Dubrovnik, located on the southern coast of the Adriatic Sea, is one of Croatia's most important historical and cultural centers. It was founded in the 7th century as a small settlement by refugees from the Roman city of Epidaurum (today's Cavtat) who had fled the Slavic and Avar invasions. According to legend, the refugees settled on a small island called Laus, which means "rock" in Greek. Over time, the island of Laus merged with the mainland, and the new settlement was named Ragusa, after the Latin word for rock. Other theories assume that Dubrovnik was founded even earlier.
In the 12th century, Dubrovnik developed into an important trading center. Thanks to its favorable geographical position, the city became an important hub for trade between East and West. The people of Dubrovnik developed a powerful fleet that dominated the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Trade links with many countries in Europe and the Middle East brought prosperity and wealth to the city.
During the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik was under the protection of Byzantium, later under the rule of the Normans, the Republic of Venice, and finally, Hungary. In 1358, the Republic of Dubrovnik established its autonomy with the Treaty of Zadar and was formally recognized as an independent republic under the nominal protection of the Hungarian-Croatian king. The Republic of Dubrovnik existed until 1808 when Napoleon abolished it.
Throughout the centuries, Dubrovnik was known for its diplomacy and its ability to maintain its independence through negotiation and trade. The city was exceptionally multicultural, which was reflected in its architecture, art, and daily life. The Dubrovnik Statute of 1272 was one of the first legal documents in Europe to regulate life in the city and protect civil rights.
The great earthquake of 1667 was a catastrophe for Dubrovnik, destroying a large part of the city and claiming many victims. However, Dubrovnik rebuilt itself thanks to its trade network and international connections. The reconstruction led to a Baroque revival that gave many buildings and churches their present appearance.
Towards the end of the 18th century, Dubrovnik experienced a decline due to changes in trade routes and competition from other trading powers. Napoleon's troops occupied the city in 1806; two years later, in 1808, the Republic of Dubrovnik was dissolved. After Napoleon's defeat, Dubrovnik became part of the Kingdom of Dalmatia within the Habsburg Monarchy, a status it retained until the end of the First World War. After the First World War and the dissolution of the Habsburg Monarchy, Croatia and its territories became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After the Second World War, Dubrovnik became part of Croatia as one of the six republics of socialist Yugoslavia.
Dubrovnik had an immense influence on Croatian culture and literature. The city was a center of intellectual, artistic, and cultural life, and its literary and cultural heritage continues to inspire today. Dubrovnik gave Croatia many prominent writers, artists, and intellectuals whose works and contributions reflect the city's rich history and cultural identity. Some of the most famous personalities from Dubrovnik are:
Marin Držić (1508-1567)
The most famous Croatian playwright and comedy writer of the Renaissance period, he wrote comedies such as "Dundo Maroje" and "Skup," which criticized the social and political issues of his time and were very popular with the public.
Ivan Gundulić (1589-1638)
Gundulić is one of the most important Baroque poets in Croatian literature. His most famous work, the epic "Osman," celebrates freedom and heroism. The "Hymn to Freedom," part of Gundulić's play "Dubravka," is still a symbol of freedom and patriotic spirit.
Junije Palmotić (1607-1657)
He was a poet and playwright who wrote historical dramas and epics, including works such as "Pavlimir" and "Cristijada."
Rudjer Bošković (1711-1787)
Although better known as a scientist, Bošković was also a philosopher and poet. His works influenced thinking in the natural sciences and philosophy.
The war in the 1990s
The war began after the collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia when Croatia and Slovenia declared their independence on June 25, 1991. The war was fought between Croatia and the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA), which was fully controlled by Serbia and supported by Serbian and Montenegrin paramilitary units. According to the 1991 census that preceded the war, Croats made up a majority of 77.5% in Dubrovnik, making it clear that the attempt to conquer Dubrovnik was motivated solely by the desire to seize Croatian territory. During the siege, Dubrovnik was subjected to fierce attacks and bombardments. The historic core of the city, which is under UNESCO protection, suffered considerable damage. Cultural and historical landmarks such as city walls, palaces, and churches were attacked and damaged or destroyed.
The siege lasted until the end of 1991, with the city under constant fire and supply routes cut off. The civilian population suffered from a lack of food, water, and medical supplies. The international community condemned the attacks, and Dubrovnik became a symbol of the resistance and suffering of the Croatian people during the war.
The siege of Dubrovnik formally ended in early 1992, when Croatian forces broke the siege and stabilized the defensive line around the city. By the end of the year, most of Dubrovnik's hinterland had been liberated, and the JNA withdrew.
The international community, including UNESCO, supported the restoration of Dubrovnik's historic city center. The city gradually regained its splendor and once again became a popular tourist destination.
Dubrovnik today
Today, Dubrovnik is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is known for its beautiful old town, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The city is also known for its cultural heritage, festivals, and popularity as a filming location for movies and series.
Dubrovnik's history reflects a rich and complex past that has shaped the city's unique culture and identity. A symbol of freedom, trade, and diplomacy, Dubrovnik remains an enduring monument to human resilience and progress.