SERBIAN ARMED FORCES GSJOINT OPERATIONS COMMAND

PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS CENTER

NATO/PfP Logistics Officers Course 2009

-NATO/PfP LOC 09-

WELCOME PACKAGE

Belgrade, September 14th – 25 th 2009

INDEXPART IPEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS CENTER

1. Background2. Language 3. Non-Attribution Policy4. Attendance5. Plagiarism6. Access to Internet

PART II

ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL INFORMATION7. Arrival8. Non-Academic Matters9. Finance10.Access to school building11.Fraud12.Copy Services13.Refreshments During Breaks14.Distribution Boxes15.Uniform and Dress Policy16.Meals17.Mail Services18.Security19.Personal Responsibility20.Services21.Telephone22.Emergency Medical Care23.Public Transportation

PART III

RESIDENCE BUILDING OPERATION PROCEDURES24.General25.Room Key26.Syndicate Rooms27.Rest rooms28.Cleaning Service29.Room Problems30.Laundry Facilities31.Animals/Pets32.Accommodation Building Visitation33.Social Events34.Care and Maintenance of Facilities and Equipment35.Open Flame Devices and Combustibles36.Quit Hours37.Video cassette/CD players

ANNEXES

PART I

1

SERBIAN ARMED FORCES PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS CENTER

1. Background

The PKOC was established in 2003, 14 October, upon the order of Minister of defence of Serbia and Montenegro. It was the result of renewal of participation of SMAF personnel in PKOs, which occurred in 2002, after 10 years absence.After decision of Republic of Montenegro to obtain a full sovereignty, since June 2006, PKOC becomes the Serbian Armed Forces PKOC.

2. Language Policy

Course working language is English. No translation is provided. All documents will be published in English. Please be advised that it is expected that students (primarily from Serbia) will not communicate in their national languages during educational program and activities, especially when other international students are involved in common work.

3. Non-Attribution Policy

In order to encourage free and open discussion, the PKOC adheres to a strict practice of "non-attribution". All speeches, presentations, remarks and discussions made here - whether by the members of the Instructors Team, visitors or students - are strictly speakers own and are assumed to represent his or her institution or government. It is forbidden to attribute remarks to the speaker. In other words, "what is said at the PKOC stays at the PKOC".

4. Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for all events scheduled on the weekly calendar. If you are not able to attend the lecture or any other activity because of illness, you must tell the course staff. Long absence due to illness will be discussed with the National Authorities. If you want to have an excused absence for personal reasons other than illness, you must receive approval in advance from the Course Director. Please make a request through your National Senior who will act on your behalf. Attendance is imperative and an unexcused absence may result in a student being removed from the course and returned to his nation.

5. Plagiarism

Plagiarism can result immediate removal of the participant from the course and return to his/her nation.

6. Access to Internet

Students will be provided free Internet access after the lectures in the syndicate rooms during working time and 24 hours access in accommodation building.

2

PART IIADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL INFORMATION

7. Arrival

The PKOC is located in the General Staff barracks in Belgrade, part called Banjica (phonetically: Baniza).

8. Non Academic Matters

The local points for all non-academic matters during working hours are the Course Director Capt Saša Vujčić (mob.phone +381648329455).

9. Finance

Each country shall, in accordance with national regulations pay salaries, daily allowances and travel costs of instructors and students sent by her.

10. Access to the school building

All students will be able to access the PKOC only at certain times:MON-FRI 08.00 - 19.00 hrs the students are able to enter the building only through the back door.

11. Fraud

Fraud against the PKOC shall be dealt with as a serious offence that is not condoned. The PKOC abhors any form of dishonesty and any wilful intent to deceive can result in severe penalties, including formal dismissal from the institution.

12. Copy Service

For any copying please contact the Course Admin Officer.

13. Refreshments during breaks

During the morning break, students will be provided with coffee, soft drinks and mineral water, and during the afternoon break, with coffee all free of charge. For any other beverages students can use the vending machine in the PKOC hall.

14. Distribution boxes

Each student is assigned an individual distribution box, which is used to disseminate course schedules, mail, course readings and general information on a wide range of activities. Please check your distribution boxes daily. They are located in the PKOC hall next to the conference room. Many administrative announcements are distributed to the students via distribution boxes. Notes

3

and memos from the course staff, instructors or fellow students are also routed through the distribution boxes.

15. Uniform and dress policy

During this course the following outfit will be needed:

Reporting to PKOC. Civilian clothing.

Classroom activities. Military combat / battle dress uniform (temperate climate).

Outdoor activities and sightseeing of the Belgrade. Warm civilian clothing should be worn for all outdoor visits and activities. The weather in the Serbia can be inclement at times; warm outdoor clothing and shower proof jackets are therefore strongly recommended.

Welcome & Farewell dinner. Smart casual.

Sport activities. As there are good gym facilities available near the PKOC, sports kit is also recommended for those who wish to take part in physical activity.

16. Meals

We will do our best to provide everybody with satisfactory food. Some of you may find the food bland while the others may find it to spicy, please be tolerant and treat the meals as another form of intercultural exchange. Students with specific nutritional needs will be provided by appropriate meals. Please report any unsatisfactory conditions or poor service at the dining facility directly to Course Director.

Breakfast: 07.10 - 07.40 Lunch: 13.30- 14.30Dinner: 18.35 - 19.15

17. Mail service

Since PKOC is located in Belgrade the students can use the country's postal system. Mail should be addressed as follows:

Rank, NameCentar za mirovne operacije Združene operativne komande GŠ VSNeznakog junaka 3811000 BeogradSerbia

18. Security

General Temporary ID cards will be provided to all participants. The ID card should be worn and be visible at all times. The participants do not have access to restricted areas. No weapons and/or ammunition are allowed in the Barracks.

4

No cameras are allowed in the barracks. The security of the perimeter is the responsibility of the guard’s force.

Site safety Jogging on site is not permitted. For jogging use the areas out of the barracks. Light colour or reflective material is encouraged during periods of limited visibility. Running should be in the direction of the oncoming traffic.Horseplay such as pushing and shoving on stairs and running in halls, which may cause injury, is prohibited. Climbing any structure in the barracks is forbidden. Rewiring or tampering with any electrical outlets, smoke detectors, fire alarm systems, lights and heaters is a serious offence, and will be reported for investigation.

19. Personal responsibility

Security within the barracks

The PKOC is located in a closed military installation. Still we strongly recommend that you never leave valuables or personal items unattended at any time.Protect your personal property - thinks PREVENTION. Close and lock all windows when you leave your room. Report missing or stolen items immediately to the Course Director.

Theft It is understood that all students will respect the property of the others. They will not steal.

Shopping When shopping in Serbia, you must be careful not to pass the check out register area with the merchandise you have not yet paid. Do not throw away the cash register ticket; keep it until you come back to the PKOC. Do not put items in your pockets until you have paid for them. Do not take items from one section of the store to another, this can be considered as shoplifting. In some stores you must pay for the items in the section where you have found the item. Do not give the money to the cashier until the bill is totalled. All financial transactions are in Serbian dinars. Exchange offices or banks are very common in the city and there are no significant differences in rates among different exchange offices.

Sexual harassment Proper behaviours toward the opposite sex is fundamental to all cultures represented at the PKOC. The PKOC follows accepted statutes that govern the standards of acceptable behaviours between the sexes.These statutes specifically forbid such unacceptable behaviours as: lewd and suggestive language, unwanted physical contact and actions of similar nature. We ask that each student be especially mindful of the sensitive subject.Improper behaviours toward members of the opposite sex will not be tolerated. Misconduct could result in dismissal from the PKOC and referral to Serbian/national authorities for possible prosecution. All possible measures will be taken to maintain to confidentiality.

5

Disciplinary action The Serbian Police will notify PKOC if a student is detained for suspicion of crime. If Serbian Police or the Military Police detains you, please cooperate with them and identify yourself as a PKOC student. Ask the police to call one of the emergency phones listed on the card you have been given, or ask them to allow you to call. What we will not do: We will not presume quilt. We will not take any action without clear evidence of innocence or guilt. What we will do: We will cooperate with the authorities and request that any investigation be completed without delay. If the result determines that one of our students is guilty, we will end the students stay here, drop them from the course and send them home. If the investigation is not complete before graduation, we will withhold the student evaluation. If the local authorities determine that the student was guilty, we will include that information in the student evaluation that is sent to the student's government. If one of us breaks the law, it brings discredit on us all and the mutual mission of international goodwill we promote here. We consider all our students to be future leaders of their countries.

Tobacco and alcohol

Tobacco:The only smoking area inside the PKOC is the PKOC central hall (in the corner) and in the front of accommodation facility, smoking in the rooms is strictly FORBIDDEN. Smoking outside is allowed only beside the trash bin.

Alcohol:There will be no drinking of alcohol in PKOC. The only exception is if the CO allows celebrations with some alcohol. Nobody can be coerced into drinking. It is forbidden to drink or to store alcohol in the accommodation or the PKOC.

20. Services

Bank facilities Banks can be found all around Belgrade. The closest are 800m to the left of the PKOC. ATM machines are also everywhere around the town.

Religious service Serbian armed forces do not have any religious facilities inside of the barracks.

Physical Training The gym in the Military Academy can be used daily after working hours through Course administration. The fitness room with different equipment, e.g. exercise cycles, a treadmill, and rowing equipments can be found on the ground floor of the accommodation building, too.

21. Telephone

Official Telephone and Faxes Only limited access for international calls is given at the PKOC. To make international official duty call or send an official fax you can do that through the deputy Course Director.

6

Room telephones Telephones in the rooms can be used for receiving calls from outside only (+381 11 3958***), outgoing calls are limited only for inside of barracks use or for local calls (Belgrade 011 postal code area - after dialling 0).

Pay telephones Pay phones are not provided in PKOC, but you can find them throughout town.

22. Emergency medical care

In case of emergency medical help contact the Course Staff. Please notify Course Staff in case of illness so that prior arrangements can be made.

23. Public transport

The easiest way to get to the centre of city is to take trolley No.41. The cost of the ticket is, if bought on any newspaper stand, 42 dinars . If bought on the bus or trolley is 50 dinars. Taxi from the PKOC to the town canter is approx. 400 din, (1 Euro= aprox. 95 dinars).

Visas and passports

The sending Nations are responsible for the travel arrangements of their student officers to Belgrade, Serbia, including the passports and visas.

Graduation and departure

If a special guest from your country (ambassador, minister, etc.) plans to attend the graduation, please notify the Course Admin Officer in advance.

PART III ACCOMMODATION BUILDING OPERATING PROCEDURES

24. General

During your stay you will be accommodated in the "Mali Internat", in single bedrooms. Accommodation is free of charge.

25. Room key

Room key is the student’s own responsibility and should be held all the time with you. The PKOC cannot take any responsibility for the security of your room.

26. Syndicate rooms

Syndicate rooms are available for student’s group working and rehearsal.

27. Rest Rooms

Rest room is provided for student leisure time.

28. Cleaning

7

Our cleaning personnel do cleaning of bathrooms and corridors. Cleaning personnel is not allowed in your rooms so that means you are responsible for maintaining your rooms.

29. Room problems

Any problems with the rooms should be reported to the Course Admin Officer.

30. Laundry facilities

Clothing service is available in the accommodation building on the ground floor (the washers and a dryers). Students don't have to provide their own washing detergent, fabric softener etc. Irons and ironing boards are also available for students' use in the laundry room. Please leave the laundry room clean and be considerate of others using the facilities. Report any problems immediately to the reception desk. Do not try to fix the problem yourself or force the machines to work! Personal hygiene items can be bought at the GS Officers Mess.

31. Animals/pets

Do not bring animals and pets into the residence building.

32. Accommodation building visitation

Overnight guest are not permitted in the accommodation building under any circumstances. This prohibition includes family members. The PKOC is unable to assist participants in such matters as securing visas, finding accommodation, etc.

33. Social events

Welcome dinner

Welcome dinner will be held in one Belgrade restaurant on 14 th

September 2009.

Recreational trips

On 20 th September 2009 there will be a guided tour of the Belgrade city.

34. Care and maintenance of facilities and equipment

All faults with working or living conditions should be reported to DCD immediately. It is in occupant’s responsibility to ensure that the accommodation stays in good order. If you make any damage to your room, you may have to pay for the damage. We will ensure prompt repair of all faulty items.

35. Open flame devices and combustibles

Please do not use any open flame devices such as candles, gas cookers, and lanterns in the residence building. Similarly, use of combustible chemicals, fuels or cleaning fluids is also prohibited.

8

36. Quiet hours

To respect every ones privacy and to ensure all residents are afforded the opportunity for a full nights rest, the following policies are in effect: from 23.00-06.30 (MON-FRI) and from 23.45-08.00 (SAT-SUN) the volume of all TV, radios and stereos will be turned down so as not to disturb other residents. The definition of disturbance is a single complaint. If a second complaint is received, all electronic equipment will be shut of for the duration of the night. A third complaint will result in all violators being reported to their national representative or National Authorities.

37. Video cassette/CD players.

Since VCR or CD players are not provided to the students by PKOC, students are allowed to bring their own and use them according to the regulations.

PART IVSerbia at a glance

Flag Coat of ArmsAnthem: Bože Pravde

Capital Belgrade44°48’N 20°28’E

Largest City BelgradeOfficial language(s) Serbian1

GovernmentPresidentPrime Minister

RepublicBoris TadićVojislav Koštunica

Formation and IndependenceFormation of SerbiaFormation of the Serbian EmpireIndependence from the Ottoman EmpireFormation of YugoslaviaSerbia and Montenegro union dissolved

8501345July 13, 1878December 1, 1918June 5, 2006

AreaTotal

88,361 km2(111th)34,116 sq mi

1 In Vojvodina, the following languages are also official: Romanian, Rusyn, Hungarian, Slovak, and Croatian; in Kosovo-Metohia also: Albanian.

9

Water(%) N/APopulation2005 est.2002 censusDensity

9,400,000(83rd)9,396,411106.34/km2(70th)275/sq mi

GDP(PPP)TotalPer capita

2005 estimate$43.46 billion (82nd)$5,203 102nd)

Currency Dinar2 (CSD)Time Zone-Summer (DST)

CET (UTC+1)CEST (UTC+2)

Internet TLD .yu(.cs reserved)Calling code +381

Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia (Serbian: Република Србија or Republika Srbija), is a landlocked country in central and south-eastern Europe, covering the central part of the Balkan Peninsula and the southern part of the Pannonian Plain. The capital is Belgrade. Serbia borders Hungary to the north; Romania and Bulgaria to the east; the Republic of Macedonia and Albania to the south; and Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the west.

HISTORY

The roots of the Serbian state date back to the 7th century and the House of Vlastimirović. A Serbian kingdom (centered around Duklja) was established in the 11th century. It lasted until the end of the 12th century.The medieval Serbian state was re-formed in the Raška region in the 12th century by the Serbian Grand Župan Stefan Nemanja. In 1220, under Stefan the First Crowned, Serbia became a kingdom, and in 1346, Stefan Dušan established the Serbian Empire. The Empire was disintegrated and fell to the Ottoman Turks after the historic Battle of Kosovo in 1389. The northern Serbian territories (the Serbian Despotate) were totally conquered in 1459 when Smederevo fell. Bosnia fell a few years after Smederevo, and Herzegovina in 1482.

2 The Euro is used in Kosovo-Metohia.

10

Between 1459 and 1804, Serbia was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, despite three Austrian invasions and numerous rebellions.The First Serbian Uprising of 1804-1813, led by Đorđe Petrović (also known as Karađorđe or "Black George"), and the Second Serbian Uprising of 1815 resulted in the establishment of the Principality of Serbia. As it was semi-independent from the Ottoman Empire, it is considered to be the precursor of the formation of modern Serbia.From 1815 to 1903, the House of Obrenović ruled the Serbian state, except from 1842 to 1858, when Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević ruled Serbia. In 1903, the House of Karađorđević, who was descendants of Đorđe Petrović, replaced the House of Obrenović.

The struggle for a modern society, human rights and a nation-state lasted almost three decades and was completed with the adoption of the constitution on 15th February 1835. In 1876, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia declared war against the Ottoman Empire and proclaimed their unification. However, the Treaty of Berlin of 1878, which was signed at the Congress of Berlin by the Great Powers, granted complete independence only to Serbia and Montenegro, leaving Bosnia and Raška to Austria-Hungary, who blocked their unification until the Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913 and WW I.The June 28, 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria at Sarajevo in Austria-Hungary by Gavrilo Princip, a South Slav unionist, Austrian subject and member of ‘’The Young Bosnia’’,

served as a pretext for Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia. Russia started to mobilise its troops in defence of its ally Serbia, which resulted in Germany declaring war on Russia in support of its ally Austria-Hungary. However, as German military planners wished to avoid a war on two fronts against both Russia and France, they attacked France first. This eventually culminated in all the major European Powers being drawn into the war. The Serbian Army won several major victories against Austria-Hungary during World War I, but the joint forces of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria finally overpowered it. In World War I, Serbia had 1,264,000 casualties - 28% of its total population, and 58% of its male population.After 1918, Serbia, along with Montenegro, was a founding member of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later known as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During World War II, Serbia was a German-occupied puppet state that included present-day Central Serbia and Banat, popularly called Nedić's Serbia. The occupying powers committed numerous crimes against the civilian population, especially against Serbs and Jews. In 1945, Serbia was established as one of the federal units of the second Yugoslavia, the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, led by Josip Broz Tito until his death in 1980. After the collapse of the second Yugoslavia in 1992 until the year 2003, Serbia, together with Montenegro, was part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Despite the civil wars in neighbouring Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia remained peaceful until 1998.Between 1998 and 1999, continued clashes in Kosovo-Metohija between Serbian and Yugoslav security forces and the “K.L.A” prompted a NATO aerial bombardment, which lasted for 78 days. The attacks were stopped when Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević agreed to remove all security forces,

11

including the military and the police, and have them replaced by a body of international police and coalition troops of the UN and NATO.From 2003 to 2006, Serbia was part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, into which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had been transformed. On May 21, 2006, Montenegro held a referendum to determine whether or not to end the union with Serbia. The next day, state-certified results showed 55.5% of voters in favour of independence, which was just above the 55% required by the referendum. On June 3, the Parliament of Montenegro declared Montenegro independent of the State Union and on June 5, the National Assembly of Serbia declared Serbia the successor to the State Union.

GEOGRAPHY

Serbia is located in the Balkans (a historically and geographically distinct region of south-eastern Europe) and in the Pannonian Plain (a region of central Europe). It shares borders with Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, the Republic of Macedonia, and Romania. Serbia is landlocked, although the Danube River provides shipping access to inland Europe and the Black Sea.Serbia's terrain ranges from the rich, fertile plains of the northern Vojvodina region, limestone ranges and basins in the east, and, in the southeast, ancient mountains and hills. The Danube River dominates the north. A tributary, the Morava River, flows through the more mountainous southern regions.The Serbian climate varies between a continental climate in the north, with cold winters, and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall patterns, and a more Adriatic climate in the south with hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy inland snowfall.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISIONS

12

Political map of Serbia

Serbia is divided into 29 districts (5 of which are in Kosovo-Metohija, outside of central government administration) and the city of Belgrade. The districts are further divided into 108 municipalities. It has two autonomous provinces: Kosovo and Metohija in the south (with 30 municipalities), which is presently under the administration of the United Nations, and Vojvodina in the north (with 46 municipalities).The part of Serbia that is neither in Kosovo and Metohija nor in Vojvodina is called Central Serbia. Central Serbia is not an administrative division (unlike the two autonomous provinces), and it has no regional government of its own. In English this region is often called "Serbia proper" to denote "the part of the Republic of Serbia not including the provinces of Vojvodina and Kosovo". This usage was also employed in Serbo-Croatian during the Yugoslav era (in the form of "uža Srbija" literally: narrower Serbia). Its use in English is purely geographical without any particular political meaning being implied.

POLITICS

On 4 February 2003 the parliament of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia agreed to a weaker form of cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro within a commonwealth called Serbia and Montenegro.After the ousting of Slobodan Milošević on 5 October 2000, the country was governed by the Democratic Opposition of Serbia. Tensions gradually increased within the coalition until the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) left the government, leaving the Democratic Party (DS) in overall control. Nevertheless, in 2004 the DSS gathered enough support to form the new Government of Serbia, together with G17 Plus and coalition SPO-NS, and the support of the Socialist Party of Serbia. The Prime Minister of Serbia is Vojislav Koštunica, leader of the Democratic Party of Serbia.The current President of Serbia is Boris Tadić, leader of the Democratic Party (DS). He was elected with 53% of the vote in the second round of the Serbian presidential election held on 27 June 2004, following several unsuccessful elections since 2002.

13

The current Prime Minister of the Government of Serbia, as of March 2004, is the former Yugoslav president, Vojislav Koštunica, who replaced Slobodan Milošević as Yugoslav president in October of 2000.

ECONOMY

The following economic data from the IMF and CIA apply to the former state union of Serbia and Montenegro (SCG). For future GDP (purchasing power parity) and GDP (official exchange rate) of Serbia, the current SCG figures may be reduced by approximately 6% - the average proportion of Montenegro's GDP within the total for SCG between 2003 and 2006.

TRANSPORTATION

Serbia, in particular the valley of the Morava, is often described as "the crossroads between East and West", which is one of the primary reasons for its turbulent history. The Morava valley route, which avoids mountainous regions, is by far the easiest way of travelling overland from continental Europe to Greece and Asia Minor.European routes E65, E70, E75 and E80, as well as the E662, E761, E762, E763, E771, and E851 pass through the country. The E70 westwards from Belgrade and most of the E75 are modern highways of motorway / autobahn standard or close to that.The Danube River, central Europe's connection to the Black Sea, flows through Serbia.There are three international airports in Serbia: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, Niš Constantine the Great Airport, and Priština International Airport (last one is located in the Serbian province of Kosovo-Metohija). The national carrier is Jat Airways and the railway system is operated by Beovoz in Belgrade and by ZTP Yugoslavia on the national level.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Mostly Serbs populate Serbia. Significant minorities include Albanians (who are a majority in the province of Kosovo-Metohia), Hungarians, Bosniaks, Roma, Croats, Slovaks, Bulgarians, Romanians, etc. Serbia consists of three territories: the province of Kosovo and Metohia, the province of Vojvodina and Central Serbia (Serbian Cyrillic: Централна Србија, Serbian Latin: Centralna Srbija, English: Central Serbia. Note: The English language sometimes uses the varieties such are "Serbia proper" or "Narrower Serbia"). The two provinces are ethnically diverse, which originates in the fact, that the country has been organised from parts ruled by the former Muslim Ottoman Empire in the south and parts ruled by the former Catholic Habsburg Empire in the north.

The northern province of Vojvodina is the most developed part of the country in terms of economic strength. Together with the former Yugoslav republics of Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vojvodina was under the administration of Austria-Hungary before the First World War. Vojvodina is one of the most ethnically diverse territories in Europe, with more than 25 different national communities. According to the last completed census (2002), the province has a population of about 2 million, of which: Serbs 65%, Hungarians 14.3%, Slovaks 2.79%, Croats 2.78%, undeclared 2.71%, Yugoslavs 2.45%, Montenegrins 1.75%, Romanians 1.50%, Roma 1.43%, Bunjevci 0.97%, Ruthenians 0.77%, Macedonians 0.58%, regional affiliation

14

0.50%, Ukrainians 0.23%, others (Albanians, Slovenians, Germans, Poles, Chinese etc). Population statistics of Serbia (Estimate May 2005) Serbia (total): 9,396,411 Vojvodina: 2,116,725 Central Serbia: 5,479,686 Kosovo and Metohija: 1,800,000

CULTURE

Serbia is one of Europe's most culturally diverse countries. The borders between large empires ran through the territory of today's Serbia for long periods in history: between the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire; and between the Ottoman Empire and the Austrian Empire (later Austria Hungary). As a result, while the north is culturally Central European, the south is rather more Oriental. Of course, both regions have influenced each other, and so the distinction between north and south is artificial to some extent.The Byzantine Empire's influence on Serbia was perhaps the greatest. Serbs are Orthodox Christians, not Roman Catholics, with their own national church - the Serb Orthodox Church. They also use the Cyrillic alphabet, although in the past century the Roman alphabet has gained ground enormously. The monasteries of Serbia, built largely in the Middle Ages, are one of the most valuable and visible traces of medieval Serbia's association with the Byzantium.

SERBIAN HOLIDAYS

Date Name Notes

January 1/2 New Year's Day

January 7 Orthodox Christmas

January 14National Holiday (Orthodox New Year)

"Српска Нова Година" "Srpska Nova Godina"

January 27 Saint Sava's feast Day Day of Spirituality

February 15 Sretenje Serbian National Day, Armed Forces Day

April 17 Orthodox Good Friday

April 19 Orthodox Easter

May 1/2 Labour DayMay 9 Victory Day

June 28 Vidovdan (Martyr's Day)In memory of soldiers fallen at the Battle of Kosovo 1389

BELGRADE

15

Belgrade (Beograd) is the capital of Serbia, having about 1,6 million inhabitants. It is located in the southeast of Europe, in the Balkan Peninsula, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and since ancient times it has been an important traffic focal point, an intersection of the roads of Eastern and Western Europe.Belgrade is the capital of Serbian culture, education, science and economy. As a result of its tumultuous history, many nations live in Belgrade for centuries, and the majority of the populations make Serbs (86%) of Orthodox persuasion. The official language is Serbian, while foreigners are recommended to use English in communication.

Belgrade is situated at the place where the Sava joins the Danube. Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe and, beside Athens, the greatest urban whole of the Balkan Peninsula. The oldest archaeological artifacts from Belgrade area date back to the fifth millennium B.C. The members of a Celtic tribe founded Singidunum in the III century B.C., while the first record of the name Belgrade dates back to 878 A.D. During its long and tumultuous history, 40 armies have conquered Belgrade, and 38 times it has been raised up from the ashes.

In the field of traffic and transport, it is a city of the highest importance as a road and railway canter, as a port for river and air traffic, and as a telecommunication canter. It spreads over 3.6% of the territory of Serbia, and 15.8% of Serbian population lives in this city. Also, 31.2% of all employed workers in Serbia work in Belgrade.

16

Important economic and agricultural capacities are developed in Belgrade, especially metallurgy, metalworking industry and electronic industry, then commerce and banking. The free trade zone is located in the wider area of Belgrade, Smederevo and Pancevo, on the banks of the Danube river, covering 2,000 sqm of business space. Also, 30% of the national product of Serbia is made in Belgrade.Belgrade is the capital of Serbian culture, education and science. It has the greatest concentration of institutions of national importance in the field of science and art. There is the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, established in 1886 as the Serbian Royal Academy: the National Library of Serbia, established in 1832; the National Museum, established in 1841 and the National Theatre, established in 1869. The city is also the seat of the Belgrade University, founded in 1808 as the Great School, and the seat of the University of Art.Belgrade has the status of a separate territorial unit in Serbia, having its own autonomous city government. Its territory is divided into 17 municipalities, having their own local governmental bodies."The sky above Belgrade is wide and high, unstable but always beautiful; even during winter serenities with their icy splendour; even during summer storms when the whole of it turns into a single gloomy cloud which, driven by the mad wind, carries the rain mixed with the dust of panonian plain; even in spring when it seems that it also blooms, along with the ground; even in autumn when it grows heavy with the autumn stars in swarms. Always beautiful and rich, as a compensation to this strange town for everything that isn't there, and a consolation because of everything that shouldn't be there.But the greatest splendour of that sky above Belgrade, that are the sunsets. In autumn and in summer, they are broad and bright like desert mirages, and in winter murky clouds and dark red hazes smother them. And in every time of year frequently come the days when the flame of that sun setting in the plain, between the rivers beneath Belgrade, gets reflected way up in the high celestial dome, and it breaks there and pours down over the scattered town. Then, for a moment, the reddish tint of the sun paints even the remotest corners of Belgrade and reflects into the windows, even of those houses it otherwise poorly illuminates." Written about Belgrade by: Ivo Andrić, Serbian Nobel Prize laureate.

HISTORY

17

Belgrade, a city of very tumultuous history, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its history lasts full 7,000 years. The area around two great rivers, the Sava and the Danube has been inhabited as early as Palaeolithic period. Remains of human bones and skulls of Neanderthals found in the stone-pit near Leštane, in a cave in Čukarica and near the Bajloni market, date back to the early Stone Age.Remains of the late Stone Age culture have been found in Vinčia, Žarkovo and in Upper Town, above the Sava and Dunav confluence. It indicates that the area of Belgrade has been continually inhabited and that the intensity of the settling has been getting higher and higher. Many of today's settlements in Belgrade surroundings lie on cultural layers of earlier prehistoric settlements.Vinča near Belgrade comes among the most important settlements and cultural sites of the prehistoric period. The presence of Illyrians is characteristic for the Bronze Age. The archaeological excavations at Rospi Ćuprija, Upper Town, Karaburma, Zemun and Vinča confirm hypotheses that the Belgrade area has been intensively inhabited and that its population has been engaged in plough agriculture and other supporting economic activities. Necropolises of the Bronze and Metal Ages as well as the evidence of different cultural influences have been discovered at these locations.

SIGHTS

There are spots in Belgrade you must definitely see and feel. Streets, squares, monuments, parks, drinking fountains, archaeological sites... and other sights that deserve recommendation. Many of them have been given the status of cultural assets.

CULTURE AND ART

Belgrade is the centre of culture and art of Serbia and Montenegro. It is Belgrade where our most notable artists create, where over 9.000 theatrical performances, exhibitions, concerts, performance events, and other artistic programs are presented and where prominent authors in the world of art are

18

hosted. Belgrade is the centre of the highest state and national institutions of culture and art: Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Library of Serbia, the National Museum, the National Theatre and the University of Arts.

It is Belgrade where the most significant works of architecture are located, with Kalemegdan accommodating Belgrade Fortress, cultural monuments and other immovable cultural treasures, numerous archaeological sites with remnants of developed civilization and culture on Belgrade territory from prehistory until this day.The City of Belgrade is the founder of 34 cultural institutions (10 theatres, 8 institutions for protection of cultural values, 4 libraries, 12 cultural centers and galleries) and the supporter of 2 public companies, at the same time the contributor in the implementation of schedules and scheduled attractions of 101 institutions and artistic associations.The City of Belgrade is the founder of 9 cultural events (FEST, BITEF, BEMUS, BELEF, International Competition of Music Youth, Festival of Documentary and Short film, October Salon, Joy of Europe, Belgrade Book Fair), and also the supporter of 38 events in the field of culture performed in Belgrade.The Secretariat of Culture within the City Administration is in charge of culture and art.

WHY BELGRADE?

Come to a city where you will feel at home.This is not a tourist slogan but the truth. We are not bearing in mind the well know Serbian hospitality that seems to grow with the number of kilometres our guest has made to come to Belgrade. Belgrade is an unusual mosaic built up by centuries of overlapping civilizations in which everyone finds at least something that reminds him of home, obviously wrapped up in the inimitable Belgrade charm.There is no place in the world with such a natural combination of oriental passion and European finesse. Having stood on the path of many conquests going both from the East and from the West, Belgrade has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, and has not the continuity of style and the elegance of similar European big cities. On the other hand, it has abundant vitality, sense of humour, curiosity. That's why you will never get bored in Belgrade!Here are six convincing reasons for you to visit Belgrade as soon as possible:

19

Belgrade Centuries - history of one of the oldest European citiesBelgrade Spirit - Belgraders seen through art, sport, bohemianism and politicsBelgrade Sights - what you just must seeReligious Belgrade - Orthodox and other templesGreen Belgrade - two rivers and a lot of greenBelgrade Events - calendar of cultural, entertainment, sports and fair events

BELGRADE THROUGH CENTURIES

The first

settlements on the territory of present day Belgrade date back to the fourth millennium B.C. Vinča is a prehistoric location on the very bank of the Danube, with remains of material culture of prehistoric man (Neolithic plastics). The first settlers didn't choose this area by accident. Two big rivers - the Danube and the Sava, the fertile plain and a rich hinterland, a natural crossroad of river and land trails were a temptation for all peoples that roamed the region in ancient times. This is testified by a nearly Ancient sources provide the oldest known name for Belgrade - Singidunum. Seemingly, this is a compound word made of the name of the Dacian tribe called Singi and the Celtic word dunum witch means fortress, i.e. town. This interpretation indicates the existence of two ethnic roots and is based on the belief that the earlier inhabitants were Singis, and that the name of the settlement came about when the Celts migrated here and finally mixed with the indigenous population. 6000 years long history - and the first written documents date back to the 3rd century B.C.

The name of the settlement was preserved throughout the Roman rule. With the division of the Roman Empire in 395, Singidunum passed over to the Eastern Empire, i.e. Byzantium, and the name of the city gained a Greek sound: Singidunum became Singidon.

Favored by the weaknesses in the defence of the Byzantine border, Slavs started frequently crossing the Danube in the 6th century and gradually settled in the area. The stone built fortress rising above the rivers was dubbed Beli Grad (white city). The name Beograd is officially mentioned for the first time in an epistle dated April 16th 878. sent by Pope John VIII to prince Boris of Bulgaria.

20

Belgrade is mentioned in several Slavic manuscripts written between 11th and 15th century. The most relevant remarks are found in the St. Clement of Ohrid hagiography written at the end of 11th or at the beginning of 12th century. The manuscript reveals that in 886, Belgrade hosted two fugitives from Moravia - promoters of Slavic literacy: St. Cyril and St. Method. Between the 16th and 19th century Belgrade is referred to with various names in different languages: Alba Graeca, Alba Bulgarica, Bello grado, Nandor Alba, Griechisch Weissenburg, Castelbianco... However, all these names are translations of the Slavic word Beograd.

BELGRADE SITIES

Kalemegdan Belgrade Fortress Old Belgrade City center "Skadarliia"Slavija and the surrounding zone Zemun

Some of the important city streets have been traced nearly a dozen centuries ago. Strolling around the canter of the city you will be taking a walk through history one can breathe and feel in many places. Find your favourite place in Belgrade. Don't just follow the recommendations of your hosts -Belgraders are often unaware of the many wonderful, peaceful corners in their city. They've grown accustomed to them, since they see them every day!

RELIGIOUS BELGRADE

21

I cometh and found the noblest burgh from ancient times, the grand town of Belgrade, by sorry fate destroyed and nearly void. Having rebuilt it, I consecrated it to the Holy Mother of God. (Despot Stefan Lazarević)Along with Constantinople, Belgrade is one of the two towns in the world consecrated to the Holy Mother of God. Despot Stefan Lazarević has consecrated it in 1403 with a special charter, quoted by the despot's biographer Constantine the Philosopher in his works.

Ever since the town feast Belgrade celebrates is Ascension Day, symbolizing the resurrection of the city from ashes. It is one of the ten holy feasts dedicated to Christ, always celebrated on a Thursday - forty days after Easter and ten days before Pentecost. On that day, there is a traditional religious procession along the main city streets in which many Belgraders take part.Belgrade is one of the spiritual center of the Balkans. The dominant religion in this area is Christian Orthodox. The blending of Orthodox Christianity, Byzantine culture and Slav soul is easily felt even in the smallest churches if one glances at the frescoes of rulers and saints, painted over the centuries.

Patrijaršija Srpske pravoslavne crkve(Patriarchate of the Serbian Orthodox church)It was built in 1935, on the ground were once stood the metropolitan's residence in 1847-49. The Russian architect Viktor Lukomski designed the building. The Patriarchate is the residence of the Head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and it also serves as a library and a museum.Muzej Srpske pravoslavne crkve (Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church) The Museum was founded in 1954, and its exhibits from the cultural history of Serbia make it one of the richest in the country. Particularly valuable are the King Milutin's Shroud from 14th century, the prince Lazar's mantle and the chalice of Ivan the Terrible - the 1st czar of Russia.

GREEN BELGRADE

When you feel like going outdoors in Belgrade, the biggest problem is deciding where to go first:The Danube and the Sava, Ada Ciganlija island, Mt. Avala, Kosutnjak Hill, Toptider Park. In the forests in the outskirts of Belgrade dozens of rare bird species live, along with other exceptional flora and fauna. In fact, 182 trees in Belgrade have been listed as natural monuments and protected by the law. The Belgrade green treasure covers an area of over 4000 hectares.In particular, the following environments and sites enjoy special protection and status:

22

-The "Jevremovac" Botanical Garden with over 250 species of trees 300 herbaceous species.-Banjička suma (Banjica Forest) - and ornithological reservation for migratory birds-Veliko ratno ostrvo (Major War Island) - a reservation for migratory ornitho-fauna-Pionirski park (Pioneers' Park) - a protected environment around the Stari Dvor (Old Court) monument-Kalemegdan - protected environment around the Belgrade Fortress and the ZOO.-Topčider Park and Kosutnjak Hill - as a cultural-historical heritage environment.-Zemunski City Park - as a protected cultural monuments environment.

23