Serbia (Serbie)

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2026-02-10 Diary Coverage: Political references

Overview

Serbia appears in Marie Bashkirtseff's diary in the context of Balkan politics and the Eastern Question. The Principality of Serbia (a kingdom from 1882) was gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire during Marie's diary years, with Russian support. The Serbian cause was a topic of political discussion in the salons Marie frequented.

Historical Context (1870s-1880s)

• Principality of Serbia: Autonomous under Ottoman suzerainty, under the Obrenovic dynasty
• Serbo-Turkish War (1876-1878): Serbia fought for independence, with Russian volunteers joining
• Congress of Berlin (1878): Serbia gained full independence
• Kingdom (1882): Serbia proclaimed a kingdom under King Milan I
• Pan-Slavism: Serbia was a focus of Pan-Slavic sentiment, particularly in Russia

Significance for Marie

• Russian patriotism: Pan-Slavic support for Serbia was strong among Russians
• European politics: The Serbian question was part of broader diplomatic discussions
• The Eastern Question: Serbia's independence was part of Ottoman decline

Related Entries

• #Turkey - The Ottoman Empire
• #Romania - Another Balkan state gaining independence