On July 6, 2025, President Milorad Dodik delivered a compelling speech in Nevesinje, a town in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, during the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Nevesinje Uprising.
The event, attended by leaders from Republika Srpska, Serbia, and Montenegro, marked the historic revolt that began in July 1875 in the village of Krekovi.
Sparked by the local Serb population’s resistance to the tyrannical Muslim Ottoman oppression, the rebellion quickly escalated into a broader anti-Ottoman movement across the region.
It signaled the beginning of the Great Eastern Crisis (1875–1878), which culminated in the Russo-Turkish War and the Congress of Berlin, where Serbia and Montenegro gained independence, and Bosnia and Herzegovina came under Austro-Hungarian administration.
Today, the Nevesinje Uprising is revered as a foundational moment in Serbian history. The bravery of the Nevesinjci is immortalized in epic poetry, literature, and collective memory, celebrated not only for their resistance but for shaping the identity and aspirations of the Serbian people.
Republika Srpska must honor the sacred oath of Nevesinje
In his speech, President Dodik emphasized the enduring significance of the Nevesinje uprising and its relevance in contemporary times: “Republika Srpska must honor the sacred oath of Nevesinje. We must never betray those who gave their lives for our freedom.”
He further stressed the importance of historical consciousness, particularly through education: “Our history is one of immense suffering and sacrifice. It is our duty to draw lessons from it and ensure that future generations understand and embody our national story.”
Furthermore, President Dodik outlined a clear vision based on unity, cultural preservation, and unbreakable ties with Serbia, reaffirming that the legacy of Nevešće is not limited to the past but remains a living call to national responsibility.
Today, the people of the Republica Srpska and Serbia stand firm against Muslim oppression of Western civilization, Christianity, and Judaism in Europe and across the globe.
It is important to underscore that rising Islamization, ideological extremism, and antisemitism — fueled in part by the Sarajevo Bosniak leadership — are increasingly unsettling Bosnia and Herzegovina from within. In this context, the spirit of the Nevesinje Uprising carries renewed significance.
What once stood as resistance against Ottoman domination now serves as a potent symbol of vigilance and unity in the face of modern threats to sovereignty and cultural integrity. The legacy of those who rose in 1875 continues to inspire — and challenge — Serbs and all champions of liberty to defend truth and freedom.
Marc Zell is an international lawyer practicing in Israel and the United States and represents Republika Srpska. He specializes in cross-border litigation and international commercial transactions.