Republika Srpska will officially open its exhibition at the Belgrade International Book Fair today, presenting its latest literary, scientific and cultural achievements under the slogan “To Exist. To Carry Identity.” This year’s participation is dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Ivo Andrić receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature.
According to the Republika Srpska Representative Office in Serbia, the exhibition will showcase the diversity of Republika Srpska’s literary, academic and cultural production, highlighting the importance of preserving national identity, language and historical heritage.
The opening ceremony will be attended by Mlađen Cicović, Head of the Republika Srpska Representative Office in Serbia, Zlatan Klokić, Republika Srpska Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation, Borivoje Golubović, Minister of Education and Culture, and a representative of Serbia’s Ministry of Culture.
The program will include archival footage of Ivo Andrić receiving the Nobel Prize in Stockholm, provided by Filmske Novosti, as well as a lecture by Professor Miloš Kovačević on Andrić’s language and literary style.
Ivo Andrić’s Nobel Prize inspires this year’s exhibition
The slogan “To Exist. To Carry Identity” is taken from Andrić’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech and reflects the central theme of Republika Srpska’s participation.
The exhibition aims to present not only books and authors but also the broader cultural, scientific and spiritual achievements of Republika Srpska, emphasizing the identity and values it seeks to preserve for future generations.
This year’s participation carries particular significance as it commemorates 65 years since Andrić received the Nobel Prize in Literature.
According to the organizers, Andrić’s literary legacy demonstrates that a deep connection to one’s language, culture and history is fully compatible with belonging to the wider world of literature and culture.
37 publishers and 100 publications featured
The scale and diversity of the program are reflected in the participation of 37 publishers and co-publishers, with 100 publications scheduled for presentation.
A total of 131 authors, scientists, writers, professors and other participants will take part in the promotional activities.
The program at the Republika Srpska exhibition stand and accompanying presentation venues will feature 38 events.
These include 35 presentations of publications released since the previous fair, a literary evening featuring writers from Serbia, Republika Srpska, Montenegro and the diaspora, the presentation of the Charter of Achievement award, and the official introduction of Republika Srpska’s participation.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore contemporary literature, scientific and professional studies, monographs, historical documents, academic journals and publications dedicated to preserving local and cultural heritage.
Universities and scientific institutions present latest publications
Some of Republika Srpska’s leading scientific and educational institutions will play a prominent role in the exhibition.
The Academy of Sciences and Arts of Republika Srpska will present the seventh volume of the Encyclopedia of Republika Srpska, along with publications covering natural sciences, social sciences, philosophy and history.
The University of Banja Luka will showcase publications marking its 50th anniversary, while faculties of the University of East Sarajevo will present scientific, professional and historiographical works.
A significant part of the program will focus on preserving the Serb language and Cyrillic script in education.
The Institute for Textbooks and Teaching Resources in East Novo Sarajevo will make an important contribution to this segment.
The Institute will also present novels recognized with the prestigious Golden Owl literary award, including Mrs. Mara, Cleansing of Sin and Life in Pictures.
Historical publications and preservation of cultural memory
Visitors will also be introduced to publications documenting the history of the Serb people, wartime suffering and cultural memory.
Among the featured works are Serb Manuscripts and Early Printed Books of the Church of the Assumption in Čajniče and the photographic monograph Donja Gradina Memorial Area.
The Institute of Historical Sciences at the University of East Sarajevo will present historiographical publications, including documents concerning the genocide against Serbs in BiH during World War II and studies dedicated to the history of Republika Srpska.
Other participating institutions include the Museum of Republika Srpska, the National and University Library of Republika Srpska, the Donja Gradina Memorial Area, regional museums and libraries, the Association of Writers of Republika Srpska and numerous cultural organizations.
Their publications highlight the richness of Republika Srpska’s literary and scientific achievements, historical experiences and cultural heritage.
Books as guardians of language, history and identity
The Republika Srpska Representative Office in Serbia emphasized that books represent far more than printed publications.
They preserve language, nurture the Cyrillic script, transmit knowledge, document history and contribute to the development of cultural identity.
According to the Representative Office, this message lies at the heart of Republika Srpska’s participation in this year’s Belgrade Book Fair.
The event provides an opportunity to showcase the Republic’s creative achievements, historical memory and the values it seeks to preserve and pass on to future generations.
The official opening of Republika Srpska’s exhibition is scheduled for 12:00 noon at the Administration Building of the Belgrade Fair.
The 69th Belgrade International Book Fair will run until Saturday, October 31, under the slogan “Words Build the World.”
Source: RTRS
