The state and religious holiday of Sretenje is one of the most significant dates in Serb history, marking the adoption of the Sretenje Constitution in 1835—the first modern constitution of Serbia. This document symbolized the beginning of contemporary Serbian statehood.
A revolutionary document in 19th-century Europe
The 19th century remains remembered as the era of the awakening of the Serb nation. On February 15, 1835, in Kragujevac, the then capital of Serbia, the most liberal act in Europe at the time—the Sretenje Constitution—was adopted.
This progressive document abolished feudalism, introduced the division of power into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, strengthened fundamental human rights, and established national symbols such as the flag and coat of arms. With these provisions, Serbia took its first steps toward becoming a modern state.
“The adoption of this constitution symbolized that Serbia followed the course of European civilization and that European values were also the values of the Serbs. The constitution envisioned the creation of a national assembly, an independent judiciary, and certain provisions that laid the foundation for Serbia to develop into a small democracy or at least a country aspiring to democracy,” said historian Stanislav Sretenović in a statement for Euronews.
Dimitrije Davidović – the architect of the Sretenje Constitution
One of the most educated Serbs of the time, Dimitrije Davidović, played a key role in the drafting of the Sretenje Constitution. Although a physician by profession, his most significant contributions came between 1830 and 1835 when he served as a diplomat in Constantinople, working on securing Serbian autonomy. His efforts culminated in the writing of the Sretenje Constitution.
“Davidović represents the importance of Serbs from the Habsburg Monarchy, who had supported Serbia’s development since the First Serbian Uprising in 1804. Their centuries-old aspiration was to break free from Ottoman rule and its burdens,” explained Sretenović.
The Sretenje Constitution is preserved under the strictest conditions
As a pillar of political and national identity, the original handwritten copy of the Sretenje Constitution is exclusively preserved by the State Archives of Serbia.
“It is kept under the strictest conditions in the most adequate manner. It is not regularly displayed, as it must be protected from the ravages of time, maintaining precise air temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions. It is only exhibited on rare occasions,” said Anja Vulić from the State Archives of Serbia.
The constitution was abolished after just 55 days
Despite its progressive nature, the great powers of the time opposed the Sretenje Constitution, leading to its abolition after only 55 days. However, this bold step briefly made Serbia one of the freest states in Europe, setting the foundation for future democratic development.
Source: See Srpska
