Jeffrey Lash

Jovan Cvijić’s portrait in a geography classroom in Knjaževac.

Allow me to introduce Jovan Cvijić – the father of Serbian geography.  He was born in Loznica in 1865. Cvijić earned a PhD from the University of Vienna for his work on Balkan karst landscapes.  He is best know, however, for his work as a political geographer before, during, and after World War I.  Amongst Serbs, Cvijić, is a folk hero.  His portrait adorns the Serbian 500 dinar note.  His statue occupies the center of Studentski Trg (Student’s Square), one of Belgrade’s oldest public spaces.  He died at his home in Belgrade 83 years ago today.