Esteemed Montenegrin Scholar Marijan Mašo Miljić Passes Away

The literary and cultural landscape of Montenegro has lost a significant figure with the passing of Marijan Mašo Miljić, who died at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness. His funeral is scheduled for January 23, 2024, at the New Cemetery in Podgorica.

Born in 1951 in the village of Luka in the Žabljak municipality, Miljić completed his education at the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade in 1977, specializing in general literature and literary theory. Over the years, he contributed to Montenegrin culture through various roles, including serving as a professor at the Educational Center in Cetinje and later as a librarian at the Central National Library “Đurđe Crnojević” in Cetinje. He also led the Library of the Historical Institute of Montenegro in Podgorica.

Miljić was a prominent figure in the field of library science, having served as the president of the Montenegrin Library Workers’ Association. His literary contributions include two poetry collections: “Đavolje laži” (1982) and “Vrijeme taštine” (1995). His articles appeared in various journals and newspapers, covering literary and artistic criticism, publicism, culture, historiography, and bibliography.

Among his notable editorial projects is the publication titled “Povjesnica Crnogorska: Odabrane istorije Crne Gore do kraja 19. vijeka” (Podgorica 1997). In collaboration with Professor Branislav Kovačević, he also co-authored “Crna Gora i Crnogorci u Novoj Evropi” (Podgorica 2005) and “Drobnjačke davije i presude 1872-1902” (Podgorica 2005). His work “Ban crnogorski Novica Cerović” (Podgorica 2005) was co-authored with Dragan Kujović.

Miljić’s scholarly contributions extend beyond poetry and articles; he prepared significant texts for commemorative publications, including “Četvrto crnogorsko vaskrsnuće” for the anniversary of the referendum on May 21. In collaboration with Academician Branko Pavićević, he edited “Dušan Vuksan: Građa za istoriju Crne Gore do 1851” (Podgorica 2006). His exploration of contemporary Montenegrin literature culminated in “Otkrivanje crnogorske Atlantide: savremena kritika o književnom djelu Jevrema Brkovića” (Podgorica 2006).

Miljić played a vital role in commemorating the three-century anniversary of Montenegrin emigration in Peroj, one of the oldest preserved enclaves of the Montenegrin diaspora, through his book “Crnogorci u Peroju 1657-2007.” He was also an active contributor to the Lexicographic Center of the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts (CANU), aiding in the publication of important lexicons across various fields.

His accolades include the esteemed Dr Niko Simov Martinović award, the highest recognition in Montenegrin librarianship. Miljić often expressed that librarianship was not just a career but his life’s calling. Known as a passionate researcher, he was celebrated for his unwavering patriotism, vibrant spirit, and sense of humor.

The legacy left by Marijan Mašo Miljić will continue to inspire future generations in Montenegro and beyond. His contributions to literature, library science, and cultural heritage will be remembered and cherished by many.