EXHIBITION FEATURING NIKOLA KOLJEVIĆ'S PERSONAL ITEMS AND DOCUMENTS OPENS

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 24 /SRNA/ - The exhibition titled “Nikola Koljević’s Pathways /1936–1997/,” featuring personal items and documents of the former Vice President of Republika Srpska, authored by historian Ostoja Railić, was opened today at the Faculty of Political Sciences /FPS/ of the University of Banja Luka.

The Vice-Dean for Scientific Research and Cooperation at the Faculty, Vlade Simović, emphasized that Koljević’s political and educational importance for Republika Srpska is immeasurable. He added that it is therefore logical that, in a year marking two important anniversaries for Republika Srpska - 30 years since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, by which Srpska was internationally recognized as a state-forming entity of BiH, and 50 years since the founding of the University of Banja Luka - an exhibition should be opened in honor of this Serbian intellectual. Simović emphasized that there are historical moments that reveal whether we, as individuals and as a nation, have character. “Nikola Koljević lived during that decisive historical period which demanded both courage and character to assume some of the most important roles in the formation and establishment of Republika Srpska,” Simović said. He emphasized that Koljević was not only a man who contributed to the political development of Republika Srpska, but also to the establishment of both public universities, serving for many years as a professor, first at the University of Istočno Sarajevo, and later at the University of Banja Luka. The Dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences, Ranka Perić Romić, told reporters that the exhibition was jointly organized by the Faculty and the Museum of Republika Srpska on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the University of Banja Luka and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. “We felt that such an exhibition should be presented to professors, associates, and students of the Faculty of Political Sciences, as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and many scholars and associates are discussing this topic. We often forget who the participants and creators were until the signing of the Dayton Agreement, and which individuals made significant contributions to the establishment and preservation of Republika Srpska,” Romić said. She emphasized that the exhibition serves as a fitting introduction to the commemorations of both the anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the 50th anniversary of the University of Banja Luka. The Director of the Museum of Republika Srpska, Davor Strika, told reporters that this is the Museum’s main exhibition, authored by Senior Curator for the History of Republika Srpska, Ostoja Railić, and reminded that the exhibition was first displayed at the end of 2023, when it was officially opened by President Milorad Dodik. He emphasized that the exhibition represents a continuation of the collaboration between the Museum and the Faculty of Political Sciences, adding that it is extremely important for students to see how people built and developed Republika Srpska. “I believe that in this way we will engage the public, especially students, to study the history of Republika Srpska, and that the Faculty of Political Sciences and the Museum will continue to carry out similar activities,” Strika said. Railić told reporters that the exhibition presents 28 personal items and documents from Koljević’s legacy, which are part of the Collection for the History of Republika Srpska and were donated to the Museum by the family in 2019. He noted that the exhibition includes 17 display panels featuring appropriate, thematic texts and collages, as well as photographs illustrating the personality and work of Nikola Koljević. Railić emphasized that the exhibition is being presented in this form for the first time, offering an opportunity to view items from Professor Koljević’s legacy, including his decorations and diplomas. The exhibition will remain open until November 7.