The program of the international scientific conference "The Consequences of the Fall of the Bosnian Kingdom," which will be held on October 24 and 25 at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mostar, and will focus on the consequences of the fall of medieval Bosnia and Hum into Ottoman hands, was presented at a press conference.

Miroslav Landeka, Vice President of the Central Board of the Croatian Cultural Society (HKD) "Napredak," emphasized that Napredak has declared 2024 the Year of Queen Katarina, marking the 600th anniversary of her birth. He noted that 29 scholars from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, and Germany will participate in the conference.

Anto Ivić, a member of the Central Board of HKD "Napredak," reflected on the life of Queen Katarina Kosača Kotromanić. He explained that the commemoration is being held to mark the 600th anniversary of the birth of this historical figure, a noblewoman who became a queen through marriage, later a widow, and eventually a refugee without her homeland or children, whom she never saw again. Ivić stressed that Queen Katarina’s significance lies in the fact that she was a contemporary of the fall of the Bosnian Kingdom, making this anniversary a fitting occasion for the conference.

He highlighted that the focus of this conference differs from similar events, which have generally centered on the circumstances of the fall of the Bosnian Kingdom, whereas this gathering will emphasize the consequences of Bosnia’s fall.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dražen Barbarić, pointed out that it is the duty of the Faculty, as an educational institution, to participate in and support such conferences.

"Small nations tend to think ad hoc, from moment to moment, while great nations think strategically. Strategies are often written only to remain on paper, but here at the Faculty, we have made an effort to develop an action plan to implement what is laid out in the strategic document. I believe that no faculty has a greater responsibility to encourage, promote, participate in, sponsor, and organize conferences like this one," said Dean Barbarić.

He emphasized that identity-related issues, key historical figures, and significant historical events must be approached rationally. "Small nations often mythologize their history and figures, which can be a hindrance. This conference represents the opposite approach—one of rational, critical, and pluralistic thinking, combined with a multidisciplinary approach to covering such an important historical figure," Barbarić added.

The conference is organized by HKD "Napredak" and the Institute for Culture and Tradition of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with co-organizers including the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mostar, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Split, and the Institute for Migration Research in Zagreb. The sponsor of the conference is the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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