Nikšić
Encyclopedia
Nikšić is a city in Montenegro
(42.78°N 18.94°E). In 2003 the city had a total population about 75,000.
Nikšić is located in Nikšić plain, at the foot of Mount Trebjesa. It is the center of the municipality (Population of 75,282), which is the largest in Montenegro by area. Nikšić is the second largest city in Montenegro, after Podgorica
, and is an important industrial, cultural, and educational center.
military camp
. The camp was probably founded on the site of the previous Illyrian
tribal settlement. The camp and the settlement were known as Anagastum, which was later transliterated as Onogošt, which was the name of the city throughout the Middle Ages
.
The settlement got its Slavic name of Onogošt during the migrations of the Slavs into the area. During the early Slavic state of Duklja
, Onogošt was mentioned as one of the župa
s (administrative divisions) within Podgorje area. Along with the rest of Duklja, Nikšić became a part of Rascia in 9th century. With the dissolution of Rascia, Nikšić came under the rule of Kingdom of Bosnia
in 1373, and was under the rule of Kosača family of Herzegovina
from 1448 until Herzegovina fell to the Ottomans.
Ottoman Empire
took hold of Nikšić in 1455, and it stayed under control of the Turks for more than four hundred years, as a part of Herzegovina Province
. During the later years of Ottoman occupation, Nikšić served as a significant fortified military stronghold. It was liberated by Montenegrins in 1877, under the command of Duke Mašo Vrbica. After the liberation, the small Ottoman hamlet began to transform into a modern urban settlement. The first urban plan was adopted in 1883, commissioned by King Nicholas
, and designed by Croatian
architect Josip Slade. Development of Nikšić is based on the guidelines of 1883 plan to this day. Simultaneously with urban development, cultural and economical expansion followed after inclusion of Nikšić into Montenegro.
Although the city was not devastated in World Wars as much as Podgorica
, all development and growth were halted. After the city was liberated from German
occupation in 1944, the most dynamic growth of Nikšić followed. The city population was increased tenfold, and Nikšić became the heart of Montenegrin industrial complex. During the SFRY era, the city flourished, as steel
and iron
works, bauxite
mines, electricity production, brewery
and wood processing
industries were set up in and around the city.
However, as a mainly industrial city, Nikšić was hit hard during the severe economic stagnation and decline of the industries throughout Montenegro during the 1990s
, with Yugoslav Wars
raging in the region. Some of the industries recovered during the 2000s, and industry still makes up for the most economic activity in the city.
with an area of 48 km², and an elevation of 640 m AMSL. The plain is surrounded by inhospitable rocky mountainous terrain, a typical landscape of western Montenegro. The city itself is located at the foot of the Trebjesa hill.
Zeta river originates in the Nikšić field, and flows near the city of Nikšić, before it becomes a subterranean river
south of the city. The river caused frequent flooding of the plain, until the construction of Hydroelectric power plant
Perućica in 1960. The construction of the power plant resulted in creation of three large artificial lakes
near the city - Krupac Lake, Slano Lake and Vrtac Lake. Today, the lakes are a popular recreation and relaxation retreats for the citizens of Nikšić.
and Continental climate
. Average temperature for January is 1.3 °C (34.3 °F), while average temperature in July is 21.1 °C (70 °F). Average humidity amounts to 68,6%. Nikšić receives 2.245 hours of sunshine per year, with hot and dry summer, and rainy winter. On average, there are 19 days per year with snowfall.
architectural heritage, despite the long presence of Ottoman Empire
in the area. The city layout visible today still follows the 1883 urban plan commissioned by King Nicholas
and designed by Croatian
architect Josip Slade.
According to this plan, the streets of Nikšić radiate to the north and east from the central city square (today a roundabout
), locally known as Skver. The radial streets are intersected by circumferential streets and avenues, thus creating a half-spider web
-like street layout.
Layers of different architectural styles and urban patterns are evident along the radial network of streets. Thus, closest to the central roundabout is the historical core of Nikšić, formed after the liberation from Ottoman Empire, and serving as a nucleus for Slade's urban plan. This area, on the foot of Trebjesa Hill, is home to King Nicholas
Palace, City Park, and King Nicholas Square, main city square located along the central Njegoševa
Street. The area is composed of mostly single or two storey row housing
with basic designs, an architecture typical for late 19th century and early 20th century Montenegro. The roundabout and the surrounding area is still the focal point of activities in the city, as bus and train stations, as well as commercial and civic services are located in the area.
Farther from the central roundabout, the historical core is encircled with a layer of mass residential blocks, built during the SFRY era. The building of the highrise residential blocks facilitated housing of the large population drawn to the city by rapid post-World War II
industrialisation. The SFRY era apartment blocks are still home for the majority of residents of Nikšić.
Beyond the blocks, the city expanded in form of a suburban sprawl, that consists of detached housing. Close to the city blocks and major industrial areas, the lowrise single home suburbs are built with well executed urban plans, but farther away from the center, the city expanded in a chaotic and informal way. In addition, the rural areas south of Nikšić have merged with the city, so low density suburbs extend from the city in every direction, covering much of the Nikšić Field.
The most significant cultural event in the city is Septembarski Dani Kulture (September days of Culture), that is one of the most recognizable cultural happenings in Montenegro. Other annual artistic events include Pjesnik na korzu (Poet on the promenade), Međunarodni festival glumca (International actors festival), Međunarodni festival kamerne muzike (International festival of chamber music), Međunarodni festival gitare (International guitar festival) and Lake Fest rock festival.
Nikšić is known for its distinctive cultural atmosphere and bohemian
art scene, with poet Vitomir Nikolić and singer/songwriter Miladin Šobić
as prominent representatives of the Nikšić bohemian spirit.
Media scene of Nikšić is mostly confined to public broadcasters
TV Nikšić and Radio Nišić, and a number of commercial radio stations. Riječ and Luča magazines, published by Faculty of Philosophy, as well as Poznanstva children magazine, are also a part of Nikšić cultural scene.
.
Nikšić is also home to two faculties of the University of Montenegro
:
, karate
and boxing
. Nikšić judokas have been exceptionally successful at international competitions.
Sutjeska football club is the pillar of the city soccer tradition. The club has risen to the Yugoslav First League
during the SFRY era, and has played in the Montenegrin First League
since 2006. City Stadium
is the clubs home field. Čelik football club is a smaller club that competes in the Montenegrin Second League
.
Other team sports, particularly handball
and volleyball
, are very popular in Nikšić.
Besides City Stadium
, other significant sporting venue is the Nikšić Sports Center. This facility features a 3,000 seat indoor sports hall, olympic-size swimming pool, 6-lane bowling alley, sports shooting range
, tennis
and futsal
courts, and various other facilities.
Vučje ski resort is 18 km away from the city center, making winter sports a popular recreation among the citizens of Nikšić.
Population of Nikšić:
Ethnic groups (1991 census):
Ethnicity in 2003
(Nikšićka Željezara), bauxite
mine, Trebjesa brewery
(Nikšićka Pivara), and many more are concentrated in this city.
These big industries have struggled to survive the collapse of the socialist economy
, but have since recovered. The process of privatization
is either finished or still in progress for some of these industries.
Today those industry giants cannot employ as many workers as they could back in the days of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
, and the economy of Nikšić is slowly transforming into one that is more service oriented. In 1981 Niksic's GDP per capita was 91% of the Yugoslav average.
, as it is connected with Foča
to the north and Trebinje
to the south-east. There is also a detour from Nikšić - Trebinje road which goes to Risan
in Bay of Kotor
, and that is the shortest road connection with Montenegrin coast. Nikšić is also connected with Žabljak
through Šavnik
.
Nikšić has rail link with Podgorica, but until now it has been used mainly to transport bauxite from Nikšić bauxite mine to Podgorica Aluminium Plant
. Railway is currently under reconstruction and electrification, and will be open for passenger use sometime in 2009.
Podgorica Airport
is some 70 km (43.5 mi) away from Nikšić, and has regular flights to Belgrade
, Sarajevo
, Budapest
, Zurich
, Frankfurt
, Ljubljana
, Paris
, Rome
and Vienna
.
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
(42.78°N 18.94°E). In 2003 the city had a total population about 75,000.
Nikšić is located in Nikšić plain, at the foot of Mount Trebjesa. It is the center of the municipality (Population of 75,282), which is the largest in Montenegro by area. Nikšić is the second largest city in Montenegro, after Podgorica
Podgorica
Podgorica , is the capital and largest city of Montenegro.Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley has encouraged settlement...
, and is an important industrial, cultural, and educational center.
History
The first settlement in the area of modern-day Nikšić is thought to be formed in the 4th century, as a RomanRoman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
military camp
Castra
The Latin word castra, with its singular castrum, was used by the ancient Romans to mean buildings or plots of land reserved to or constructed for use as a military defensive position. The word appears in both Oscan and Umbrian as well as in Latin. It may have descended from Indo-European to Italic...
. The camp was probably founded on the site of the previous Illyrian
Illyrians
The Illyrians were a group of tribes who inhabited part of the western Balkans in antiquity and the south-eastern coasts of the Italian peninsula...
tribal settlement. The camp and the settlement were known as Anagastum, which was later transliterated as Onogošt, which was the name of the city throughout the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
.
The settlement got its Slavic name of Onogošt during the migrations of the Slavs into the area. During the early Slavic state of Duklja
Duklja
Doclea or Duklja was a medieval state with hereditary lands roughly encompassing the territories of present-day southeastern Montenegro, from Kotor on the west to the river Bojana on the east and to the sources of Zeta and Morača rivers on the north....
, Onogošt was mentioned as one of the župa
Župa
A Župa is a Slavic term, used historically among the Southern and Western branches of the Slavs, originally denoting various territorial and other sub-units, usually a small administrative division, especially a gathering of several villages...
s (administrative divisions) within Podgorje area. Along with the rest of Duklja, Nikšić became a part of Rascia in 9th century. With the dissolution of Rascia, Nikšić came under the rule of 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 :...
in 1373, and was under the rule of Kosača family of Herzegovina
Herzegovina
Herzegovina is the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While there is no official border distinguishing it from the Bosnian region, it is generally accepted that the borders of the region are Croatia to the west, Montenegro to the south, the canton boundaries of the Herzegovina-Neretva...
from 1448 until Herzegovina fell to the Ottomans.
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...
took hold of Nikšić in 1455, and it stayed under control of the Turks for more than four hundred years, as a part of Herzegovina Province
Herzegovina Province, Ottoman Empire
The Eyalet of Herzegovina was an Ottoman eyalet from 1833 to 1851. Its last capital was Mostar.-History:In 1831, Bosnian kapudan Husein Gradaščević occupied Travnik, demanding autonomy and the end of military reforms in Bosnia...
. During the later years of Ottoman occupation, Nikšić served as a significant fortified military stronghold. It was liberated by Montenegrins in 1877, under the command of Duke Mašo Vrbica. After the liberation, the small Ottoman hamlet began to transform into a modern urban settlement. The first urban plan was adopted in 1883, commissioned by King Nicholas
Nicholas I of Montenegro
Nikola I Mirkov Petrović-Njegoš was the only king of Montenegro, reigning as king from 1910 to 1918 and as prince from 1860 to 1910. He was also a poet, notably penning "Onamo, 'namo!", a popular song from Montenegro.-Early life:Nikola was born in the village of Njeguši, the ancient home of the...
, and designed by Croatian
Croats
Croats are a South Slavic ethnic group mostly living in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and nearby countries. There are around 4 million Croats living inside Croatia and up to 4.5 million throughout the rest of the world. Responding to political, social and economic pressure, many Croats have...
architect Josip Slade. Development of Nikšić is based on the guidelines of 1883 plan to this day. Simultaneously with urban development, cultural and economical expansion followed after inclusion of Nikšić into Montenegro.
Although the city was not devastated in World Wars as much as Podgorica
Podgorica
Podgorica , is the capital and largest city of Montenegro.Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley has encouraged settlement...
, all development and growth were halted. After the city was liberated from German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
occupation in 1944, the most dynamic growth of Nikšić followed. The city population was increased tenfold, and Nikšić became the heart of Montenegrin industrial complex. During the SFRY era, the city flourished, as steel
Steel
Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...
and iron
Iron
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series. It is the most common element forming the planet Earth as a whole, forming much of Earth's outer and inner core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust...
works, bauxite
Bauxite
Bauxite is an aluminium ore and is the main source of aluminium. This form of rock consists mostly of the minerals gibbsite Al3, boehmite γ-AlO, and diaspore α-AlO, in a mixture with the two iron oxides goethite and hematite, the clay mineral kaolinite, and small amounts of anatase TiO2...
mines, electricity production, brewery
Brewery
A brewery is a dedicated building for the making of beer, though beer can be made at home, and has been for much of beer's history. A company which makes beer is called either a brewery or a brewing company....
and wood processing
Wood processing
Wood processing is an engineering discipline comprising the production of forest products, such as pulp and paper, construction materials, and tall oil...
industries were set up in and around the city.
However, as a mainly industrial city, Nikšić was hit hard during the severe economic stagnation and decline of the industries throughout Montenegro during the 1990s
1990s
File:1990s decade montage.png|From left, clockwise: The Hubble Space Telescope floats in space after it was taken up in 1990; American F-16s and F-15s fly over burning oil fields and the USA Lexie in Operation Desert Storm, also known as the 1991 Gulf War; The signing of the Oslo Accords on...
, with Yugoslav Wars
Yugoslav wars
The Yugoslav Wars were a series of wars, fought throughout the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 1995. The wars were complex: characterized by bitter ethnic conflicts among the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, mostly between Serbs on the one side and Croats and Bosniaks on the other; but also...
raging in the region. Some of the industries recovered during the 2000s, and industry still makes up for the most economic activity in the city.
Geography
Nikšić is situated in north-central Montenegro. It is located at the centre of the spacious Nikšić field (Nikšićko polje), a karst plainPolje
A polje is a large flat plain in karst territory, with areas usually 5 to 400 km². The name derives from the Slavic languages and is a cognate with the English word field.-In geology:...
with an area of 48 km², and an elevation of 640 m AMSL. The plain is surrounded by inhospitable rocky mountainous terrain, a typical landscape of western Montenegro. The city itself is located at the foot of the Trebjesa hill.
Zeta river originates in the Nikšić field, and flows near the city of Nikšić, before it becomes a subterranean river
Subterranean river
A subterranean river is a river that runs wholly or partly beneath the ground surface – one where the riverbed does not represent the surface of the Earth ....
south of the city. The river caused frequent flooding of the plain, until the construction of Hydroelectric power plant
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy...
Perućica in 1960. The construction of the power plant resulted in creation of three large artificial lakes
Reservoir
A reservoir , artificial lake or dam is used to store water.Reservoirs may be created in river valleys by the construction of a dam or may be built by excavation in the ground or by conventional construction techniques such as brickwork or cast concrete.The term reservoir may also be used to...
near the city - Krupac Lake, Slano Lake and Vrtac Lake. Today, the lakes are a popular recreation and relaxation retreats for the citizens of Nikšić.
Climate
Climate of the Nikšić area has the characteristics of both Mediterranean climateMediterranean climate
A Mediterranean climate is the climate typical of most of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, and is a particular variety of subtropical climate...
and Continental climate
Continental climate
Continental climate is a climate characterized by important annual variation in temperature due to the lack of significant bodies of water nearby...
. Average temperature for January is 1.3 °C (34.3 °F), while average temperature in July is 21.1 °C (70 °F). Average humidity amounts to 68,6%. Nikšić receives 2.245 hours of sunshine per year, with hot and dry summer, and rainy winter. On average, there are 19 days per year with snowfall.
Cityscape
Although Nikšić area has seen human settlements since antiquity, most of the modern Nikšić is a planned city. Very little remains of the OttomanOttoman 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...
architectural heritage, despite the long presence of 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...
in the area. The city layout visible today still follows the 1883 urban plan commissioned by King Nicholas
Nicholas I of Montenegro
Nikola I Mirkov Petrović-Njegoš was the only king of Montenegro, reigning as king from 1910 to 1918 and as prince from 1860 to 1910. He was also a poet, notably penning "Onamo, 'namo!", a popular song from Montenegro.-Early life:Nikola was born in the village of Njeguši, the ancient home of the...
and designed by Croatian
Croats
Croats are a South Slavic ethnic group mostly living in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and nearby countries. There are around 4 million Croats living inside Croatia and up to 4.5 million throughout the rest of the world. Responding to political, social and economic pressure, many Croats have...
architect Josip Slade.
According to this plan, the streets of Nikšić radiate to the north and east from the central city square (today a roundabout
Roundabout
A roundabout is the name for a road junction in which traffic moves in one direction around a central island. The word dates from the early 20th century. Roundabouts are common in many countries around the world...
), locally known as Skver. The radial streets are intersected by circumferential streets and avenues, thus creating a half-spider web
Spider web
A spider web, spiderweb, spider's web or cobweb is a device built by a spider out of proteinaceous spider silk extruded from its spinnerets....
-like street layout.
Layers of different architectural styles and urban patterns are evident along the radial network of streets. Thus, closest to the central roundabout is the historical core of Nikšić, formed after the liberation from Ottoman Empire, and serving as a nucleus for Slade's urban plan. This area, on the foot of Trebjesa Hill, is home to King Nicholas
Nicholas I of Montenegro
Nikola I Mirkov Petrović-Njegoš was the only king of Montenegro, reigning as king from 1910 to 1918 and as prince from 1860 to 1910. He was also a poet, notably penning "Onamo, 'namo!", a popular song from Montenegro.-Early life:Nikola was born in the village of Njeguši, the ancient home of the...
Palace, City Park, and King Nicholas Square, main city square located along the central Njegoševa
Petar II Petrovic-Njegoš
Petar II Petrović-Njegoš , was a Serbian Orthodox Prince-Bishop of Montenegro , who transformed Montenegro from a theocracy into a secular state. However, he is most famous as a poet...
Street. The area is composed of mostly single or two storey row housing
Terraced house
In architecture and city planning, a terrace house, terrace, row house, linked house or townhouse is a style of medium-density housing that originated in Great Britain in the late 17th century, where a row of identical or mirror-image houses share side walls...
with basic designs, an architecture typical for late 19th century and early 20th century Montenegro. The roundabout and the surrounding area is still the focal point of activities in the city, as bus and train stations, as well as commercial and civic services are located in the area.
Farther from the central roundabout, the historical core is encircled with a layer of mass residential blocks, built during the SFRY era. The building of the highrise residential blocks facilitated housing of the large population drawn to the city by rapid post-World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
industrialisation. The SFRY era apartment blocks are still home for the majority of residents of Nikšić.
Beyond the blocks, the city expanded in form of a suburban sprawl, that consists of detached housing. Close to the city blocks and major industrial areas, the lowrise single home suburbs are built with well executed urban plans, but farther away from the center, the city expanded in a chaotic and informal way. In addition, the rural areas south of Nikšić have merged with the city, so low density suburbs extend from the city in every direction, covering much of the Nikšić Field.
Culture
Although mostly perceived as an industrial center, Nikšić is also a city of rich cultural heritage. The most significant cultural institution in the city is Centar Za Kulturu (Cultural Center), which incorporates the city's major public cultural establishments:- Zavičajni Muzej (County Museum), situated in King NicholasNicholas I of MontenegroNikola I Mirkov Petrović-Njegoš was the only king of Montenegro, reigning as king from 1910 to 1918 and as prince from 1860 to 1910. He was also a poet, notably penning "Onamo, 'namo!", a popular song from Montenegro.-Early life:Nikola was born in the village of Njeguši, the ancient home of the...
Palace, documents the historical development of the city. - Nikšić art gallery
- Public library and Public archive
- Nikšić theater
- Zahumlje folk music society
- Stari Grad Anderva art society
The most significant cultural event in the city is Septembarski Dani Kulture (September days of Culture), that is one of the most recognizable cultural happenings in Montenegro. Other annual artistic events include Pjesnik na korzu (Poet on the promenade), Međunarodni festival glumca (International actors festival), Međunarodni festival kamerne muzike (International festival of chamber music), Međunarodni festival gitare (International guitar festival) and Lake Fest rock festival.
Nikšić is known for its distinctive cultural atmosphere and bohemian
Bohemianism
Bohemianism is the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, often in the company of like-minded people, with few permanent ties, involving musical, artistic or literary pursuits...
art scene, with poet Vitomir Nikolić and singer/songwriter Miladin Šobić
Miladin Šobic
Miladin Šobić is a Montenegrin singer and songwriter.He was an active performer during the late 1970s and early 1980s in SFR Yugoslavia where his prominence had a strictly regional character with his popularity mostly confined to some parts of then Yugoslav republics of Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia...
as prominent representatives of the Nikšić bohemian spirit.
Media scene of Nikšić is mostly confined to public broadcasters
Public broadcasting
Public broadcasting includes radio, television and other electronic media outlets whose primary mission is public service. Public broadcasters receive funding from diverse sources including license fees, individual contributions, public financing and commercial financing.Public broadcasting may be...
TV Nikšić and Radio Nišić, and a number of commercial radio stations. Riječ and Luča magazines, published by Faculty of Philosophy, as well as Poznanstva children magazine, are also a part of Nikšić cultural scene.
Education
Nikšić is home to 40 educational institutions. Among those are 11 nurseries, 25 elementary schools of which one is elementary music school and 4 high schools, including the Stojan Cerovic GymnasiumGymnasium (school)
A gymnasium is a type of school providing secondary education in some parts of Europe, comparable to English grammar schools or sixth form colleges and U.S. college preparatory high schools. The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, meaning a locality for both physical and intellectual...
.
Nikšić is also home to two faculties of the University of Montenegro
University of Montenegro
The University of Montenegro is a university located in Podgorica, Montenegro. It was founded in 1974 and is organized in 20 Faculties.-History:...
:
- Faculty of Philosophy - a complex educational and scientific institution which organizes undergraduate, specialist and postgraduate studies as well as doctoral studies within its main activities. Three institutes operate within the faculty:
- Institute of philosophy and sociology
- Institute of language and literature and
- Institute of geography
- Faculty of sports and physical education
Sports
Nikšić is regarded as one of the centers of Montenegrin sport. The combat sports are particularly popular in Nikšić, with a strong tradition in judoJudo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
and boxing
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
. Nikšić judokas have been exceptionally successful at international competitions.
Sutjeska football club is the pillar of the city soccer tradition. The club has risen to the Yugoslav First League
Yugoslav First League
The Yugoslav First League was the premier football league in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and socialist Yugoslavia...
during the SFRY era, and has played in the Montenegrin First League
Montenegrin First League
The First League of Montenegro is the top football league in Montenegro. It is headed by the Football Association of Montenegro. 12 teams participate in this league. The winner of the Montenegrin First League starts the qualifications for the UEFA Champions League from the second round...
since 2006. City Stadium
Stadion Gradski (Nikšic)
Stadion kraj Bistrice, also known as Stadion Gradski Nikšića, is a multi-purpose stadium in Nikšić, Montenegro. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of FK Sutjeska. The stadium holds 10,800 people.- References :...
is the clubs home field. Čelik football club is a smaller club that competes in the Montenegrin Second League
Montenegrin Second League
The Second League of Montenegro is the second top football league in Montenegro. It is headed by the Football Association of Montenegro.12 teams participate in this league...
.
Other team sports, particularly handball
Team handball
Handball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team...
and volleyball
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
, are very popular in Nikšić.
Besides City Stadium
Stadion Gradski (Nikšic)
Stadion kraj Bistrice, also known as Stadion Gradski Nikšića, is a multi-purpose stadium in Nikšić, Montenegro. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of FK Sutjeska. The stadium holds 10,800 people.- References :...
, other significant sporting venue is the Nikšić Sports Center. This facility features a 3,000 seat indoor sports hall, olympic-size swimming pool, 6-lane bowling alley, sports shooting range
Shooting range
A shooting range or firing range is a specialized facility designed for firearms practice. Each facility is typically overseen by one or more supervisory personnel, called variously a range master or "RSO – Range Safety Officer" in the United States or a range conducting officer or "RCO" in the UK...
, tennis
Tennis court
A tennis court is where the game of tennis is played. It is a firm rectangular surface with a low net stretched across the center. The same surface can be used to play both doubles and singles.-Dimensions:...
and futsal
Futsal
Futsal is a variant of association football that is played on a smaller pitch and mainly played indoors. Its name is a portmanteau of the Portuguese futebol de salão and the Spanish fútbol de salón , which can be translated as "hall football" or "indoor football"...
courts, and various other facilities.
Vučje ski resort is 18 km away from the city center, making winter sports a popular recreation among the citizens of Nikšić.
Population
Nikšić is administrative centre of Nikšić municipality, which incorporates a densely populated fertile plain called "Župa", and has a population of 75,282 (2003. census). Nikšić itself has 58,212 citizens.Population of Nikšić:
- March 3, 1981 - 50,399
- March 3, 1991 - 56,141
- November 1, 2003–58,212
Ethnic groups (1991 census):
- Montenegrins (88.17%)
- SerbsSerbsThe Serbs are a South Slavic ethnic group of the Balkans and southern Central Europe. Serbs are located mainly in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and form a sizable minority in Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Slovenia. Likewise, Serbs are an officially recognized minority in...
(5.71%) - Muslims by nationalityMuslims by nationalityMuslims by nationality was a term used in Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as an official designation of nationality of Slavic Muslims. They were one of the constitutive groups of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
(2.03%) - Roma (1.07%)
Ethnicity in 2003
| Ethnicity | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Montenegrins | 47,154 | 62.63% |
| Serb | 20,129 | 26.74% |
| Muslims Muslims by nationality Muslims by nationality was a term used in Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as an official designation of nationality of Slavic Muslims. They were one of the constitutive groups of Bosnia and Herzegovina... |
695 | 0.92% |
| Total | 75,282 | 100% |
Economy
Nikšić is, alongside Podgorica, one of the biggest industrial centres of Montenegro. A Steel millSteel mill
A steel mill or steelworks is an industrial plant for the manufacture of steel.Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. It is produced in a two-stage process. First, iron ore is reduced or smelted with coke and limestone in a blast furnace, producing molten iron which is either cast into pig iron or...
(Nikšićka Željezara), bauxite
Bauxite
Bauxite is an aluminium ore and is the main source of aluminium. This form of rock consists mostly of the minerals gibbsite Al3, boehmite γ-AlO, and diaspore α-AlO, in a mixture with the two iron oxides goethite and hematite, the clay mineral kaolinite, and small amounts of anatase TiO2...
mine, Trebjesa brewery
Trebjesa brewery
Trebjesa Brewery is the only brewery in Montenegro. It is based in Nikšić, and is owned by StarBev. It produces a small range of pale lagers under the "Nik" brand name....
(Nikšićka Pivara), and many more are concentrated in this city.
These big industries have struggled to survive the collapse of the socialist economy
Economy of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Despite common origins, the economy of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was much different from economies of the Soviet Union and other Eastern European socialist countries, especially after the Yugoslav-Soviet break-up of 1948. The occupation and liberation struggle in World War II...
, but have since recovered. The process of privatization
Privatization
Privatization is the incidence or process of transferring ownership of a business, enterprise, agency or public service from the public sector to the private sector or to private non-profit organizations...
is either finished or still in progress for some of these industries.
Today those industry giants cannot employ as many workers as they could back in the days of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the Yugoslav state that existed from the abolition of the Yugoslav monarchy until it was dissolved in 1992 amid the Yugoslav Wars. It was a socialist state and a federation made up of six socialist republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,...
, and the economy of Nikšić is slowly transforming into one that is more service oriented. In 1981 Niksic's GDP per capita was 91% of the Yugoslav average.
Transport
Nikšić's main road connection to the rest of Montenegro is E762 motorway, which connects Nikšić with Podgorica. This is 55 km (34.2 mi) long and relatively new two-laned road. Nikšić is also a hub for road traffic towards Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia 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...
, as it is connected with Foča
Foca
Foča is a town and municipality in southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Drina river, in the Foča Region of the Republika Srpska entity.-Early history:...
to the north and Trebinje
Trebinje
Trebinje is the southernmost municipality and town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is administratively part of the Republika Srpska entity and is located in southeastern Herzegovina, some from the Adriatic Sea....
to the south-east. There is also a detour from Nikšić - Trebinje road which goes to Risan
Risan
Risan is a town in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro...
in Bay of Kotor
Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor in south-western Montenegro is a winding bay on the Adriatic Sea. The bay, sometimes called Europe's southernmost fjord, is in fact a submerged river canyon of the disintegrated Bokelj River which used to run from the high mountain plateaus of Mount Orjen...
, and that is the shortest road connection with Montenegrin coast. Nikšić is also connected with Žabljak
Žabljak
Žabljak is a small town in northern Montenegro. It has a population of 1,937.Žabljak is the seat of the municipality...
through Šavnik
Šavnik
Šavnik is a small town in northern Montenegro. It has a population of 570 .Šavnik is the centre of the municipality and unofficial centre of Drobnjaci region, home of the Drobnjaci tribe....
.
Nikšić has rail link with Podgorica, but until now it has been used mainly to transport bauxite from Nikšić bauxite mine to Podgorica Aluminium Plant
Podgorica Aluminium Plant
Podgorica Aluminium Plant is an aluminium processing plant, located on the southern outskirts of Podgorica, Montenegro.-Overview:...
. Railway is currently under reconstruction and electrification, and will be open for passenger use sometime in 2009.
Podgorica Airport
Podgorica Airport
Podgorica Airport is an international airport located south of Podgorica, Montenegro. It is the main hub for Montenegro Airlines....
is some 70 km (43.5 mi) away from Nikšić, and has regular flights to Belgrade
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
, Sarajevo
Sarajevo
Sarajevo |Bosnia]], surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and situated along the Miljacka River in the heart of Southeastern Europe and the Balkans....
, Budapest
Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary, it is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. In 2011, Budapest had 1,733,685 inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2,113,645 due to suburbanization. The Budapest Commuter...
, Zurich
Zürich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
, Frankfurt
Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main , commonly known simply as Frankfurt, is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany, with a 2010 population of 688,249. The urban area had an estimated population of 2,300,000 in 2010...
, Ljubljana
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and its largest city. It is the centre of the City Municipality of Ljubljana. It is located in the centre of the country in the Ljubljana Basin, and is a mid-sized city of some 270,000 inhabitants...
, Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
and Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
.
Notable individuals from Nikšić area
- Mirko VučinićMirko VucinicMirko Vučinić is a Montenegrin footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Juventus. Originally from the city of Nikšić, Vučinić found himself playing for the local team there during his early teen years...
, footballer - Glomazić Zoran, basketball coach
- Ilija Šobajić, painter
- Branko BabovićBranko BabovicBranko Babović , born 8 June 1959, is a famous Montenegrin actor from Nikšić, Montenegro.-Filmography:*Lepota poroka *U ime naroda *Stršljen ... Komšija...
, actor - Petar BanićevićPetar BanicevicPetar Banićević was a Montenegrin actor.-Filmography:*Karađorđe i pozorište" TV Series .... Narator*Morte di una ragazza perbene...
, actor - Dragomir Bečanović, judoist
- Andrija DelibašićAndrija DelibašicAndrija Delibašić is a Montenegrin footballer who plays for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, as a striker.-Club career:...
, footballer - Milo Đukanović, politician
- Miodrag "Skale" Gvozdenović, volleyball player
- Goran JeretinGoran JeretinGoran Jeretin is a Montenegrin professional basketball player who plays for Artland Dragons.-Basketball career:...
, basketball player - Miodrag KrivokapićMiodrag Krivokapic (footballer)Miodrag Krivokapić is a Montenegrin former footballer who played in defence. He lives in Glasgow.-Career:...
, footballer - Andrija Milošević, actor
- Alen MuratovićAlen MuratovicAlen Muratović is a Montenegrin handball player. He was born in Nikšić, SR Montenegro, Yugoslavia, and currently plays for SG Flensburg-Handewitt, after playing for BM Valladolid.-External links:...
, handball player - Živko NikolićŽivko NikolicŽivko Nikolić was a famous Montenegrin film director.-Biography:Živko Nikolić was born in Ozrinići, Nikšić municipality, Montenegro, Yugoslavia, in 1941. He graduated the Art School in Herceg Novi where he was trained as a painter of ceramics which contributed to his specific perception of the film...
, movie director - Dragan "Bato" Ognjenović, karate and full-contact
- Krsto PapićKrsto PapicKrsto Papić is a Croatian screenwriter and film director whose career spans several decades....
, Croatian film director, born in Vučji do near Nikšić
- Željko PetrovićŽeljko PetrovicŽeljko Petrović is a retired Montenegrin footballer and was the technical coach of Feyenoord Rotterdam in the 2004/2005 season.-Club career:...
, footballer - Nemanja Andrijašević, MOTO GP driver, Ghostrider
- Rođa Raičević, singer
- Zdravko RadulovićZdravko RadulovicZdravko Radulović is a retired Croatian basketball player. A 1.91 m shooting guard, he was a very prolific scorer, leading the Euroleague in scoring during the 1992-93 season with 23.9 ppg.Radulović has been a member of the Yugoslav national team...
, basketball player - Miladin ŠobićMiladin ŠobicMiladin Šobić is a Montenegrin singer and songwriter.He was an active performer during the late 1970s and early 1980s in SFR Yugoslavia where his prominence had a strictly regional character with his popularity mostly confined to some parts of then Yugoslav republics of Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia...
, musician - Žarko VarajićŽarko VarajicŽarko Varajić is a retired Montenegrin basketball player that represented SFR Yugoslavia as a player, including at the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, where he won a silver medal.In 1979, Varajić scored 45 points - the record in the number of points scored in the final matches of...
, basketball player - Luka Vučinić, writer
- Radivoje "Mušo" Vuković, alpinist and lifesaver
- Rajko ŽižićRajko ŽižićRajko Žižić was a Montenegrin basketball player from Milojevići, Nikšić. The 6'11", 243 pounder represented Yugoslavia at the 1976 Summer Olympics, the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1984 Summer Olympics, winning silver, gold and bronze respectively.-Club history:*1970-1971 Sutjeska*1971-1981 OKK...
, basketball player - Ivan Nikčević, handball player
- Miljan ZekovićMiljan ZekovićMiljan Zeković is a former Montenegrin and Yugoslav football player.-Club career:...
, footballer - Nikola Karović, singer
- Freaky Funk, Dee Jay
External links
- Official site (Montenegrin and English)
- Official site (Montenegrin and English)
- Visit-Montenegro.com
- Photo-Montenegro.com
- Faculty of Philosophy