Matica Srpska 's decade in Budapest

Abstract

The foundation of Matica Srpska in Pest in January 1826 was the event that had a long lasting impact on Serbian culture and history, not only in Hungary (Austro-Hungarian Empire), but also in Serbia. Marking the 190 anniversary of one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Serbian nation, this essay reveals the circumstances that influenced the foundation of Matica and its Letopis, as well as the environment in which it functioned in Pest for a couple of decades. At the beginning of 19th century Budapest was a leading centre for Serbian culture, science and education. Also, this essay gives a critical analysis on several phases in Matica Srpska's functioning, various cultural influences and relations inside the organization, as well as the main reasons for its relocation to Novi Sad in 1864.

Keywords

• Matica Srpska
• Letopis
• Pest (Budapest)
• Serbs in Austro-Hungarian Monarchy