Celebrated Montenegrin Scholar Marijan Mašo Miljić Passes Away at 75

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 following a prolonged illness. His funeral will take place on January 23, 2024, at the New Cemetery in Podgorica.

Born in 1949 in the village of Luka, located in the municipality of Žabljak, Miljić dedicated his life to literature, history, and library sciences. He completed his studies at the Faculty of Philology at the University of Belgrade in 1977, focusing on general literature and literary theory. Following his graduation, he took on various roles, including serving as a professor at the Educational Centre in Cetinje.

Miljić’s professional journey included notable positions such as librarian at the Central National Library “Đurđe Crnojević” in Cetinje and head of the Library at the Historical Institute of Montenegro in Podgorica. He was also president of the Library Workers’ Association of Montenegro, highlighting his commitment to the advancement of library sciences in the region.

His literary contributions include two poetry collections, “Đavolje laži” (1982) and “Vrijeme taštine” (1995). Beyond poetry, he published numerous articles in various journals and newspapers, covering literary and artistic criticism, culture, historiography, and bibliography. Miljić’s editorial work was equally impressive; he prepared several significant publications, including “Povjesnica Crnogorska: odabrane istorije Crne Gore do kraja 19. vijeka” (Podgorica, 1997) and co-authored “Crna Gora i Crnogorci u Novoj Evropi” (Podgorica, 2005) with Professor Branislav Kovacević.

His dedication to preserving Montenegrin history was evident in his contributions to various historical texts. One notable work, “Drobnjačke davije i presude 1872-1902” (Podgorica, 2005), is a testament to his deep understanding of the region’s past. He also collaborated with Dragan Kujović on “Ban crnogorski Novica Cerović” (Podgorica, 2005), further solidifying his role as a key figure in Montenegrin historiography.

Miljić’s influence extended to the diaspora, where he played a vital role in commemorating the three-hundred-year anniversary of Montenegrin émigrés in Peroj. His book, “Crnogorci u Peroju 1657-2007,” contributed to this important cultural remembrance.

His collaboration with the Lexicographic Center of the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts (CANU) resulted in the publication of essential lexicons across various social fields. Recognized for his contributions to the profession, Miljić received prestigious awards, including the “Dr. Niko Simov Martinović” award, the highest accolade in Montenegrin librarianship.

Miljić was not only a passionate researcher but also a devoted Montenegrin patriot. Known for his boundless energy and cheerful disposition, he was a beloved figure in the community and a loyal collaborator at the newspaper “Pobjeda.”

His legacy as an educator, author, and cultural advocate will continue to inspire future generations and contribute to the rich tapestry of Montenegrin literature and history.