Marko Miljanov | |
|---|---|
Марко Миљанов | |
 Miljanov at old age, seen in folk costume, with numerous medals | |
| Born | (1833-04-25)25 April 1833 |
| Died | 2 February 1901(1901-02-02) (aged 67) |
| Occupation(s) | Clan chief, statesman, writer |
| Known for | Literary works on Montenegrin society. |
| Title | Chief of theKuči clan Chief of theBratonožići clan |
| Children | Milica Miljanov |
Marko Miljanov Popović (Serbian Cyrillic:Марко Миљанов Поповић,pronounced[mâːrkɔmǐʎanɔʋpɔ̌pɔʋit͡ɕ]; 25 April 1833 – 2 February 1901) was aBrda chieftain andMontenegrin general and writer.
He entered the service ofDanilo I, the first secular Prince of Montenegro in the modern era, and led his armedKuči tribe against theOttoman Empire in the wars of1861–62 and1876–78, distinguishing himself as an able military leader. He managed to unite his tribe with Montenegro in 1874. There was later a rift between Miljanov and PrinceNikola I. He was also an accomplished writer who gained repute for his descriptions of Montenegrin society.
His grand-daughterOlgivanna Lloyd Wright headedFrank Lloyd Wright's iconic fellowship and foundation in the United States.
Marko was born in the village ofMedun on 25 April (St. Mark's Day) 1833, and was given the name "Marko" accordingly. His father was Miljan Jankov Popović, while his mother Borika was an Albanian Catholic born in Oraovo.[1][2] He was baptized by Orthodox priest Spasoje Jokov Popović.[3] He was fluent inAlbanian, using it in cases when meeting with Albanian speakers. When visiting the people ofUlcinj, Miljanov explained that Albanian was the language spoken by his family at home.[4] Miljanov considered himself aSerb. Near the end of his life, Miljanov wrote a letter to one of the Kuči clan leaders. In the letter he writes: I am dying happy, and although I didn't live long enough to read my books, I'll be listening from the grave as grandsons of my friends read them. As a Kuč, I am dying mostly happy, but as a Serb, I'm dying unhappy and dissatisfied.[5][3]
The village of Medun was located in theKuči tribe (in present-dayPodgorica municipality,Montenegro) of theBrda (Highland) region. The tribe at the time wasde facto independent from theOttoman Empire as well as the direct rule ofPetar II Petrović-Njegoš. Like his fellow highlanders, Miljanov took part inhajdučija (guerilla fighting) against the Ottomans in the region.
In 1856, he came to the Montenegrin capitalCetinje and entered the service ofPrince Danilo in his guards unit calledperjanici.[6] For his bravery and successes in raids on Ottoman territory and as a man of confidence, he was awarded in 1862 the position of judge and head ofBratonožići tribe (that neighboured Kuči). For his work on the unification of Kuči with Montenegro in 1874, he had a price set on his head by the Ottomans. The same year saw his appointment to the Montenegrin Senate (from 1879 transformed into a State Council).[citation needed]
In the1876–78 war against the Ottomans, he was one of three commanders that victoriously led Montenegrin forces in theBattle of Fundina.[6] In 1879 the Brda forces under his supreme command were defeated by the Albanian irregulars in theBattle of Novšiće, fought for the territory ofPlav and Gusinje.[6] After a fierce disagreement withPrince Nikola in 1882, he had to leave the State Council and decided to retire from public life to his native Medun.[6] Although he was 50 years old, Marko Miljanov, who was illiterate like the most of his countrymen, decided to learn to write. He explained his urge in a foreword to the lost manuscript of his epic songs with the words: "Dear Serb brother, if you had the chance to see the heroes that I have seen, your heart would give you no peace until you have responded to the heroes who die merrily for their own and rights of all of us."
He died atHerceg Novi in 1901.
Marko Miljanov died before any of his works were published. All works were originally published in Serbia, as Marko was a well-known dissident to King Nicholas.
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