Kneževo
Encyclopedia
Kneževo is a town and municipality in central Bosnia and Herzegovina
. It lies about 40 kilometres (24.9 mi) south-east of Banja Luka
and is part of the Republika Srpska
entity. In 1992, during the Bosnian War
, the town was renamed from Skender Vakuf (approx. "Alexander's Endowment") to Kneževo ("Prince's Town") as part of the "language war" or "linguistic cleansing".. (The old, "Bosnian" name remains in use in some circles, but is not mentioned once on the municipality's home page.) Part of the municipality was split off to form the municipality of Dobretići
in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
entity.
The area was settled already in the Roman era, as is indicated by the remains of Roman Basilica
s in Imljani
and Javorani
, and remains of the Roman road from Servitium (Banja Luka
) to Levsaba (Travnik
) were also found in the vicinity. Tombstones of Stećak
type date back into the 14th/15th century, when the area was part of the Kingdom of Bosnia
. The most famous are from the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1463 the town became part of the Ottoman Empire
and Islam was to become the dominant religion of the region. The charitable endowment (vakuf) that is reflected in the town's traditional name Skender Vakuf (after Ali-dedo Skender) contributed to urbanization. The Old Mosque was significant and one of the first in the region. It was destroyed, along with the New Mosque, in the Bosnian War in 1992. A significant holy site of Islam is also nearby, in Ajvatovica
.
and surrounded by the mountain chains of Čemernica, Ranča
in the west, Vlašić
in the south and Ježica in the north-east. The river Ugar is derived from the Turkish word "ugur", meaning good luck. The municipality has an official altitude of 864 metres (2,834.6 ft), but really ranges from 600 to 1493 m (1,968.5 to 4,898.3 ft). Kneževo is 50 kilometres (31.1 mi) southeast of Banja Luka by the M56 motorway.
Neighbouring municipalities are Čelinac
(extreme north), Kotor Varoš
(east), Travnik
, Dobretići
, Jajce
(south), Mrkonjić Grad
and the city of Banja Luka
(west). The southern border is defined by the border of the Republika Srpska
with the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
, the country's other entity. The mountainous region in the south is forested and impracticable; its limestone mountains reach a height of 1493 metres (4,898.3 ft).
The municipality is subdivided into Javorani, Bastaji, Kneževo, Živinice, Imljani, Vlatković, Mokri Lug, Šolaji and Kostici. Since 1995 the former south-western subdivisions of Davidovići, Dobretići, Kričići and Melina are part of the municipality of Dobretići
in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
After the war majority of Skender Vakuf municipality became part of Republic of Srpska. Part of the municipality which included four Croatian settlements (almost all of Croatian population in prewar municipality) became part of Federation of Bosnia - Hercegovina is new municipality - Dobretići
.
, Donji Orašac, Golo Brdo, Gornji Orašac, Imljani, Javorani
, Kobilja, Kostići, Kričići - Jejići, Melina, Mijatovići, Milaševci, Mokri Lug, Paunovići, Pavlovići, Prisika, Rađići, Skender Vakuf, Slipčevići, Šolaji, Vitovlje Malo, Vlatkovići, Vukovići, Zapeće, Zasavica, Zubovići i Živinice.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
. It lies about 40 kilometres (24.9 mi) south-east of Banja Luka
Banja Luka
-History:The name "Banja Luka" was first mentioned in a document dated February 6, 1494, but Banja Luka's history dates back to ancient times. There is a substantial evidence of the Roman presence in the region during the first few centuries A.D., including an old fort "Kastel" in the centre of...
and is part of the Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska is one of two main political entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
entity. In 1992, during the Bosnian War
Bosnian War
The Bosnian War or the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina was an international armed conflict that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina between April 1992 and December 1995. The war involved several sides...
, the town was renamed from Skender Vakuf (approx. "Alexander's Endowment") to Kneževo ("Prince's Town") as part of the "language war" or "linguistic cleansing".. (The old, "Bosnian" name remains in use in some circles, but is not mentioned once on the municipality's home page.) Part of the municipality was split off to form the municipality of Dobretići
Dobretici
Dobretići is a village and municipality in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is one of the youngest and smallest municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina hence being one of the poorest municipalities as well...
in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two political entities that compose the sovereign country of Bosnia and Herzegovina . The two entities are delineated by the Inter-Entity Boundary Line...
entity.
The area was settled already in the Roman era, as is indicated by the remains of Roman Basilica
Basilica
The Latin word basilica , was originally used to describe a Roman public building, usually located in the forum of a Roman town. Public basilicas began to appear in Hellenistic cities in the 2nd century BC.The term was also applied to buildings used for religious purposes...
s in Imljani
Imljani
Imljani , is a village in Kneževo municipality, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-Ethnic composition, 1991 census:- References :...
and Javorani
Javorani
Javorani , is a village in Kneževo municipality, near Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.- Ethnic composition, 1991 census :- References :...
, and remains of the Roman road from Servitium (Banja Luka
Banja Luka
-History:The name "Banja Luka" was first mentioned in a document dated February 6, 1494, but Banja Luka's history dates back to ancient times. There is a substantial evidence of the Roman presence in the region during the first few centuries A.D., including an old fort "Kastel" in the centre of...
) to Levsaba (Travnik
Travnik
Travnik is a city and municipality in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, 90 km west of Sarajevo. It is the capital of the Central Bosnia Canton, and is located in the Travnik Municipality. Travnik today has some 27,000 residents, with a metro population that is probably close to 70,000 people...
) were also found in the vicinity. Tombstones of Stećak
Stecak
The Stećci , are monumental medieval tombstones that lie scattered across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the border parts of Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. An estimated 60,000 are found within the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rest of 10,000 are found in Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro...
type date back into the 14th/15th century, when the area was part of the Kingdom of Bosnia
Kingdom of Bosnia
The Kingdom of Bosnia or the Bosnian Kingdom was one of the medieval kingdoms of the Balkans, existing between 1377 and 1463.- Establishment :...
. The most famous are from the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1463 the town became part of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
and Islam was to become the dominant religion of the region. The charitable endowment (vakuf) that is reflected in the town's traditional name Skender Vakuf (after Ali-dedo Skender) contributed to urbanization. The Old Mosque was significant and one of the first in the region. It was destroyed, along with the New Mosque, in the Bosnian War in 1992. A significant holy site of Islam is also nearby, in Ajvatovica
Ajvatovica
Ajvatovica is the largest Islamic traditional, religious and cultural event in Europe. It is located near Prusac in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was named after Ajvaz-dedo who was a devout Muslim working to enlighten the population and achieve progress in the area.- Holy Site of Ajvatovica :According...
.
Geography
Kneževo is located between the rivers Ugar, Vrbas and VrbanjaVrbanja
Vrbanja, a village in the region of Spačva, Croatia, 24 km southeast of Županja; elevation 87 m. Chief occupations include farming, livestock breeding and forestry. The village is located on the regional road Vinkovci - Gunja - Brčko . Vrbanja named after the willows...
and surrounded by the mountain chains of Čemernica, Ranča
Rânca
Rânca is a recently developed Romanian resort, located at 1,600 m elevation, at the foothill of Păpuşa Peak in the Parâng Mountains....
in the west, Vlašić
Vlasic
Vlasic Pickles is an American brand of pickles currently owned by Pinnacle Foods. Since its introduction in 1942, it has become one of the most popular pickle brands in the United States.-History:...
in the south and Ježica in the north-east. The river Ugar is derived from the Turkish word "ugur", meaning good luck. The municipality has an official altitude of 864 metres (2,834.6 ft), but really ranges from 600 to 1493 m (1,968.5 to 4,898.3 ft). Kneževo is 50 kilometres (31.1 mi) southeast of Banja Luka by the M56 motorway.
Neighbouring municipalities are Čelinac
Celinac
Čelinac is a town and municipality in north-west Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The municipality lies about to the east of the city of Banja Luka.-Geography:...
(extreme north), Kotor Varoš
Kotor Varoš
Kotor Varoš is a town and municipality in northwestern Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-History:The city was first mentioned in the 10th century, when it was called Kotor. Varoš, added later, means "town" in Hungarian...
(east), Travnik
Travnik
Travnik is a city and municipality in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, 90 km west of Sarajevo. It is the capital of the Central Bosnia Canton, and is located in the Travnik Municipality. Travnik today has some 27,000 residents, with a metro population that is probably close to 70,000 people...
, Dobretići
Dobretici
Dobretići is a village and municipality in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is one of the youngest and smallest municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina hence being one of the poorest municipalities as well...
, Jajce
Jajce
Jajce is a city and municipality located in the central part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is part of the Central Bosnia Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity...
(south), Mrkonjić Grad
Mrkonjic Grad
Mrkonjić Grad is a town and municipality in western Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Republika Srpska entity. It is located in the Bosanska Krajina, between Banja Luka and Jajce.-Name:...
and the city of Banja Luka
Banja Luka
-History:The name "Banja Luka" was first mentioned in a document dated February 6, 1494, but Banja Luka's history dates back to ancient times. There is a substantial evidence of the Roman presence in the region during the first few centuries A.D., including an old fort "Kastel" in the centre of...
(west). The southern border is defined by the border of the Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska is one of two main political entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
with the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two political entities that compose the sovereign country of Bosnia and Herzegovina . The two entities are delineated by the Inter-Entity Boundary Line...
, the country's other entity. The mountainous region in the south is forested and impracticable; its limestone mountains reach a height of 1493 metres (4,898.3 ft).
The municipality is subdivided into Javorani, Bastaji, Kneževo, Živinice, Imljani, Vlatković, Mokri Lug, Šolaji and Kostici. Since 1995 the former south-western subdivisions of Davidovići, Dobretići, Kričići and Melina are part of the municipality of Dobretići
Dobretici
Dobretići is a village and municipality in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is one of the youngest and smallest municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina hence being one of the poorest municipalities as well...
in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Municipality
| Ethnic Composition | |||||||||||||
| Year | Serb | % | Croats | % | Muslims | % | Yugoslavs | % | Others | % | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 8,564 | 93.12% | 19 | 0.21% | 560 | 6.09% | 28 | 0.89% | 19 | 0.21% | 9,190 | ||
| 1971 | 15,926 | 74.35% | 4,431 | 20.69% | 947 | 4.42% | 9 | 0.04% | 106 | 0.49% | 21,419 | ||
| 1981 | 15,953 | 69.52% | 5,395 | 23.51% | 1,141 | 4.97% | 322 | 1.40% | 141 | 0.61% | 22,948 | ||
| 1991 | 13,263 | 68.30% | 4,770 | 24.56% | 1,071 | 5.52% | 169 | 0.87% | 145 | 0.75% | 19,418 | ||
| Note:After 1961 the municipal borders changed. The municipality became significantly larger. | |||||||||||||
After the war majority of Skender Vakuf municipality became part of Republic of Srpska. Part of the municipality which included four Croatian settlements (almost all of Croatian population in prewar municipality) became part of Federation of Bosnia - Hercegovina is new municipality - Dobretići
Dobretici
Dobretići is a village and municipality in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is one of the youngest and smallest municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina hence being one of the poorest municipalities as well...
.
Town
| Ethnic Composition | |||||||||||||
| Year | Serb | % | Croats | % | Muslims | % | Yugoslavs | % | Others | % | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 383 | 38.61% | 16 | 1.61% | 560 | 56.45% | 28 | 2.82% | 5 | 0.50% | 992 | ||
| 1971 | 723 | 42.83% | 17 | 1.01% | 923 | 54.68% | 5 | 0.30% | 20 | 1.18% | 1,688 | ||
| 1981 | 1,491 | 51.24% | 45 | 1.55% | 1,118 | 38.42% | 205 | 7.04% | 51 | 1.75% | 2,910 | ||
| 1991 | 2,484 | 66.08% | 42 | 1.12% | 1,063 | 28.28% | 111 | 2.95% | 59 | 1.57% | 3,759 | ||
Settlements
until 1991
Bastaji, Bokani, Borak, Bregovi, Brnjići, Bunar, Čarići, Ćukovac, Davidovići, DobratićiDobretici
Dobretići is a village and municipality in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is one of the youngest and smallest municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina hence being one of the poorest municipalities as well...
, Donji Orašac, Golo Brdo, Gornji Orašac, Imljani, Javorani
Javorani
Javorani , is a village in Kneževo municipality, near Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.- Ethnic composition, 1991 census :- References :...
, Kobilja, Kostići, Kričići - Jejići, Melina, Mijatovići, Milaševci, Mokri Lug, Paunovići, Pavlovići, Prisika, Rađići, Skender Vakuf, Slipčevići, Šolaji, Vitovlje Malo, Vlatkovići, Vukovići, Zapeće, Zasavica, Zubovići i Živinice.