The past in the present, Bora Stankovic's house museum in Vranje, Serbia

"If ever the heart aches and a sweet sadness takes hold of the soul, it is when reminiscing about the past, bygone days, birthplace, friends from childhood... You remember those who have died with piety and respect, and those who are still alive you look at with amazement, wondering how they have changed..."
Bora Stankovic

It is difficult to start a post about a man who significantly marked Serbian literature. You know when you feel so much respect for someone that you're afraid words won't be enough to describe it. This is exactly the kind of respect I feel for Borisav Bora Stankovic, Serbian writer from Vranje, a small town in the south of Serbia.

I started this post with his words from one of his stories. He wrote many stories and novels about the ordinary life of the ordinary people of his hometown. This summer, when I was returning from Greece, I spent a few days in Vranje and took the opportunity to visit Bora Stankovic's house museum again.

His house is located not far from the city center in a street that has retained its authentic appearance as it was during his life in the second half of the 19th century. The street is named after his grandmother Zlata. She raised him and took care of him because he lost his parents very early.

We passed through the gate and entered the beautiful spacious courtyard.

It was a very hot day, so we felt very comfortable in the shade of a large tree in the yard.

Looking at the house, it is easy to imagine Bora sitting in front and writing about the life around him that inspired him.

He used to say that everything he writes must hurt him and go through, and he was angry on one occasion when they asked him to write a story in a short time. He paid attention to each of his pieces, going through it emotionally and leaving his soul in it.

We went inside.

The house contains many items that he and his grandmother Zlata used. Their personal belongings, books, photos, furniture, dishes...

There is a guest room, which should always be the most beautiful in every house.

And grandmother Zlata's room.

Across from these two rooms is Bora's room where his books and original writings are displayed...

And outside there is also a summer kitchen with displayed crockery from the period of Bora's life.

Writing about people, he presented them exactly as they are. Through describing the small world around him, he came to very wide knowledge about the essence of man and his behavior. His books have deep messages, emotional touch and inspiration that will not leave you indifferent. If you want to get to know the city of Vranje and its history in the right way, get to know it through Bora's literary works.

Thank you very much for reading.

The images and writing are original and mine.

Greetings!

Jelena