1 MB Report_Path of written symbols across the

“Preparation for implementation of Area Based Development in the
Western Balkans -2nd phase”
People to People program in cross-border region of
“Drina-Tara”
“Path of written symbols across the river
streams from Visegrad to Bajina Bast"
November 24th – December 9th 2014,
Visegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bajina Basta, Serbia
“Path of written symbols across the river
streams from Visegrad to Bajina Basta"
The regional event “Path of Written Symbols across the river streams from Visegrad to Bajina
Basta“ was organized in period from 24th November till 9th December 2014.
The aim of this regional tourist event was to promote joint tourist offer and attractions in border
areas, joint promotion of rural development and environmental protection of the cross border
region “Drina – Tara”. Also this event is related to research, maintenance and preservation of
neglected monuments in this region.
The monument of culture "Written rock” is located near the village Zlijeb, 20 km from the city of
Visegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Actually this is vertical and smooth rock, about fifteen
meters above the ground, with written characters –pictures of eagles, horsemen with spears in
a shape of wheel crosses, drown in white colour. The monument represents type of
pictographic or pictorial letter. Several similar drawings have been found in the Drina Canyon. It
is one of the oldest written cultural monuments in the “Drina-Tara” region and in the last decade
was very attractive for exploration by archaeologists from all around Europe.
The “One year river” that runs through Bajina Basta, Serbia is only 365m long and is the
shortest river in Europe. It has two bridges and waterfall that flows into the Drina River, rich with
Danube salmon and other.
The Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) in South-Eastern Europe
supported the organization of this event. The activity is planned within the SWG EC project:
“Preparation for implementation of the Area Based Development (ABD) Approach in the
Western Balkans – 2nd phase”, activities related to promotion of People-to-People actions in the
target cross-border areas.
Short report from the event
Promotion of the tourist spots through flyers
Four specific thematic radio shows were recorded and broadcasted in the period from 28th
November till 5th December. The visibility of SWG EC project and “Drina-Tara” cross border
region was fully respected. Guests at the radio shows were: Mr. Mario Arsic, historian; Mr.
Obrad Pavlovic, Association “Bios”, Bajina Basta and Mr. Sinisa Spasojevic, STC Bajina Basta,
Ms. Mila Gracanin, Association ”Nove nade”, Visegrad and Mr. Radoje Tasic, journalist,
publicist and reporter.
Radio shows were designed to inform the audience about the importance of cultural heritage
and monuments in Visegrad which are neglected and need to be better promoted, as well to
encourage investments in rural tourism, manufacturing, healthy food production, production of
souvenirs, etc. Also to encourage cross-border cooperation with similar ideas in the form of
projects that contributes to development of tourism and economic empowerment.
The seminar “Introduction of new tourist attractions in touristic offer” was organised on
December 4th in Hotel ”Andricev Konak” in Visegrad “ with to discuses about development of
tourism as important economic sector in “Drina-Tara” cross-border region. At the seminar were
present 25 participant’s representatives from Tourism Organization Visegrad and Bajina Basta,
lecturers, guests from Rogatica, media and other guests interested in this subject. Moderator of
this event was Mr. Milenko Dacevic from Cajnice.
Firstly, Mr. Predrag Markovic, Regional Coordinator for “Drina-Tara” cross-border region
welcome the participants. And express wish that SWG RRD will be able to support projects with
the aim to improve touristic offer in the “Drina-Tara” cross-border region. There isn’t defined
pattern how to define and include new touristic product in tourist offer and promote them further.
Seminar “Introduction of new touristic attractions”
Mrs. Branka Loric, coordinator of project activities said that new programme scheme of RTV
Visegrad will be introduced with new specific topics included. As well she said that project ideas
need to develop jointly with the aim to improve local communities and regional cooperation.
Mr. Mario Arsic, historian from Visegrad stress that symbols on “written rock” dates from Roman
Empire and they represent the Roman military formations. The area of Visegrad Zupa (villages
Greben, Kaostice) is also known for the sites from the Paleolithic era and older Bronze Age. In
village Gostilj are located remains of a pagan temple. As well on this territory are located
remains of medieval castles Borac, Samobor, Brodar, Pavlovina, Hrtar and Dobrun. From the
time of the Ottoman Empire dates the important monuments like Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic
Bridge and Turkish bath in Visegrad Spa.
Mrs. Olivera Todorovic, Director of Tourism Organization presented number of tourism
attractions in Visegrad Municipality. As well she said that on national level there is an initiative
for establishment of National Park “Drina”. One of the suggested touristic routes to be
developed in Visegrad is “Route of Ivo Andric heroes”.
Mr. Radoje Tasic, journalist emphases the role of media in promoting cultural heritage. Ms. Mila
Gracanin, Association “Nove nade” presented the implemented projects in a sphere of
environmental protection. It was stressed out that ecological approach in development of
touristic attractions is of great significance.
Representatives from Sport Tourism Centre Bajina Basta and Association “Bios” presented the
potentials of Municipality Bajina Basta. The participants could see as well short promotional
movie.
Field trip to Monument “Written rock” in
village Zlijeb near Visegrad and “One year
river” (river Vrelo) in Bajina Basta were
organized on 21th November and on 9th
December.
“Written rock“ in village Zlijeb
“One year river” or river Vrelo
TV reportage about this tourist attraction will be broadcasted. The story about “written rock” in
village Zlijeb is one of the forgotten touristic destinations that need to be included in tourist offer.
In the rocks below the plateau of Dikava once the spring was closed and then it burst out with
full force on the other side of the Mountain Tara in Perucac and made the river 365 meters long,
called “One year river”.
Municipality Visegrad and Bajina Basta, as bordering municipalities which are connected with
Drina River and Tara Mountain need to improve cooperate on joint projects in the future.
Prepared by:
Danica Radojicic
Technical assistant for cross-border region “Drina-Tara”