Milana Živanović is a Doctor of Historical Sciences and a research associate at the Institute for the Recent History of Serbia. Her fascination with Russian history developed during her Russian language lessons in school. Presently, her scholarly pursuits are centered around delving into the overlooked chapters of Russian scientists in pre-war and post-war Yugoslavia. These individuals significantly advanced science and higher education in the country.
- Exploring Russian necropolises in Serbia during the 20th century became the focus of your doctoral dissertation. What sparked your interest in delving into the topic of Russian emigration in Yugoslavia?
- You know, as a child I fell in love with Russia when we started studying Russian in the 3d grade. We had amazing Russian language textbooks with beautiful pictures. Our teacher nurtured in us a deep affection for Russia, regaling us with tales of the country and her travels. The pivotal moment arrived during my third year at university when I finally set foot in St. Petersburg. After I saw with my own eyes for the first time the country I had long loved, I decided to study the history of Russian-Serbian relations. In 2014, I defended my thesis on Perception of the personality of Emperor Nicholas II in interwar Yugoslavia. Subsequently, in 2019, I completed my dissertation "Russian necropolises in Serbia in the 20th century."
- So the topic of your scientific interest is the contribution of Russian emigration to culture and science in Yugoslavia between the two wars?
- I focus on the history of Russian emigration in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes and socialist Yugoslavia. My main research is pointed on the stories of Russian scientist-emigrants.
- Why, there was a significant number of them in Yugoslavia during that period?
- While there's no precise figure, it's estimated that no fewer than a hundred scientists, originally from Tsarist Russia, immigrated to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Remarkably, about a hundred Russian professors were actively engaged at the University of Belgrade. When the Red Army approached Yugoslavia's borders in the fall of 1944, some of these academics chose to relocate to the West. Nevertheless, a considerable number opted to remain in Yugoslavia.
- What about the contribution of Russians to the Yugoslavian science?
- It's impressive that researchers in Serbia, including Alexei Borisovich Arseniev, Prof. Miroslav Jovanovic, Prof. Alexei Timofeev, and Prof. Irina Antanasijevic, have delved into this topic. The period between the two wars is well studied, while I was looking to introduce some new documents about the fate of Russian émigré scientists after World War II. It has happened in a completely different state system, when the Communist Party of Yugoslavia came to power.
- How can the contribution of Russian scientists to the science of Yugoslavia be assessed in general? How significant was it?
- This contribution was really huge, it is not an exaggeration. Russian scientists became the founders of various scientific directions and established many scientific institutes. They brought university education in Yugoslavia to a higher level. They played pivotal roles in establishing universities and even served as deans. It's essential to remember and share these stories, as few descendants remain. This knowledge isn't just valuable for Serbia but for a wider audience, showcasing the enduring impact of these figures on academia and cultural heritage.
- And today, what specific topic are you dealing with in your scientific research?
- Currently, I'm working on a small book dedicated to Russian emigrants who became worked for the Serbian Academy of Sciences. They played a crucial role in founding scientific institutes after the Second World War, making substantial contributions to our science.
- Were there many of Russian scientists who stayed in Yugoslavia after the war?
- Not a large number, but those who remained represented both the first and second generations of Russian emigrants. There were 35 scientists of Russian origin working in the institutes of the Serbian Academy of Sciences after World War II.
For example, the Institute of Byzantinology was founded by the famous Byzantinist Georgy Alexandrovich Ostrogorsky. Vladimir Vladimirovich Farmakovsky, Anton Dmitrievich Bilimovich participated in the founding of new scientific institutions. Deputy Director of the Institute of Ecology and Biogeography Pavel Ivanovich Cherniavsky later became a corresponding member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences.
- You also wrote that many members of the Russian emigration fought in the Yugoslav army against the German invaders.
- About 150 Russian emigrants became members of the Union of Soviet Patriots, an anti-fascist underground organization that played an important role in the fight against fascism. Some of the Russian emigrants became fighters of the People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia. According to Soviet sources, 443 Russian emigrants fought in the Yugoslav army in 1945. Som of them held influential positions during the war, leaving a lasting impact on science and history.
- You have mentioned that your interest in Russian history was born thanks to Russian language lessons. Is Russian language taught in Serbia schools today?
- It all depends on the school. We studied Russian from the third grade, we also read Russian classics, learned poems in Russian. In other schools, Russian can be studied as a second foreign language. We had Russian lessons at the philosophy department of the university I’ve graduated from.
- Is Russian culture noticeable in Serbia today at all?
- Absolutely. Take, for instance, the upcoming Hermitage Days in Serbia, scheduled on October 24 - 29. A recent exhibition tracing Russian-Serbian relations from the XII century to the present day reflects this cultural connection.
The Russian House in Belgrade plays a pivotal role by hosting exhibitions, screening Russian films, and organizing lectures on Russian culture and science. The enthusiasm for Russian culture in Serbia is truly remarkable.
- You hold the distinction of being the inaugural recipient of the Russian Scientific Institute's award in Belgrade, which resumed its scientific endeavors a year ago. What specific scientific contributions earned you this honor?
- I was honored for my book Cross and Five-Pointed Star; Russian Necropolises in Yugoslavia in the XX century. This research delves into the graves of soldiers from the First and Second World Wars, as well as those of Russian emigrants. Serbia treats the graves of Russians with great care. Some of necropolises are currently being restored, and new monuments are being raised.
