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Sinj

Brief Details:

Name: Memorial & Crypt to the Battle of the 1st Split Partisan Unit (Spomenik i kosturnica boraca Prvog splitskog partizanskog odreda)

Location: Ruduša forest, Sinj, Croatia

Year completed: 1962

Designer: Vuko Bombardelli (profile page)

Coordinates: N43°41'54.1", E16°37'31.0" (click for map)

Dimensions: 5m tall and 8m wide structure

Materials used: Poured concrete and rebar

Condition: Fair, neglected

(SEE-nya)

Click on slideshow photos for description

History Sinj

History:

This spomenik at Sinj commemorates the 24 executed fighters of the 1st Split Partisan Detachment who were executed on this spot by Ustaše forces after they were captured in the process of rebelling against Axis occupation.

WWII Sinj

World War II

In April of 1941, a movement of resistance and rebellion to Axis occupation began to grow among the angry and disaffected people of the city of Split, Croatia, organized by Yugoslav Partisan recruiters Pavle Pap Šilja and Mirko Kovačević, who had arrived in the city shortly after Split had been officially annexed by Italy. By August of that year, these recruits had been formed into an armed uprising force, which was named the Split Partisan Detachment, made up of three separate units. On August 11th, these three detachments left Split under the cover of darkness to join other Partisan units at Dinara, a mountain roughly 80km north of Split, just east of Knin near the present-day Bosnian border. However, during the course of this night-time journey, the 1st Unit of the Split Partisan Detachment, commanded by Mirko Kovačević (Photo 1), became lost and disoriented in the mountains. Though Kovačević was a seasoned veteran of the Spanish Civil War, he was a young and inexperienced commander, only 25 years old, and was unfamiliar with the territory, as his origins were of the western mountains of Montenegro.

Photo 1: Mirko Kovačević

Photo 2: Split Partisans being executed by Italian soldier at Sinj, 1941.

Weary and desperate from being lost, on August 14th, two members of the group wandered into the small village of Košute looking for directions and supplies. The locals there were hostile towards these Partisans, immediately alerting Italian and Ustaše NDH militiamen nearby. After a short battle the Partisan unit was defeated, with four Partisans dying in battle (including their commander Kovačević), while 28 were captured, with only 13 escaping. These captured Partisans were then taken to a Ustaše command post in the nearby town of Sinj, just 11km north of where they were captured in Košute. In Sinj, these 28 Partisans were put in front of a court of Ustaše military judges, specially sent from Mostar, to pass judgement on their actions. Of the 28 Partisans put on trial, 21 were found guilty of attempting to rebel against Italian occupation and for this conviction they were sentenced to death by firing squad. On August 26th, just 12 days after the initial skirmish at Košute, the sentenced Partisans were taken to an area in the woods just outside of Sinj called Ruduša, where they were lined up and executed by Italian soldiers with a gun shot to the head (Photo 2). This incident was among the first cases in Croatia of Partisan resistance fighters being executed for attempting to rise up against the occupation imposed upon them by Axis forces.

After the war Mirko Kovačević was widely hailed as a Yugoslav folk hero for his work in the Partisan resistance and for falling in action against Axis forces. On December 21st, 1951 he was declared a Yugoslav National Hero. Interestingly, two of his brothers were also declared Yugoslav National Heroes for their actions as Partisans during World War II.

Constr Sinj

Spomenik Construction

In the early 1960s, the municipality of Sinj and Split, along with support from veterans groups and the RNK Split football club, organized the creation of a spomenik complex to commemorate the location at Ruduša area of Sinj where these 21 Partisans of the 1st Split Partisan Detachment were executed. The creation of the spomenik was aided by the RNK Split football club because many of the Partisans who were members of this detachment had formerly played on that team before the war. After a public design competition, the commission for creating this memorial was given to local Split artist Vuko Bombardelli. The complex was unveiled to the public during a ceremony on August 26th, 1962, commemorating exactly 21 years since the executions had occurred. The central sculptural element of the memorial is a roughly 5m tall concrete tripod-like structure consisting of three larger triangles as legs, which are all connected to a small horizontal triangle as its top.

In addition, a separate spomenik complex was constructed around the same time in the village of Košute (profile page link), where the initial battle with the Italian forces had occurred. This memorial was also created by designer Vuko Bombardelli and very much operates as a counterpart for the Ruduša monument, both stylistically and symbolically. Meanwhile, in 1972, a Yugoslav film was made depicting the events of this battle and the fate of the Partisan soldiers called "Prvi Splitski Odred" (1st Split Detachment) (Photo 3) and directed by Croatian film-maker Vojdrag Berčić.

Photo 3: Poster for 'Prvi Splitski Odred' film from 1972

Present Sinj

Present-Day

During the 1990s, throughout the dismantling process of Yugoslavia and the move towards Croatian independence, the spomenik complex here at Sinj began to fall into disrepair and neglect, with commemorative ceremonies being discontinued. By the 2000s, it was mostly forgotten and abandoned, with many of its memorial elements destroyed or defaced. However, in 2008, members of the RNK Split football club came together to restore and rehabilitate the site, putting forth great effort to bring it back to its original state. On August 21st, 2009, the memorial was re-inaugurated during a ceremony attends by hundreds of citizens, along with many local dignitaries, recognizing 68 years since the original 1941 executions. Commemorative ceremonies are now held here annually during late August.

Plaques Sinj

Plaques, Engravings and Graffiti:

At the spomenik complex here in the town of Sinj, Croatia, there are several engraved stones elements which are positioned around the central memorial sculpture. Firstly, if you are standing in front of the memorial sculpture facing in the southerly direction, the first inscribed stone can be easily seen on the right hand side, visible in Slide 1 & 2). This engraved inscription reads, when roughly translated from Croatian into English, as:

"To the Split football club players and their friends from the Split Partisan Unit killed and executed in August of 1941."

With Respect,

Worker's Football Club, Split, August 2009

Slideshow

However, this engraved stone is not original to the site, as obviously apparent from the 2009 date in the engraving. This was added during the 2008/2009 renovations done to the site by the RNK Split football club. The engraved stone which originally existed at this spot can be seen in a historical photo from the 1990s in Slide 3. It was destroyed at some point in the late 2000s. This now destroyed stone originally read, roughly translated from Croatian to English, as:

"You become a foundation of life and stand immortal when you sacrifice yourself in defense of your country"

There is also an additional engraved stone on the left hand side of the memorial sculpture (Slide 4). The stone is of the same size and shape as its partner of the right. The engraved inscription on this stone reads, translated from Croatian to English, as:

"You stepped the very foundations of life with your own lives. Immortal, like the land you died for."

Finally, underneath the memorial sculpture itself, sitting within a small stone paved flooring, is another stone with an engraved inscription on its top surface (Slide 5). From looking at the date inscribed on the stone, it does appear to be original to the site. The inscription on this stone reads, when translated from Croatian to English, as:

"These fighters of the 1st Split Unit lost their lives in battle from 14th to the 22nd of August, 1941, and shot on the 26th of August, 1941."

(list of names)

October 25th, 1962, the Association of Unions of Fighters of the People's Liberation War, Kotara, Split

Symolism Sinj

Symbolism:

While I was unable to find any specific analysis of the symbolic or representational being communicated here at the memorial sculpture here at the Sinj spomenik complex, some potential conclusions can be theorized. The most obvious symbolic feature present in this sculpture, created by artist Vuko Bombardelli, is the 'triangle' shape. It appears multiple times in the memorial, with the structure consisting of three triangular legs holding up a central horizontal triangle, as well as the structure's footprint making a triangle shape. Furthermore, the three-dimensional shape of the sculpture itself is similar to that of a three-sided pyramid or, more specifically, a tetrahedron. For many hundreds of years, the tetrahedron has been recognized for its 'divine proportions' (Photo 4), which often resulted it being used as a symbol for the ideas of 'godliness', 'unity' and 'perfection'. Pairing this symbolic idea of 'divinity' with the skyward facing tetrahedron shape of the structure itself, the memorial could perhaps be understood a divine gesture to a higher power to watch over the souls of those who were killed here. Furthermore, Zagreb researcher Sanja Horvatinčić suggests this triangle symbolism, through its stability and consistency, further represents the idea of the community's strength in memory and commemoration of the fallen fighters.

Photo 4: A 1400s Luca Pacioli study on divine proportions

Status Sinj

Photo 5: A 2015 memorial event at the Sinj monument

Status and Condition:

Upon my most recent visit to the spomenik complex here at Sinj, Croatia, I found it to be in relatively good condition. Firstly, the grass, bushes and vegetation around the memorial are clearly being maintained and manicured, however, I found a significant amount of trash to be scattered around the site, more than likely left by loitering youth. The structural condition of the monument itself was quite good, with no visible cracks, breaks or chipped sections anywhere on the structure's surface, though, the anchor points on the ground were exhibiting some fractures and deterioration. On my approach to the complex, I encountered no directional or promotional signage which might lead me to the site. Even at the gravel parking lot right in front of the primary entrance, there were no indicators pointing to the monument or visible signals that a memorial site was nearby. Meanwhile, I found nothing on the official Sinj website promoting the monument or advertising it as a local tourist attraction or point of interest.

It is not immediately clear how many visitors or tourists patronize this memorial site on a regular basis. During my more recent visiting, I found no other people present, yet there were some signs that honorific wreaths and flowers had been recently left as tribute. What is clear that at least since the spomenik's 2009 renovation and restoration by the RNK Split football club, regular annual commemorative events have begun to be held here again at the site (Photo 5), which often draw in several hundred participants and many local dignitaries. Yet, despite the care and attention the site has been given in recent years, graffiti and vandalism is still a continuing issue, as I found several instances of spray paint on multiple memorial elements during my most recent visit.

Additional Sites in the Sinj Area:

In this section we will be exploring additional Yugoslav-era historical, cultural and memorial sites in and around the Sinj area which might be relevant to those who are interested in the monumental and architectural heritage of the former Yugoslavia. Here we will look at the the Monument to the "Sinjska alka", as well as the

Monument to the 'Sinjska alka':

Near the center of the town of Sinj, just south of the Friar Pavao Vučković Primary School, is a bronze figurative memorial sculpture which honors the local equestrian competition known as "Sinjska alka". The "Sinjska alka" is a knightly jousting-like competitive event which has been preformed in Sinj every first Sunday of the month of August since 1715. The event commemorates a 1715 victory in which a small group of Croatians and Venetian soldiers single-handedly defended the town of Sinj from an Ottoman army incursion of over 60,000 troops. The "Sinjska alka" is included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This bronze work, built in 1965 by local sculptor Stipe Sikirica, depicts a rider on a horse with a staff similar the rider in the competition and is built near the start of the event. It stands as one of the symbols of Sinj. The exact location of this monument is N43°41'52.0", E16°38'17.7".

Monument to "Sinjska alka" - Slideshow

Monument to Fallen NOB Fighters:

Not far from the Sinj town center at the center of Đardin Park is a figurative WWII monument and memorial ossuary which is dedicated to local fighters who fought and perished during the People's Liberation Struggle (NOB). Created by Croatian sculptor Ivan Mirković, presumably in the late 1950s, this work is composed of two sets of bronze figures, on sat upon a high pedestal and the other upon a low pedestal. The higher figure is of a soldier holding a flag raising his arms to the sky in victory, while the lower pedestal contains a sculpture of a soldier cradling a wounded fighter in his arms. In front of the monument is a stone slab under which are interred the remains of local fallen fighters from WWII. Since the fallen of Yugoslavia, this work has been the victim of repeated attacks by vandals. The monument can often be found sprayed with graffiti and some bronze figures have large chunchs missing.

Monument to Fallen NOB Fighters - Slideshow

In 2000, young Sinj artist Siniša Labrović wrapped in bandages the damaged section of the broken wounded soldier sculpture as a sort of political art installation called "Bandaging the Wounded". Yet, despite the poor condition this monument can often be found in, annual commemorative events are still held at the site. Recent images of the monument can be seen in Slides 1 & 2, while historical views of the monument can be seen in Slide 3. The exact coordinates for this monument are N43°42'08.3", E16°38'30.0".

And Additional Sites of Interest:

  • "Na Izvoru" (At the Source) Statue: Near the center of Sinj adjacent to the Church of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj is a small bronze figurative sculpture of a young girl kneeling down drinking water from a fountain. Created in 1957 by local Trilj-born sculptor Stipe Sikirica, the work is locally known by the nickname 'Luca' and stands as one of the most important symbols of the town of Sinj. A photo of the sculpture can be seen at THIS link, while its exact coordinates are N43°42'04.2", E16°38'15.6".

  • Monument to Fallen Fighters at Hrvace: Just north of Sinj about 2km is the village of Hrvace. On the northern edge of the village are the ruins of the monument to local Partisan fighters and victims of fascism who perished during WWII (Photo 6). The monument consists of a set of figurative bronze sculptures atop a pillar which depicts three Partisans bound together facing outwards, all bearing defiant glares. Behind the sculpture is a large engraved stone bearing the names of the locals who perished during the war. Unfortunately, I was not able to establish the year this monument was built or who its author was. Today, the work sits in very poor condition. Sources relate to me that this was among the first WWII monument targeted in the country for attack and vandalism in 1991 as the dismantling of Yugoslavia began. The exact coordinates for this work are N43°45'31.6", E16°37'07.5".

Hrvace-1.jpg

Photo 6: A GoogleMaps photo of the WWII monument at Hrvace, Croatia

Direct Sinj

Photo 7: Monument to Fallen Citizens, Sinj [source]

Alum-2.jpg
  • Monument to the Fallen Citiens of Sinj: Within the old town square located in the center of Sinj, which is today known as "Dr. Franjo Tuđman Square", originally was situated a monument dedicated to the citizens of Sinj who perished during WWII (Photo 7). Created by local artist Ivo Filipović Grčić and unveiled in 1978, this memorial sculpture consisted of an aluminum form of stacked elements with alternating curves and perforated with circles. On these curved elements were an embossed list of the names of those people from Sinj who died as a result of fascist violence during the war. These curved elements sat upon a cylindrical base that was adorned with a sculpture relief showing Partisan soldiers and women joining hands and dancing. The aluminum for this sculpture came from the nearby Šibenik factor TLM. In reference to this monument, the notable Croatian architect Frano Gotovac made the following remarks: "[this] is a purely original and unadulterated work from the special creative mind of the Sinj sculptor Ivo Filipović Grčić... it ranges interestingly from pure modernism to narrative symbolism [and its aluminum form] represents a small revolution in sculptural approach..." This momument stood at the center of Sinj up until the early 1990s, when it was removed. However, the exact circumstances surrounding its removal (or possible destruction) are not clear nor is it known if it even exists anywhere any longer. Today at its former location is a sculptural bust of Franjo Tuđman. The exact coorinates of its former location are N43°42'06.7", E16°38'19.0".

Directions:

Getting to this spomenik complex at Sinj, Croatia is a relatively easy endeavor, but due to a lack of signage, following these directions may prove useful for any visitors. From the city center of Sinj, head towards the southwest and tie in with Put Ruduše road. Follow this road about 1.5km and you will begin to see a paver-lined creek bed on the edge of the left side of the road. You will then see a rough gravel parking lot on the left where there is a small footbridge across the creek (see Google StreetView here). Park here and follow the bridge across the creek and take the trail up the hill. After about 100m, you will come across the spomenik. The exact coordinates for parking are N43°41'56.6", E16°37'33.4".

Map to the Sinj spomenik complex at Rudusa.
Historical Sinj

Click to open in Google Maps in new window

Historical Images:

Slideshow

Comments:

Please feel free to leave a message if you have any comments, if you have any questions, if you have corrections or if you have any additional information or insight you feel might be appropriate or pertinent to this spomenik's profile page.

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