitation. The aim of the paper is to provide a relevant insight into the special musical identity of the Romani street musical practice in Belgrade by way of analyzing the segments of this street musical practice presented. Moreover, the goal of this research is to construct a model which may serve to conduct further research into the Romani street musical practice in other Serbian cities, as well as enable a comparative analysis and insight into the common, general features of this musical identity.

The music in serbia festival as a “permanent social obligation of music workers”

The Music in Serbia festival (Muzika u Srbiji - MUS) was held in Belgrade and other Serbian cities from 1976 to 1991. Presenting contemporary creativity of composers from the former Socialist Republic of Serbia and its two provinces (Socialist Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Socialist Autonomous Province of Vojvodina), as well as works by Serbian authors of older generations, MUS existed as a unique place of valorization and revalorization of domestic art music. Through the analysis of program and organizational strategies, financial aspects, repertoire policy, and forms of dissemination and promotion, this article points not only to the artistic scope but also to the socio-political implications of the Music in Serbia festival.