Duži Monastery
Duži Monastery, dedicated to the Intercession of the Theotokos, is a Serbian Orthodox monastery situated in Popovo Polje, near the Adriatic coast and west of Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. First mentioned in 1694 as a refuge for monks fleeing conflict, it briefly served as the seat of the Eparchy of Hum. The monastery has a history of supporting Serb uprisings against the Ottomans, enduring damage and looting, and later hosted Russian monks after the October Revolution, who adorned the church with frescoes. Despite periods of disrepair and military occupation, it was restored by nuns starting in 1959 and today engages in beekeeping and agricultural production.
Key Facts
- ›First mentioned in 1694 as a refuge for monks from Tvrdoš Monastery.
- ›Served as the see of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Hum from 1694 to 1777.
- ›Supported Herzegovinian Serb uprisings against the Ottomans, leading to damage and looting.
- ›Renovated in the late 19th century with support from the Austro-Hungarian government.
- ›Inhabited by Russian monks after World War I, who painted frescoes in the church.
- ›Restored as a nunnery starting in 1959 and continues with agricultural activities.
- Frescoes In A Russian Style Painted In 1935
- Current Economic Activities Include Beekeeping and Production of Wine, Rakia, and Dairy Products
Manastir DužI
MićO Ljubibratić
- Morean War
- Herzegovina Uprising of 1875–1877
- Occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina By Austria-Hungary
- October Revolution
- World War Ii
- Yugoslav Wars
About Duži Monastery
Duži Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery dedicated to the Intercession of the Theotokos. Situated in the fertile Popovo Polje region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it lies a short distance from the Adriatic coast and approximately ten kilometers west of Trebinje. Its history is marked by periods of refuge, spiritual leadership, and resilience through conflict.
History and Significance
The monastery is first documented in 1694, when it provided sanctuary to monks fleeing the destruction of the nearby Tvrdoš Monastery during the Morean War. In the same year, Duži became the temporary seat of the Eparchy of Hum, a significant ecclesiastical center for the Serbian Orthodox Church in the region, a role it maintained until 1777. Throughout the latter half of the 19th century, the monks of Duži actively supported the uprisings of Herzegovinian Serbs against Ottoman rule. This involvement led to the monastery being damaged and looted multiple times by Ottoman forces. Mićo Ljubibratić, a prominent leader of the 1875–1877 Herzegovina Uprising, established his headquarters at Duži Monastery.
Following the Congress of Berlin in 1878 and the subsequent occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary, the monastery suffered further damage, including a severe fire in 1886. The Austro-Hungarian government provided significant funding for its renovation, a gesture acknowledged on a bronze plaque within the restored church.
Later History and Present Day
After World War I, Duži Monastery became a home for Russian monks who had emigrated following the October Revolution. In 1935, these monks adorned the monastery's church walls with frescoes executed in a distinct Russian style. Tragically, three of these monks were killed by Yugoslav Partisans in 1941. The monastery was largely deserted after World War II and fell into a state of disrepair. It was even used to house soldiers of the Yugoslav People's Army between 1954 and 1958. In 1959, the site was re-established as a nunnery, and the resident nuns undertook the gradual restoration of the dilapidated structures. Despite being shelled by the Croatian Army during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, the damage was not extensive. Today, Duži Monastery maintains its spiritual life and contributes to the local economy through beekeeping and the production of wine, rakia, and dairy products.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Duži Monastery first mentioned?
Duži Monastery was first mentioned in historical records in 1694. This mention occurred when it provided refuge for monks escaping from the nearby Tvrdoš Monastery during the Morean War.
What was the historical significance of Duži Monastery regarding the Eparchy of Hum?
From 1694 to 1777, Duži Monastery served as the seat for the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Hum. The see was later relocated to Mostar in 1777.
How did Duži Monastery fare during periods of conflict with the Ottomans?
During the latter half of the 19th century, the monks of Duži supported Serb uprisings against the Ottomans. This support led to the monastery being damaged and looted by Ottoman forces in 1858, 1861, and 1877.
What happened to Duži Monastery after World War I?
Following World War I, Duži Monastery became home to Russian monks who had fled Russia after the October Revolution. They were responsible for painting the church walls with frescoes in a Russian style in 1935.
What is the current economic activity at Duži Monastery?
Today, the economy of Duži Monastery is based on beekeeping and the production of local products. These include wine, rakia, and dairy products.
Has the monastery experienced damage in recent conflicts?
During the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, Duži Monastery was shelled by the Croatian Army. Fortunately, these attacks resulted in minimal damage to the monastery.
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