One of the most significant historical sights in Old Slankamen that we saw during our visit to this place is the monument dedicated to the Battle of Slankamen, which was fought between the Holy Roman Empire and Turkey in 1691. This battle ended the Great Turkish War.
Old Slankamen is a small place in Vojvodina, the northern province of Serbia, on the banks of the Danube River, known for its salt water springs that are suitable for the treatment of many diseases. I often go there with my family because it has some charm and reminds us of a seaside place. And the monument dedicated to the Battle of Slankamen is a few minutes drive away from town.
From the car, I took pictures of beautiful plains, wheat fields and vineyards.
It is incredible that a bloody battle once took place in this peaceful area.
Next to the monument there is a board where you can read all the information about this monument and the battle.
I read there that as many as 20,000 Turkish soldiers and around 3,000 Serbian and Austrian soldiers lost their lives in battle on this peaceful field.
The monument was erected at the end of the 19th century, 200 years after the battle.
Verses by the Serbian poet Jovan Jovanović Zmaj are written on the monument, which translated into English means: Thanks and glory to the virtuous heroes who rose with the fall and did not die with the death.
The monument is very simple, but you feel somehow strange next to it. I felt respect even though I have never been there before. Probably because I know what and who it is dedicated to.
Knowing that a clash of world civilizations took place here is an incredible fact that reminds us of the great impact historical events have on shaping our present. That is why I feel excited when I visit places like this. The Monument of the Battle of Slankamen is a legacy that bears witness to the resilience and bravery of those who fought, but also, considering the number of victims, reminds us that it should stay in the past and that today we should keep the peace.
Thank you very much for reading.
The images and writing are original and mine.
Jelena