Bileca
Encyclopedia
Bileća is a town and municipality in the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina
in the entity of Republika Srpska
. It is in eastern Herzegovina
near the border with Montenegro
, north of Trebinje
and south of Gacko
. Administratively, Bileća is part of the Trebinje Region.
documents dating from 1286, when it is mentioned under the name Bilechia. Bileća is mentioned in the 14th and 15th century as an important cross road town in caravan routes. A document dated 8 September 1388, mentions that the army of duke Vlatko Vuković
defeated the Turkish army
at the Battle of Bileća
. In the period from 13th to 16th century in the history of this area is a large number of the "stećci" monolith markers which weigh up to 5 tons. Bileća was held by the Turks from 1466, although this was a rebellious area difficult to control. Nearby, there lies the town of Vučji Do, in which the Battle of Vučji Do
took place in 1876 . The Berlin's Congress included Bileća in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which brought economic development to the region. The first primary school in Bileća was opened in 1880. During World War II
in July 1941, the Cetniks attacked the city and killed over 1,150 people.
According to the 1910 census, the absolute majority in the Bileća municipality were Orthodox Christians (82.27%). According to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia
1931 population census, the absolute majority was held by Orthodox Christians 81.27%.
• Baljci
• Bijela Rudina
• Bijeljani
• Bileća
• Bodenik
• Bogdašići
• Brestice
• Čepelica
• Deleuša
• Divin
• Dlakoše
• Dola
• Donja Meka Gruda
• Donji Davidovići
• Đeče
• Fatnica
• Golobrđe
• Gornja Meka Gruda
• Gornji Davidovići
• Granica
• Hodžići
• Kačanj
• Kalac
• Korita
• Krivača
• Krstače
• Kukričje
• Kuti
• Lađevići
• Milavići
• Mirilovići
• Miruše
• Mrežica
• Narat
• Njeganovići
• Oblo Brdo
• Orah
• Orahovice
• Pađeni
• Panik
• Plana
• Podgorje
• Podosoje
• Preraca
• Prijevor
• Prisoje
• Rioca
• Selišta
• Simijova
• Skrobotno
• Šobadine
• Todorići
• Torić
• Trnovica
• Vlahinja
• Vranjska
• Vrbica
• Zasada
• Zaušje
• Zvijerina
• Žudojevići
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
in the entity of Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska is one of two main political entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
. It is in eastern Herzegovina
Herzegovina
Herzegovina is the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While there is no official border distinguishing it from the Bosnian region, it is generally accepted that the borders of the region are Croatia to the west, Montenegro to the south, the canton boundaries of the Herzegovina-Neretva...
near the border with Montenegro
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
, north of Trebinje
Trebinje
Trebinje is the southernmost municipality and town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is administratively part of the Republika Srpska entity and is located in southeastern Herzegovina, some from the Adriatic Sea....
and south of Gacko
Gacko
Gacko is a town and municipality in southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Republika Srpska entity. It is situated in the Foča Region.-Geography:The town is in a short distance from Montenegro...
. Administratively, Bileća is part of the Trebinje Region.
History
The first traces of civilization in Bileća date from the Neolithic period, although archaeological sites are insufficiently explored. The first written documentation of Bileća as an inhabited place can be found in DubrovnikDubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea coast, positioned at the terminal end of the Isthmus of Dubrovnik. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva county. Its total population is 42,641...
documents dating from 1286, when it is mentioned under the name Bilechia. Bileća is mentioned in the 14th and 15th century as an important cross road town in caravan routes. A document dated 8 September 1388, mentions that the army of duke Vlatko Vuković
Vlatko Vukovic
Vlatko Vuković Kosača was a medieval nobleman who ruled as Grand Duke of Hum.He was a son of Vuk Kosača, the founder of the medieval house of Kosača. He governed the province of Hum, which was part of the Banate of Bosnia. The Ottoman threat was building to the east, threatening neighboring...
defeated the Turkish army
Turkish Army
The Turkish Army or Turkish Land Forces is the main branch of the Turkish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The modern history of the army began with its formation after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire...
at the Battle of Bileća
Battle of Bileca
The Battle of Bileća was fought on 27 August 1388 between Bosnian forces led by Duke Vlatko Vuković and the Ottomans under the leadership of Lala Shahin Pasha...
. In the period from 13th to 16th century in the history of this area is a large number of the "stećci" monolith markers which weigh up to 5 tons. Bileća was held by the Turks from 1466, although this was a rebellious area difficult to control. Nearby, there lies the town of Vučji Do, in which the Battle of Vučji Do
Battle of Vucji Do
The Battle of Vučji Do was a major battle that took place on 18 July 1876 in Vučji Do, Herzegovina in Ottoman Empire . The battle was fought between Montenegrins and Herzegovinians versus the Ottoman Turks...
took place in 1876 . The Berlin's Congress included Bileća in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which brought economic development to the region. The first primary school in Bileća was opened in 1880. During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
in July 1941, the Cetniks attacked the city and killed over 1,150 people.
Demographics
In the estimate of 2005, the population of the Bileća municipality was at 12,000 residents, including:- 11,920 SerbsSerbsThe Serbs are a South Slavic ethnic group of the Balkans and southern Central Europe. Serbs are located mainly in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and form a sizable minority in Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Slovenia. Likewise, Serbs are an officially recognized minority in...
(99.3%) - 80 Bosnian Muslims (0.7%)
According to the 1910 census, the absolute majority in the Bileća municipality were Orthodox Christians (82.27%). According to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Kingdom of Yugoslavia
The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was a state stretching from the Western Balkans to Central Europe which existed during the often-tumultuous interwar era of 1918–1941...
1931 population census, the absolute majority was held by Orthodox Christians 81.27%.
| year of census | total | Serbs Serbs The Serbs are a South Slavic ethnic group of the Balkans and southern Central Europe. Serbs are located mainly in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and form a sizable minority in Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Slovenia. Likewise, Serbs are an officially recognized minority in... | Muslims | Croats Croats Croats are a South Slavic ethnic group mostly living in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and nearby countries. There are around 4 million Croats living inside Croatia and up to 4.5 million throughout the rest of the world. Responding to political, social and economic pressure, many Croats have... | Yugoslavs Yugoslavs Yugoslavs is a national designation used by a minority of South Slavs across the countries of the former Yugoslavia and in the diaspora... | others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~1991~ | 13,284 | 10,628 (80.00%) | 1,947 (14.65%) | 39 (0.29%) | 222 (1.67%) | 448 (3.37%) |
| ~1981~ | 13,199 | 10,190 (77.20%) | 1,803 (13.66%) | 44 (0.33%) | 727 (5.50%) | 435 (3.29%) |
| ~1971~ | 13,444 | 10,880 (80.92%) | 2,079 (15.46%) | 82 (0.60%) | 69 (0.51%) | 334 (2.51%) |
The town of Bileća
| year of census | total | Muslims | Serbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~1978~ | 5,140 | 514 (10%) | 4626 (90%) |
Settlements in Bileća municipality
As of 1991:• Baljci
Baljci (Bileća)
Baljci is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Bijela Rudina
Bijela Rudina
Bijela Rudina is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Bijeljani
Bijeljani
Bijeljani is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Bileća
• Bodenik
Bodenik
Bodenik is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Bogdašići
Bogdašići (Bileća)
Bogdašići is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Brestice
Brestice
Brestice is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Čepelica
Čepelica
Čepelica is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Deleuša
Deleuša
Deleuša is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Divin
Divin (Bileća)
Divin is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Dlakoše
Dlakoše
Dlakoše is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Dola
Dola (Bileća)
Dola is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Donja Meka Gruda
Donja Meka Gruda
Donja Meka Gruda is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Donji Davidovići
Donji Davidovići
Donji Davidovići is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Đeče
Đeče
Đeče is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Fatnica
Fatnica
Fatnica is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Golobrđe
Golobrđe
Golobrđe is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Gornja Meka Gruda
Gornja Meka Gruda
Gornja Meka Gruda is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Gornji Davidovići
Gornji Davidovići
Gornji Davidovići is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Granica
Granica (Bileća)
Granica is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Hodžići
Hodžići (Bileća)
Hodžići is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Kačanj
Kačanj
Kačanj is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Kalac
• Korita
• Krivača
Krivača
Krivača is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Krstače
Krstače
Krstače is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Kukričje
Kukričje
Kukričje is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Kuti
Kuti (Bileća)
Kuti is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Lađevići
• Milavići
Milavići
Milavići is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Mirilovići
Mirilovići
Mirilovići is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Miruše
Miruše
Miruše is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Mrežica
Mrežica (Bileća)
Mrežica is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Narat
Narat
Narat is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Njeganovići
Njeganovići
Njeganovići is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Oblo Brdo
Oblo Brdo
Oblo Brdo is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Orah
Orah (Bileća)
Orah is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Orahovice
Orahovice (Bileća)
Orahovice is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Pađeni
Pađeni
Pađeni is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Panik
Panik (Bileća)
Panik is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Plana
Plana (Bileća)
Plana is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Podgorje
Podgorje (Bileća)
Podgorje is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Podosoje
Podosoje (Bileća)
Podosoje is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Preraca
Preraca
Preraca is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Prijevor
Prijevor (Bileća)
Prijevor is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Prisoje
Prisoje (Bileća)
Prisoje is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Rioca
Rioca
Rioca is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Selišta
• Simijova
Simijova
Simijova is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Skrobotno
Skrobotno
Skrobotno is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Šobadine
Šobadine
Šobadine is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Todorići
• Torić
Torić
Torić is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Trnovica
Trnovica (Bileća)
Trnovica is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Vlahinja
Vlahinja (Bileća)
Vlahinja is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Vranjska
Vranjska (Bileća)
Vranjska is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Vrbica
Vrbica (Bileća)
Vrbica is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Zasada
Zasada
Zasada is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Zaušje
Zaušje
Zaušje is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
• Zvijerina
Zvijerina
Zvijerina is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
• Žudojevići
Žudojevići
Žudojevići is a village in the municipality of Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
Notable citizens
- Dušan VukotićDušan VukoticDušan Vukotić was an award-winning cartoonist, author and director of animated films from Yugoslavia. He is the best known member of the Zagreb school of animated films....
, Winner of Oscar award - Safet IsovićSafet IsovicSafet Isović was a prominent and popular sevdah performer from Bosnia and Herzegovina.Throughout his career, which started in 1956, Isović performed at music festivals and won many of them which has contributed to the prevalence and popularity of the sevdalinka...
, Bosnian sevdalinkaSevdalinkaSevdalinka is a traditional genre of folk music from Bosnia and Herzegovina.Sevdalinka is popular across the ex-Yugoslavia region, especially in Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia. The actual composers of many sevdalinkas are unknown....
singer - Fadil HadžićFadil HadžićFadil Hadžić was a prominent Croatian film director within the former Yugoslavia, screenwriter, playwright and journalist, mainly known for his comedy films and plays.Hadžić was born in Bileća, Bosnia-Herzegovina...
, Movie director/writer
Features
- Diocese of Zahumlje-Herzegovina and Littoral (official site in Serbian) - Serbian Orthodox Church (official site in English)
- Hydroelectric power plants on Trebisnjica river (near Bileca)
- The lake of Bileća (Bilećko jezero) is located south of the town.
See also
- Municipalities of Republika SrpskaMunicipalities of Republika SrpskaUnder the "Law on Territorial Organization and Local Self-Government" adopted in 1994, Republika Srpska was divided into 80 municipalities. After the conclusion of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the law was amended in 1996 to reflect the changes to the entity's borders and now provides for the...
- BILECA info site
- Portal Site www.bileca.org