Abstract:

Matija Ban (1818-1903), from Dubrovnik (Ragusa), had been drama writer and engaged intellectual. During his professional life he was strongly attached to the Ottoman Empire and its tradition. As an exponent of the Serbian policy and diplomacy, he had offered totally opposed solutions for improvement of the position of the Serbian population living in the Ottoman Empire: from active advocate of the overthrowing the sultan`s power to the practice ideas regarding the possible reforms. His literary work cannot be separated from his political activities and national intentions. In his dramas with the topic taken from the Serbian national history, to the Ottoman characters, especially to the sultans, he had given the position of the very clever and tolerant people. That was in harmony with the tradition of the Dubrovnik diplomacy, as well as the new position of the newly born Serbian modern state.

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