Exclamations of Sincere Enthusiasm: The Ephemeral Spectacle and Journey of King Alexander and Queen Draga Obrenović through Serbia in 1901

Promotion of the book by Miloš Timotijević, PhD and Aleksandar Marušić “Exclamations of Sincere Enthusiasm: The Ephemeral Spectacle and Journey of King Alexander and Queen Draga Obrenović through Serbia in 1901” will take place at the Gallery of the National Museum in Kraljevo, on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. The publication was issued by the Museum of the Rudnik-Takovo Region in Gornji Milanovac and the National Museum Čačak.

The book explores the symbolic and political dimensions of royal visits within the context of a significant political moment. The visit was organized following the death of King Milan Obrenović, the adoption of an imposed constitution, the announcement that Queen Draga was not pregnant, and the postponement of the visit to the Russian Tsar, which was intended to secure international legitimacy for the Queen. The journey included stops in Smederevo, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, the monasteries of Žiča and Studenica, Čačak, Požega, Užice, Dobrinja, Takovo, Gornji Milanovac, the monasteries of Vujan, Vraćevšnica, and Divostin, before concluding in Belgrade via Kragujevac and Mladenovac. The book also examines the organization of the Queen’s birthday celebration in the capital, military maneuvers in Ub, and a visit to Niš.

Throughout their travels, the royal couple used public ceremonies and rituals to reinforce their legitimacy and demonstrate their connection with the people. The visit had a significant impact on the daily lives of ordinary people, as many places became centers of public celebrations – an event never repeated in the history of these towns, at least not in the manner of 1901. Special emphasis is placed on analyzing religious and national symbols, which strengthened ties to Serbia’s historical heritage. These public appearances functioned as a kind of “performance,” in which the ruling couple assumed the role of national protectors while simultaneously attempting to mitigate political crises and opposition pressure.

Numerous illustrations and documents, including lists of individuals decorated before, during, and after the visit, as well as important toasts, speeches, and addresses given during these festivities, further enrich the understanding of the historical context and provide readers with a valuable insight into the structure and character of these visits.

Although these rituals were designed as a means to reinforce state stability, the authors also analyze their ephemeral nature, pointing out that the royal performances had a limited impact on long-term public support. Ultimately, the book highlights the political failure of these public appearances and the acceleration of the conspirators’ decision to assassinate the King and Queen as a kind of “anti-performance” aimed at dismantling the symbolic power of the last Obrenovićs.