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There is more than one Gračanica in Bosnia. However, this is the only one abruptly separated from the medieval royal city of Soko and then it abruptly stopped the royal city's ‘walk towards south’ on the left side of the Sokoluša river – under the old medieval iron mine, dark shadows of Ozren and windy and open Spreča Field, once called Gračanica Field as Sokoluša was once called Gračanica River. |
Archaeological remains from the Neolithic Age found at Korića Han (southern exit of Gračanica), indicate that Gracanica was a human habitat already at the dawn of history.
During the medieval Bosnian state, the nearby royal city of Soko had a very important role in the relations between Bosnian royal dynasty (known as Kotromanić dynasty) and dynasties of Hungarian kings and huge imperious feudal lords living in the north part of the Sava River.
This fact is supported, among other documents, by a latin script similar to grant/marriage certificate, signed between Prince Radivoj Ostojić – the son of Bosnian King Stjepan Ostoja and brother of the future king of medieval Bosnia Stjepan Tomaš and and Nikola Velički – a Hungarian dignitary from Slavonia on June 2, 1429. This medieval legal document has been the oldest written record of the history of Gračanica found so far, and the so-called Day of the Municipality of Gračanica is, thereafter, celebrated on June 2nd.
The first page of the document containing the first mention of the medieval town of Soko.
(The document was published in the “Codex Diplomaticus Patrius”, Budapest, 1876, p.43)
The best moments in the town's progress occur at the end of the17th century, during the time of Ahmed pasha Budimlija, who built the old town mosque, the hammam (public bath) and the Clock Tower – the recognizable symbol of the old town Gračanica even today.
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Gradaščević captains’ (Ottoman military captaincy) beautiful madrassa
During the Austro-Hungarian Rule, our town takes all the features of a modern city. It receives its first administration and all contents that characterize a modern city. The first Bosniak mayor of Gračanica during this modern era was Atif ef Bahtijarević. The seat of County Administrative Board was in Konak building (today – the seat of the administrative bodies of the Municipality of Gračanica) buillt in the year 1900.
The Administration Board of Gračanica receives its first seal
During the Austro-Hungarian Rule, a sudden development of Gračanica starts too, and the town's connections to other parts of Bosnia by rail and modern roads. That way, Gračanica receives its first railway station located at today's agricultural cooperative, near the bus station, and the old “Ćiro” locomotive as a symbol of those times; today it is located at the same bus station place as a memory of the old days.
In the period between the two world wars, Gračanica indeed had all characteristics of a town – with all its advantages and disadvantages; at those times, it was an important county trade/business center.
After World War II, Gračanica encounters various problems that are slowly but surely being resolved. The regulation of the Sokoluša river flow and launching a variety of industries posed major problems. However, Gračanica succeeds to set its economy in motion and, as one of the first commercial enterprises was “Partizan” with its recognizable products.
With two old churches and a mosque intended for each of the three major religions (catholic, orthodox and muslim) within less than 300 meters from its very center, Gračanica has developed into a typical Bosnian town, where Bosnia (in all its ethnic diversity) lives eversince.
This old town has always greeted and received people warmheartedly, patiently taught them about Bosnian culture, coexistence and tolerance, even in the most difficult moments – such as the First and the Second World War, and also during the recent war that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina .
In the period from 1992 to 1995 during the times of Yugoslavian aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gračanica suffered heavy damages. Many commercial facilities, due to their close proximity to several defense lines could not function and ravages of war were noticeable at every turn.
However after the 4-year war, Gračanica started rising from ashes like a phoenix and few economies that lasted throughout the war, have yielded powerful business outcomes in food and metal processing industries, and a wide range of small business products.
Gracanica has always warmly received all good people, and this tradition remains to this day. If you ever decide to come and visit this town, its charm, as well as its people's hospitality will make you feel at home!
More information can be found in the archives:
„Gračanica Gazette“ : glasnik.gracanica.net