Montenegrins 592964 225499335 2008-07-14T00:43:59Z 71.205.170.70 /* Religion */ {{Ethnic group| |group=Montenegrins<br>(Црногорци - Crnogorci) |pop='''350,000'''<small><sup>+</sup></small> |region1={{flagcountry|Montenegro}} |pop1=267,669 (as Montenegrins)<br>198,414 (as Serbs) |ref1=<ref name="montcensus">[http://www.njegos.org/census/index.htm Unofficial results of Montenegro census 2003]</ref> |region2={{flagcountry|Serbia}} |pop2=69,049 (2002)(as Montenegrins)<br>ca. 200,000 (as Serbs) |ref2=<ref name="serbcensus">[http://webrzs.statserb.sr.gov.yu/axd/Zip/NEP1.pdf Official results of Serbia census 2002, Republic bureau of statistics])</ref> |region3={{flagcountry|Argentina}} |pop3=30,000(2001): |ref3=<ref>[http://www.diaspora.cg.yu/html/casopis/2/eng/pr2.htm Stories from the Diaspora]</ref> |region4={{flagcountry|Croatia}} |pop4=4,926(2001): |ref4=<ref name="croatcensus">[http://www.dzs.hr/Eng/censuses/Census2001/Popis/E01_02_02/E01_02_02.html Official Results of Croatia census 2001, Central Bureau of Statistics of Croatia]</ref> |region5={{flagcountry|Macedonia}} |pop5=2,686 (2002): |ref5=<ref name="makcensus">[http://www.stat.gov.mk/english/soopstenija_eng.asp?name=03.01 Official Results of Macedonia census 2002, State Staticistal Office of the Republic of Macedonia]</ref> |region6={{flagcountry|Slovenia}} |pop6=2,667 (2002) |ref6=<ref name="slocensus">[http://www.stat.si/popis2002/en/rezultati/rezultati_red.asp?ter=REG&st=17 Official Results of Slovenia census 2002, Staticistal Office of the Republic of Slovenia]</ref> |region7={{flagcountry|Albania}} |pop7=2,000 (2000) |ref7={{lower|<ref name=albsurvey>[http://www.coe.int/t/e/human_rights/minorities/2._framework_convention_(monitoring)/2._monitoring_mechanism/3._state_reports_and_unmik_kosovo_report/1._first_cycle/PDF_1st_SR_Albania.pdf State Report of Albania from CoE, PDF]</ref>}} |region8={{flagcountry|Australia}} |pop8=1,171 (2006 census) |region9={{flagcountry|Canada}} |pop9= 2,370 (2006 census) |ref9=<ref name="canadacensus">[http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/highlights/ethnic/pages/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo=PR&Code=01&Data=Count&Table=2&StartRec=1&Sort=3&Display=All&CSDFilter=5000 Official Results of Canada census 2006, National Staticistal Agency of Canada]</ref> |langs= [[Serbian language]], [[Montenegrin language|Montenegrin]] (considered commonly as the [[Ijekavian]] dialect of the Serbian language) |rels=[[Serbian Orthodox Church|Serbian Orthodox Christian]] <small> </small> |related=Other [[Slavic peoples]]; [[South Slavs]], especially [[Serbs]] }} '''Montenegrins''' ([[Serbian language|Serbian]]: Црногорци/''Crnogorci'') are a [[South Slavs|South Slavic]] people, historically self-determined as [[Serbs]], mostly associated to [[Montenegro]]. In both English and [[Serbian]], the term denotes both the [[nation]] (the citizens of Montenegro) and the [[ethnic group]] with a slightly different meaning, as well as being a regional designation. ==Identity and population== In Montenegro, ethnic Montenegrins and Serbs are divided largely on the basis of ethnic self-identification. The issue of Montenegrin ethnicity is debated, especially since the late 20th century. Following the collapse of Communism in Yugoslavia, more and more Montenegrins began to self-identify as Serbs as the majority had done prior to the introduction of Communist rule. The split has deepened further since the movement for full Montenegrin independence from the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] began to gain ground in the mid-1990s, and ultimately narrowly succeeded in the [[Montenegrin independence referendum, 2006|referendum of May 2006]] (having been [[Montenegrin independence referendum, 1992|rejected in 1992]]). The Montenegro Serbs though, do not consider themselves separate from the Montenegrin nation but instead believe all Montenegrins are in fact at least to some degree Serb. The sense of being Montenegrins in a regional-geographic and a historical sense and to have had the same origin as the [[Serbs]] is accepted by all of the country's Serbs and Montenegrins. {{Montenegrins}} In the [[Demographic history of Montenegro|2003 census]], over 270,000 or ''43%'' of the population of Montenegro identified themselves as ethnic Montenegrins, while around 200,000 or ''32%'' identified themselves as Serbs. The number of "Montenegrins" and "Serbs" fluctuates wildly from census to census, not due to real changes in the populace, but due to changes in how people experience their identity. According to the latest poll from early 2008, 44.8% citizens of Montenegro considersed themselves Montenegrins and 33.6% Serbs. According to the [[Demographics of Serbia|2002 census]], there are around 70,000 ethnic Montenegrins in [[Serbia]], accounting for ''0.92%'' of the Republic's population. The number of Montenegrin citizens in Serbia runs to several hundreds of thousands (nearly 300,000 est.), but most of them identify as Serbs. In addition, a significant number of Serbs in Serbia and [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]] are of Montenegrin ancestry, but exact numbers are difficult to assess - the inhabitants of Montenegro contributed greatly to the repopulation of a depopulated Serbia after two rebellions against the Ottoman Empire in the early 19th century, with a half of the population of Sumadija and the surroundings being populated by people originally from Montenegro, and several prominent individuals of the Serbian 19th & early 20th century intelligentsia and entrepreneurs being descendents of people originally from Montenegro. On [[19 October]] [[2007]], a new Constitution was adopted that proclaimed the [[Montenegrin language]] official along with [[Serbian language|Serbian]], and attributed Montenegrin statehood and sovereignty primarily to the Montenegrin People. An easy way of putting the identity of Montenegrins (In common Serb view) is: ''Montenegrins and Serbs are 2 nations of one ethnic group''. == History == {{main|History of Montenegro}} {{seealso|Demographic history of Montenegro}} ===Medieval Times=== During medieval times, Montenegrin territories often shifted possession, but the medieval principalities of [[Doclea]] and [[Zeta (state)|Zeta]] under local rulers were fairly long-lived and have paved the path for what will ultimately become the modern Montenegro. In 1496, Zeta fell under [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman rule]], but the Turkish influence was fairly limited to cities while Montenegrins [[Bratstvo and Pleme in Montenegro|tribes]], although disunited, had control over the surrounding hills. They formed a loosely governed [[theocracy]] of "prince-bishops", starting with [[Archbishop Vavil]] in 1516. During the 12th century, the area became known as the [[Principality of Zeta]]. Between 1276 and 1309, Zeta was ruled by the Queen [[Jelena]], widow of the Serbian King [[Uroš I]]. She secured autonomy for Zeta within [[House of Nemanjić|Nemanjić]]'s Serbia and built and restored around 50 [[monastery|monasteries]], most notably [[Saints Sergius and Bacchus]] (Srđ and Vakh) on the Bojana River under [[Shkodër|Shkodër/Skadar]]. The name Montenegro (''Crna Gora'') is mentioned for the first time in the charter of St. Nicholas' monastery in Vranjina, dating to 1296 during Jelena's reign. Under King Milutin (Uroš II) Nemanjić, at the beginning of the 14th century, the Archdiocese in Bar was the biggest feudal lord in Zeta. Throughout the 14th century, the [[House of Balšić|Houses of Balšić]] and [[House of Crnojević|Crnojević]] contested for control over the Montenegrin territories until the Crnojevićs attained supremacy in the 14th century. Under the Crnojevićs, the [[Serbian Orthodox Church|Serbian Church]] reached its peak. In 1496, the Ottomans conquered part, but not all, of Montenegro. ===Modern=== The [[Serb clans]] of Montenegro have created a unique tribal organization under Ottoman rule since the 16th century, and achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century. The Montenegrins were gathered around the Metropolitans of the Cetinje Metropolitanate, which further led to national awakening of the Montenegrins, the creation of a theocratic state and its advancement into a secular and independent country. The rule of the [[House of Petrović]] in the 18th and 19th century unified the Montenegrins and established strong ties with Russia and later Serbia, with occasional help from [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]]. That period was marked by several clashes with Turkish conquerors as well as by a firmer establishment of a self-governed principality. In 1878, the [[Congress of Berlin]] recognized Montenegro as the 27th independent state in the world. Montenegro participated in the [[Balkan Wars]] of 1911–1912, as well as in [[World War I]] on the side of allies. ===Yugoslavia-era=== Montenegro unconditionally joined Serbia in November 26, 1918 in a controversial decision of the [[Podgorica Assembly]], and soon afterwards became a part of the [[Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes]], later renamed to [[Yugoslavia]]. A number of Montenegrin chieftains, disappointed by the effective disappearance of Montenegro, which they perceived to have resulted from political manipulation, rose up in arms during January 1919 in an uprising known as the [[Christmas Rebellion]], which was crushed in a severe, comprehensive military campaign in 1922-23. In 1929 the newly renamed [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]] was reorganised into provinces (''banovine'') one of which, [[Zeta Banovina]], encompassed the old Kingdom of Montenegro and had Cetinje as its administrative centre. Between two world wars, the [[Communist Party of Yugoslavia]] opposed the Yugoslav monarchy and its unification policy, and supported Montenegrin autonomy, gaining considerable support in Montenegro. During [[World War II]], many Montenegrins joined the [[Yugoslav partisans|Yugoslav partisan]] forces, although the portion joining the [[chetniks]] was also significant. One third of all officers in the partisan army were Montenegrins. They also gave a disproportional number of highest ranked party officials and generals. During WWII [[Italy]] occupied Montenegro (in 1941) and annexed to the [[Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)|Kingdom of Italy]] the area of Kotor, where there was a small Roman community (descendants from the populations of the renaissance [[Albania Veneta]]). The [[Independent State of Montenegro]] was created under fascist control (the Queen of Italy, [[Elena of Montenegro]], was daughter of the former king of Montenegro) when [[Krsto Zrnov Popović]] returned from exile in [[Rome]] in 1941 to attempt to lead the [[Zelenaši]] ("Green" party), who supported the reinstatement of the independent Montenegrin monarchy. These forces were called the [[Lovćen Brigade]]. Montenegro was ravaged by a terrible guerrilla war, mainly after Nazi Germany replaced the defeated Italians in September 1943. When the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|second Yugoslavia]] was formed in 1945, the Communists who led the Partisans during the war formed the new régime. They recognized, sanctioned and fostered a national identity of Montenegrins as a people distinct from the Serbs and other south Slavs. The number of people who were registered as Montenegrins in Montenegro was at 90% in 1948, it has been dropping since, to 62% in 1991. With the rise of Serbian and Montenegrin nationalism in the late 80's the number of citizens who declared themselves Montenegrin dropped sharply from 61.7%, in the 1991 census, to 43.16% in 2003. For a detailed overview of these trends, see the [[Demographic history of Montenegro]]. Initially, after the fall of Communism in the early 1990s, the idea of a distinct Montenegrin identity has been taken over by independence-minded Montenegrins. The ruling [[Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro|Democratic Party of Socialists]] (DPS) (reformed communists), led by the prime minister [[Milo Đukanović]] and the president [[Momir Bulatović]], was firmly allied with [[Slobodan Milošević]] throughout this period and opposed such movements. During recent [[Bosnian War]] and [[Croatian War]] (1991-1995) Montenegro participated with its [[police]] and paramilitary forces in the attacks on [[Dubrovnik]] and Bosnian towns along with Serbian troops. It conducted persecutions against Bosniak refugees who were arrested by Montenegrin police and transported to Serb camps in Foča, where they were executed.<ref>PORODICA NEDŽIBA LOJE O NJEGOVOM HAPŠENJU I DEPORTACIJI 1992. GODINE [http://bosnjaci.net/aktuelno.php?id=4311]</ref> ===Seeking Independence=== However, in 1997 a full-blown rift occurred within DPS, and Đukanović's faction won over Bulatović's, who formed a new [[Socialist People's Party of Montenegro]] (SNP). The DPS distanced itself from Milošević and gradually took over the independence idea from [[Liberal Alliance of Montenegro]] and [[Social Democratic Party of Montenegro|SDP]], and has won all elections since. In the fall of 1999, shortly after the [[NATO]] bombing of Yugoslavia, the Đukanović-led Montenegrin leadership came out with a platform for the re-definition of relations within the federation that called for more Montenegrin involvement in the areas of defence and foreign policy, though the platform fell short of pushing for independence. After Milošević's overthrow on October 5, 2000, Đukanović for the first time came out in support of full independence and succeeded in his quest by winning a vote on independence on 21 May 2006. ==Controversy about Montenegrin ethnic identity== Present Montenegro and Serbia were part of the great Serb Empire until the Ottoman conquering of the Balkans, which resulted in separation of the two that lasted for 3 centuries, however the Montenegrins considered themselves (and by others) to be Serbs. In the 19th century [[national romanticism]] among the South Slavs fuelled the desire for unification, particularly between Serb people of Montenegro and Serbia. The Orthodox Slavs in Montenegro (Montenegrins) and Serbia (Serbs) were considered as two parts of the Serb nation/ethnic group. The closeness of the Montenegrin ethnic identity with that of the Serbs is evidenced by a number of cultural and political factors during this period: [[Image:CG Bukvar.jpg|thumb|right|Cover of the "Serbian textbook" of 1836]] * During [[Petar I Petrović Njegoš]]'s reign, the basic [[textbook]] in state [[school]]s was called "The Serb elementary reading book". Another edition was published during [[Petar II Petrović Njegoš]]'s rule; * During the reign of [[Danilo II Petrovic Njegos]], the pupils had classes in Serb [[Grammar]]; Montenegrin [[History]]; and Serb History. * The [[geography]] syllabus at the College of Theology consisted of "studying the Serb lands independent, subjugated and occupied as well as the main cities, places and villages in the entire Serbdom". * The geography textbook for the 3rd grade of elementary school, in 1911, said: ::In Montenegro live only true and pure Serbs who speak the Serbian language... Besides Montenegro there are more Serb lands in which our Serb brothers live... Some of them are as free as we are and some are subjugated to foreigners. * Numerous school certificates, passports and similar documents preserved marked the bearer's nationality as "Serbian"; * The 1909 [[census]], undertaken by the Principality of Montenegro, recorded that 95% of the population identified themselves as Serbs. * Milovan Djilas, a Yugoslav Partisan leader and close associate to Tito, said: ''"All Montenegrins are Serbs, but not all Serbs are Montenegrins"''. On the other hand, it is undeniable{{Fact|date=February 2007}} that the uniqueness of the Montenegrin identity is based on centuries-long distinct traditions, statehood, and dialectal and cultural particularities, formed under the rule of the Ottomans and Italians. The exact roots of the idea of a distinct Montenegrin ethnic identity are difficult to trace{{Fact|date=February 2007}}, as the Serbian and Montenegrin identities were long considered compatible rather than opposing, although Montenegrins were documented as a nation since the 1900s<ref>[http://img492.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dozicrakocevicvuisicjanketicmo.gif Immigration Form, 1906]</ref>. Perhaps the turning point came with the Podgorica Assembly, where the pro-independence group called ''zelenaši'' (" the greens"), which promoted "nationalism, localism, and chauvinism" lost to the pro-unionist ''bjelaši'' ("the whites"), which promoted "national nihilism" under debatable conditions.<ref>[http://www.montenet.org/history/podgskup.htm D.Vujovic, Ujedinjenje Crne Gore i Srbije, Istorijski institut NRCG, 1962, p. 8]: Cited by "History of Montenegro", Montenet.org</ref> The repercussions of that unfortunate split last to this day. The proponents of Montenegrin uniqueness are sometimes pejoratively referred to as "zelenaši" by the pro-unionists, while the proponents of Montenegrin-Serb dual identity are sometimes called pejoratively "bjelaši" by the Montenegrin independentists. The split into communist partisans and royalist [[chetnik]]s during World War II, although chiefly ideological, was not without consequences to the national identity issue. The communists, who won the war against the Chetniks, actively promoted Montenegrin ethnicity and nationhood since 1945. As witnessed by the [[Demographic history of Montenegro|censuses]] 1948-1991, the introduction of Montenegrin ethnicity was embraced by many. Proponents of pro-unionist ideas in Montenegro maintain that this was due either because it was not actively confronted by a Serbian identity, or because it was imposed by propaganda and force (which is characteristic to communist regimes in general). However, during the latest national census that was conducted in a free and democratic manner (as Montenegrin authorities claim), majority of Montenegrins still declared themselves as having a Montenegrin ethnicity - without opting for the optional Serbian identity. ===Present situation=== The political rift in late 1990s caused the Serb/Montenegrin ethnic issue to resurface. [[Image:Montenegro ethnic03.png|thumb|250px|right|Montenegrins in Montenegro according to the 1991 census]] [[Image:Montenegro ethnic02.png|thumb|250px|right|Montenegrins in Montenegro according to the 2003 census]] The population of Montenegro is presently roughly divided on ethnic and political issues between the group composed of the ethnic Montenegrins, ethnic [[Bosniaks]], ethnic [[Muslims by nationality|Muslims]], ethnic [[Croats]] and [[Albanians]] on one side, and the group composed of the ethnic [[Serbs]] on the other. The former group forms a majority over the latter and has repeatedly won national elections. Various notable people in Montenegro supported Montenegrin independence and acknowledge the right of citizens in Montenegro to declare themselves as ethnic Montenegrins. Noted supporters of independence include famous statesman [[Milo Đukanović]] and the Speaker of Montenegro's Parliament [[Ranko Krivokapić]]. Of the minorities, these include the historical scientist [[Šerbo Rastoder]] (a Bosniak from [[Berane]]), [[don (honorific)|don]] [[Branko Sbutega]] (a [[Roman Catholic]] priest from [[Kotor]], declared as a [[Croat]], who died April 27 2006), and journalist [[Esad Kočan]] (a Bosniak). A number of notable ethnic Montenegrins include famous footballer [[Dejan Savićević]], politician [[Slavko Perović]], comedian [[Branko Babović]], [[Sekula Drljević]], popular singer [[Vlado Georgiev]], actor [[Žarko Laušević]], fashion model [[Marija Vujović]], members of the rock group [[Perper (band)|Perper]], renowned musician [[Rambo Amadeus]], [[Miraš Dedeić]], Montenegrin ruler [[Ivan I Crnojević]] and former President of [[Serbia and Montenegro]] [[Svetozar Marović]]. A number of Montenegrins living outside of Montenegro, primarily in Serbia, still maintain the Montenegrin [[lore]], [[family]] ties and [[clan]] affiliation. They remain nominally Montenegrins by these standards, yet at [[census|censa]] they declare themselves mostly as Serbs. Some have risen to high [[culture|cultural]], [[Economics|economic]] and [[politics|political]] positions and are widely known as Serbs while few know that they to be of Montenegrin roots. For example, even [[Slobodan Milošević]] was a Serb of Montenegrin descent, the first generation of his family to be born in Serbia. His daughter, [[Marija Milošević]], and his brother, the former ambassador to [[Russia]] [[Borislav Milošević]], declare themselves ethnic Montenegrin. Other prominent Serbs descending from partly or fully from Montenegro include linguist and major reformer of modern [[Serbian language]] [[Vuk Karadžić]], revolutionary leader and founder of the [[Karađorđević]] dynasty [[Đorđe Petrović]] (most notably [[Aleksandar Karađorđević]]), first Serbian modern monarch and founder of the [[Obrenović]] dynasty [[Miloš Obrenović]], notable Balkanologist and geographer [[Jovan Cvijić]]; Serbian monarchist politician and one time opponent of Milosevic in the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]], [[Vuk Drašković]]; the [[Bosnian war|wartime]] leader of the Bosnian Serbs [[Radovan Karadžić]],<ref>[[BBC]]: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/876084.stm Profile: Radovan Karadzic]</ref> current democratic [[President of Serbia]] [[Boris Tadić]],<ref>[[Kurir]], June 30 2004:Vojislav Koštunica (his grandfather surname was Damjanović , from Katunska nahija) Veselin konjevic: [http://www.kurir-info.co.yu/Arhiva/2004/jun/30/V-03-30062004.shtml O'kle je Boris]</ref> assassinated warlord [[Željko Ražnatović|Željko Ražnatović-Arkan]] who was only half-montenegrin,<ref>[[IWPR]]: [[Milka Tadic]]: [http://www.iwpr.net/archive/bcr/bcr_20000118_2_ser.txt Arkanova Crnogorska Veza]</ref> famous poet and writer [[Matija Bećković]], editor-in-chief of high circulation ''Večernje novosti'' daily [[Manojlo Vukotić]], former basketball star [[Žarko Paspalj]], current [[Bezbednosno Informativna Agencija|BIA]] chief [[Rade Bulatović]], Serbian Interior Minister [[Dragan Jočić]]<small>[http://www.blic.co.yu/arhiva/2006-05-25/strane/tema.htm]</small>, Serbian constitutional court president [[Slobodan Vučetić]]<small>[http://www.blic.co.yu/arhiva/2006-05-25/strane/tema.htm]</small>, and half-montenegrin actress [[Milla Jovovich]].<ref>[[Glas Javnosti]], July 17 2000: [http://arhiva.glas-javnosti.co.yu/arhiva/2000/07/18/srpski/F00071702.shtm Koreni iz lepih Vasojevića] (an interview with Milla's father)</ref> == Language == {{main|Montenegrin language}} {{see|Serbian language}} Montenegrins speak the Ijekavian variant of the [[Shtokavian dialect]] of the [[Serbo-Croatian]] language, considered Serbian by 75% of Montenegrin nationals. Neo-shtokavian Eastern-Herzegovinian sub-dialect is spoken in the North-West (largest city Niksic), and old shtokavian Zeta subdialect is spoken in the rest of Montenegro, including capitals Podgorica and Cetinje, and eastern [[Sanjak]]. The North-Western, Eastern-Herzegovinian is also base of Serbian standard language. Zeta dialect features additional sounds: [[voiceless alveolo-palatal fricative|{{IPA|ɕ}}]], [[voiced alveolo-palatal fricative|{{IPA|ʑ}}]] (occurring in other jekavian dialects as well) and [[voiced alveolar affricate|{{IPA|ʣ}}]] (shared with other old-štokavian dialects). Both subdialects are charactericized by highly specific accents (shared with other old-štokavian dialects) and several "hyper-ijekavisms" (i.e. ''nijesam'', where the rest of shtokavian area uses ''nisam'') and "hyper-[[iotation]]s" (''đevojka'' for ''djevojka'', ''đeca'' for ''djeca'' etc) (these features, especially the hyper-iotation, are more prominent in Zeta subdialect), that are common in all Montenegrin vernaculars. This puts them on the opposite side of Serbian, in the ekavijan-ijekavijan spectrum, Croatian and Bosnian being in the middle. On [[sociolinguistic]] level, the language has been classified as a dialect of [[Serbian language|Serbian]], being previously a dialect of [[Serbo-Croatian language|Serbo-Croatian]]. Montenegrin constitution currently defines Serbian as the official language. However, along with the campaign for independence, a movement for recognition of [[Montenegrin language]] as separate from Serbian has emerged, finding the basis for separate language identity mostly in above-mentioned dialectal specifics. The current pro-independence government did not particularly embrace the movement, but did not oppose it either; trying to overcome the situation, the language school classes were renamed from "Serbian language" to "mother language", with fierce opposition from pro-Serbian circles. In the 2003 census, 63.49% of Montenegrin citizens stated that they speak the Serbian language, while 21.53% stated that they speak Montenegrin. ==Culture== {{main|Culture of Montenegro}} The most important dimension of Montenegrin culture is the [[ethic]] ideal of ''Čojstvo i Junaštvo'', roughly translated as "Humanity and Bravery". Another result of its centuries long [[warrior]] history, is the unwritten code of [[Chivalry]] that [[Marko Miljanov]], one of the most famous warriors in his time, tried to describe in his book ''Primjeri Čojstva i Junaštva'' ([[Examples of Humanity and Bravery]]) at the end of 19th century. Its main principles stipulate that to deserve a true respect of its people, a warrior has to show virtues of [[integrity]], [[dignity]], [[humility]], [[self-sacrifice]] for the just cause if necessary, [[respect]] for others, and [[wiktionary:Rectitude|Rectitude]] along with the [[bravery]]. In the old days of battle, it resulted in Montenegrins fighting to the death, since being captured was considered the greatest [[shame]]. It is still very much engraved, to a greater or lesser extent, on every Montenegrin's ethical belief system and it is essential in order to truly understand them. Coming from non-warrior backgrounds, most other South-Slavic nations never fully grasped its meaning, resulting in reactions which ranged from totally ignoring it, in the best case, to mocking it and equating it with backwardness. Most of extraordinary examples of Montenegrin conduct during its long history can be traced to the code. Its importance is also reflected in the generally very low level of religiousness in the Montenegrin population. It is probably fair to say that the ethical beliefs of Montenegrins more closely match those of [[Stoicism]] than those of [[Christianity]]. Montenegrins' long-standing history of fighting for independence is invariably linked with strong traditions of folk [[epic poetry]]. A prominent feature of Montenegrin culture is the [[gusle]], a one-stringed instrument played by a story-teller who sings or recites stories of heroes and battles in [[decasyllable|decasyllabic verse]]. These traditions are stronger in the northern parts of the country and are also shared with people in eastern [[Herzegovina]], western [[Serbia]] and central [[Dalmatia]]. On the substratum of folk epic poetry, poets like [[Petar II Petrović Njegoš]], the Montenegrin icon, have created their own expression. Njegoš's epic book ''Gorski Vijenac'' (''[[The Mountain Wreath]]'') presents the central point of Montenegrin culture. On the other hand, Adriatic cities like [[Herceg-Novi]], [[Kotor]] and [[Budva]] had strong trade and maritime tradition, and presented an entry-point for [[Venetian Republic|Venetian]], [[Ragusa]]n and other [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] influences. Possession of those cities often changed, but their population was basically a mixture of Orthodox and Catholic religions and traditions. These cities were incorporated into Montenegro only after the fall of Austria-Hungary. In those cities, stronger influences of medieval and renaissance [[architecture]], [[painting]], and [[lyric poetry]] can be found. ==Religion== Most Montenegrins are [[Eastern Orthodox]] [[Christians]], belonging to the [[Serbian Orthodox Church]], which owns all religious Orthodox institutions in the country. In 1993 a group of dissidents of the regime founded a [[Montenegrin Orthodox Church]] that aims to seize SOC's property and has managed to attract a small number of followers. Though nearly 17% of Montenegro's population is Muslim, most Muslims in the country belong to one of its ethnic minorities, principly Bosniaks (descendants of Slavs who converted to Islam in the 15th and 16th centuries) and Albanians. Both groups primarily practice Sunni Islam, although there are also Orthodox Christian and Roman Catholic Albanians in Montenegro.<ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555558_2/Montenegro.html#s3 Montenegro - MSN Encarta<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == Trivia == * [[Nero Wolfe]], the fictional detective created by [[Rex Stout]], was born and raised in Montenegro. == See also == * [[Demographic history of Montenegro]] * [[List of Montenegrins]] * [[Serbs of Montenegro]] == External links == * [http://www.njegos.org/past/seignobos.htm Montenegro... its inhabitants, Orthodox Serbs], A Political History of Europe since 1814 by [[Charles Seignobos]]; H. Holt and Company, New York, 1900 * [http://www.njegos.org/past/vlahovic.htm The Serbian origin of the Montenegrins] by Petar Vlahović * [http://www.njegos.org/ng/ng2.htm An unconquered race], [[National Geographic]] * [http://www.njegos.org/past/vid.htm Montenegrins and other Serbs] by Đorđe Tomašević * [http://www.njegos.org/past/idroots.htm Ideological roots of Montenegrin nation and Montenegrin separatism] by Slavenko Terzić * [http://www.montenegro.org/ The Montenegrin Association of America] * {{sr icon}} [http://www.montenegrina.net/pages/pages1/antropologija/o_etnogenezi_crnogoraca.htm Špiro Kulišić: O Etnogenezi Crnogoraca (''On Ethnogenesis of Montenegrins'')] * {{sr icon}} [http://www.istorijabalkana.com/TEKSTOVI/Nikola_Vukcevic_Etnicko_porijeklo_Crnogoraca.pdf Ethnic Origin of Montenegrins] by Nikola Vukčević, 1981 (pdf) == References == <small><sup>0</sup> Note: The majority of people originating from within Montenegro's present borders declare ethnic affiliation in censuses as Serb. Thus, it is difficult to establish the exact numbers; up to few million people in Serbia and BiH might have one or more ancestors from Montenegro.</small> <references/> [[Category:Ethnic groups in Europe]] [[Category:Ethnic groups in Montenegro]] [[Category:Slavic nations]] [[Category:Ethnic groups in Serbia]] [[Category:Ethnic groups in Vojvodina]] [[Category:Slavic ethnic groups|Montenegrins]] [[Category:Montenegrin people|*]] [[Category:Montenegrin society]] [[be:Чарнагорцы]] [[bs:Crnogorci]] [[bg:Черногорци]] [[cs:Černohorci]] [[de:Montenegriner]] [[hr:Crnogorci]] [[lt:Juodkalniečiai]] [[mk:Црногорци]] [[nl:Montenegrijnen]] [[ja:モンテネグロ人]] [[pl:Czarnogórcy]] [[pt:Montenegrinos]] [[ru:Черногорцы]] [[sk:Čiernohorci]] [[sl:Črnogorci]] [[sr:Црногорци]] [[sh:Crnogorci]] [[fi:Montenegrolaiset]] [[sv:Montenegriner]] [[tr:Karadağlılar]] [[uk:Чорногорці]] [[zh:蒙特內哥羅人]]