An ancient book, known as the “četvoroazbučnik,” resides in the Savina Monastery in Herceg Novi, Montenegro. Printed in Russia in 1692, this book has traveled through time, serving as a primer for generations learning to read in the region. It is a treasured artifact, containing 41 pages and over 400 images. Local lore suggests that the famed Montenegrin poet, Petar II Petrović Njegoš, learned to read from this very book during his childhood in Herceg Novi.
Among the intriguing illustrations found within its pages is a depiction of a chessboard, labeled with the word “шахматы” (shakhmaty) in Russian. While the exact origins of chess in Montenegro remain unclear, research by Dr. Niko S. Martinović indicates that the game was known in the region over 300 years ago. Historical accounts, including travel writings by Ljuba Nenadović, confirm that Njegoš played chess nearly two centuries ago.
Chess was formally recognized in Montenegrin legislation as early as 1882, when a notable provision in the Property Code allowed for the collection of bets on chess and other games. This suggests a widespread interest in chess during Montenegro’s principality, although concrete data on its popularity during that time is scarce.
Chess’s presence in Montenegro is documented in the writings of various travelers, who found daily life in the region fascinating. Their observations noted that chess was played at the Cetinje “Lokanda” for decades, highlighting its cultural significance.
The first official chess champion of Montenegro was Božidar Kažić, who emerged in the immediate post-war years. Kažić was not only a talented player but also a prominent journalist with a distinguished career at Tanjug, and an international chess referee. He served as a leading figure in the Yugoslav Chess Federation and held the position of vice president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE). His contributions to chess during his early years in the partisan movement were instrumental in the game’s growth.
Kažić authored a significant work titled “Građa za istoriju jugoslovenskog šaha,” providing rich narratives that intertwine with the history of chess in the region, including the story of the Savina book and its influence on local players.
Another prominent figure in Montenegrin chess history is Svetozar Gligorić, recognized as the most successful Yugoslav chess player. Gligorić, who became an orphan during World War II, was adopted by Niko Miljanić, a celebrated surgeon and anti-fascist leader. Gligorić’s talent blossomed under Miljanić’s care, and he eventually became a significant player in international chess.
During the war, Gligorić and Kažić initiated the revival of chess in Montenegro. In January 1945, just months before the end of the war, they organized a chess federation in Cetinje, with Gligorić taking on the role of national chess representative in Belgrade. Their efforts culminated in the first Montenegrin chess championship in 1946, where Kažić triumphed convincingly.
The legacy of chess in Montenegro reflects a rich cultural tapestry, woven through history. The journey of the “četvoroazbučnik” from the Savina Monastery to modern chess champions illustrates the enduring significance of the game. Today, Montenegro continues to celebrate its chess heritage, with Kažić and Gligorić standing as icons of a vibrant past that shaped the country’s role in the international chess community.
Gligorić’s passion for music also flourished, and in 2011, after celebrating his 88th birthday, he released a remarkable music album titled “Kako sam preživeo 20. vek,” showcasing his love for jazz and other genres. The album’s cover features a legendary photograph of him at a chess tournament, with the iconic figure of Che Guevara observing his next move, symbolizing the cultural intersections of the 20th century.
As chess continues to evolve globally, the stories of its pioneers in Montenegro serve as a reminder of the game’s extensive history and its role in shaping the cultural narratives of nations.
