The book promotion of the book Miloš Timotijević and Aleksandar Marušić “Exclamations of Sincere Enthusiasm: The Ephemeral Spectacle and Journey of King Alexander and Queen Draga Obrenović through Serbia in 1901“, was held at the Gallery of the National Museum Kraljevo, on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, starting at 6 p.m. At the beginning of the event, the audience was welcomed by Darko Gučanin, director of the National Museum Kraljevo, who introduced the participants. He emphasized that the fate of the last Obrenović rulers—their lives and tragic end—is a topic that equally captivates the attention of the public and researchers. He pointed out that until now, the 1901 journey of King Alexander and Queen Draga Obrenović through Serbia, which carries symbolic and political importance, had not been sufficiently researched. The idea for this study, which resulted in this comprehensive and well-equipped book, was born during a professional gathering held at the Kraljevo museum in 2021.
Next, the audience was greeted by Delfina Rajić, director of the National Museum Čačak, who expressed her honor at speaking at the book presentation in Kraljevo, a city proudly bearing its name since the anointment of King Milan Obrenović in Žiča in 1882. She highlighted the connection between this city, Žiča, Studenica, and the Obrenović dynasty as a symbolic foundation of Serbian cultural identity. Rajić mentioned that since its founding, the National Museum Čačak has dedicated great attention to researching the relationship between Čačak and the ruling Obrenović lineage, which contributed significantly to the development of the town. She discussed Čačak’s historical significance in crucial events of 1815 and the role of Obrenović dynasty members in restoring and building numerous monasteries and churches in the region. She noted that Prince Miloš Obrenović recognized the symbolic importance of the area and, in honor of victory, ordered the restoration of the medieval Church of the Virgin Mary in Gradac and designated the Ascension of Christ as its patron feast day. Additionally, she mentioned Governor Jovan’s residence, built in 1835, and the vast influence of Jovan Obrenović on Čačak and its surroundings. The Ovčar-Kablar monastery complex was particularly cared for by Prince Miloš and his family, as evidenced by numerous donations and acts of generosity. The cultural heritage associated with the Obrenović dynasty and religious buildings is preserved today in the National Museum Čačak.
King Alexander and Queen Draga Obrenović through Serbia in 1901” in the Gallery of the National Museum Kraljevo.
Suzana Rajić, PhD, professor at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Belgrade, addressed the audience as a reviewer of the book. She emphasized that the Obrenović dynasty, a young dynasty emerging from the people, did not base its ruling legitimacy on divine providence but on popular support. She explained that it was logical for the young royal couple, facing challenges, to seek support from their people by embarking on this journey. Rajić clarified the motto of the Obrenović dynasty, “Tempus et(est) meum jus” (“Time is my right”), which originated during the reign of Prince Mihailo and was frequently used during the rule of King Milan Obrenović. She described how the dynasty derived its legitimacy from its contributions to the people, granting them an autonomous state, which later became independent. She also discussed the marriage of the last Obrenović ruler to a Serbian noblewoman, whose lineage traces back to the days of revolutionary struggles for liberation. She pointed out that Alexander Obrenović was the first modern ruler to become heir to the throne by birth, indicating the dynasty’s precarious position. The book documenting the royal tour serves as testimony to the close relationship between the people’s dynasty and the nation that saw them as their own and legitimate leaders. The warm receptions and hospitality described in the book support this sentiment.
One of the authors, Miloš Timotijević, PhD, museum advisor at the National Museum Čačak, expressed gratitude to publishers, museum administrators, reviewers, and colleagues, particularly those from the Kraljevo museum. He emphasized that the book is not merely a travel chronicle but also an attempt to illuminate a unique form of political communication—the ephemeral spectacle, a type of public ceremony used for state representation. These fleeting festivities were designed to create a lasting impression. Characterized by massive public participation, the carefully planned royal visits included various special effects, such as a torchlight procession in Kraljevo, fireworks in Kragujevac, and a military parade in Ub. Timotijević recalled a story about an elderly woman who, as a young girl, was gently touched by Queen Draga during the royal procession through her village—an experience that left a profound impression on her. He also discussed the conspirators’ emerging idea to assassinate the royal couple during their tour. Initially envisioning regicide as a dramatic act of political theater, they ultimately relied on the support of the political and economic elite after several failed attempts. According to Timotijević, the last Obrenović rulers successfully reaffirmed their legitimacy and won over the people’s sympathies with this journey.
Finally, the second author, Aleksandar Marušić, senior curator at the Museum of Rudnik-Takovsko Region in Gornji Milanovac, addressed the audience. Coming from a region historically tied to statehood, he pointed out that two of the four ruling queens of the Obrenović dynasty originated from that area—Princess Ljubica and Queen Draga Lunjevica Mašin. He spoke about the deep connections between the Lunjevica and Obrenović families, emphasizing that King Alexander and Queen Draga’s love was genuine and profound. However, their public image was tarnished primarily due to their inability to produce an heir and the exaggerated influence of Queen Draga’s brothers. In 1901, the royal couple found themselves in an unfavorable position following the announcement of their infertility, the death of King Milan, the adoption of an imposed constitution, and the postponement of their visit to the Russian Tsar. Their journey to the heart of national Serbia was an attempt to reclaim legitimacy. After a six-month memorial service for King Milan, they embarked on a tour of Serbia from Smederevo. Everywhere they went, they were joyfully welcomed with gifts, and the people expressed sincere and heartfelt affection toward their rulers. Marušić detailed their visits to numerous towns and monasteries, describing the spectacles featuring triumphal arches and celebratory gates. He highlighted Queen Draga’s birthday celebration, during which over 250 people were honored. He also mentioned that King Alexander and Queen Draga made generous donations to religious institutions they visited, continuing their contributions into the following year.
The promotion concluded with a discussion involving an engaged audience.