Exhibit Celebrates Over a Century of Tamburica Tradition in Pljevlja

A new exhibition titled “Tamburica Tradition in Pljevlja” showcases the rich cultural heritage of tamburica music in the town of Pljevlja, Montenegro. Created by Emir Prekić, a prominent researcher and chronicler, the exhibit is open for public viewing at the Kuslev House until December 19, 2023. Through a diverse collection of photographs, documents, musical instruments, audio recordings, and personal testimonies, the exhibition highlights over a century of tamburica music’s evolution in Pljevlja.

The exhibition serves as a vital cultural endeavor, tracing the journey of tamburica music from tavern gatherings to contemporary orchestras. It plays a significant role in shaping the identity of the city, reflecting the resilience and enthusiasm of generations dedicated to preserving this musical tradition. Prekić, who founded and leads the Gradski tamburaški orkestar Pljevlja, has devoted years to collecting materials and documenting stories from tamburica players, ensuring that the essence of this art form is not lost.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

In an interview with the local newspaper Pobjeda, Prekić expressed his motivation for organizing the exhibition. “My initial idea was to preserve and present a precious yet insufficiently explored chapter of Pljevlja’s cultural history. The tamburica tradition in our town spans over a century, with traces scattered across private archives, musicians’ memories, and old photographs,” he stated.

Describing the significance of tamburica music to the cultural identity of Pljevlja, Prekić noted its role as a recognizable symbol of the town’s heritage. “For generations, it has been integral to everyday life — from family gatherings and village events to city celebrations and cultural societies. For the people of Pljevlja, tamburica tradition is not only a connection to the broader Balkan cultural space but also emphasizes the unique characteristics of local musical expression.”

Among the exhibition’s most valuable items are personal instruments belonging to renowned musicians Hamdija Šahimpasić and Janika Balaž, both of whom began their professional careers in the 1950s at Radio Titograd. Their contributions to the tamburica scene have left a lasting impact on the musical landscape of the region.

Unique Musical Characteristics

Prekić elaborated on the distinctive qualities of Pljevlja’s tamburica tradition compared to other areas in Montenegro and the wider region. He explained that the local tradition boasts a layered cultural heritage and a long historical continuity. Historically, Pljevlja has been an administrative and cultural center, fostering a unique urban culture that allowed tamburica to flourish. Unlike tamburica practices in other Montenegrin regions, which tend to be more folkloric or supportive in nature, Pljevlja’s version has developed an urban, salon, and artistic tone.

This evolution has been shaped by trained musicians, city ensembles, and later orchestras, leading to a recognizable style that is more refined, melodic, and akin to Central European and Bosnian urban musical traditions. The uniqueness of Pljevlja’s tamburica heritage lies in its synthesis of various influences, including oriental, Balkan, sevdalinka, Austro-Hungarian, and South Slavic elements, resulting in a sound characterized by warmth and elegance seldom found in other parts of Montenegro.

When asked about the reasons for the tamburica’s strong roots in local identity, Prekić remarked, “Tamburica has been played in Pljevlja for over a century and has become a symbolic and brand identity for the town. This recognition has been significantly bolstered by the ‘Pljevaljski tamburaši’ ensemble and the famous song ‘Svi pljevaljski tamburaši,’ which have earned Pljevlja the title of the tamburica capital of Montenegro.”

The exhibition also aims to inspire interest in traditional tamburica music among younger generations. Prekić shared that most members of the Gradski tamburaški orkestar Pljevalja are minors, demonstrating a promising future for the tradition. He emphasized the importance of preserving living practices — the musicians who play, share knowledge, and nurture tamburica music. “Instruments, photographs, and archives are valuable, but the tradition truly lives when it is played, sung, and passed on to younger generations. Supporting tamburica schools, city orchestras, cultural societies, and enthusiasts is crucial for maintaining this intangible heritage.”

As he reflected on the role of exhibitions like “Tamburica Tradition in Pljevlja” in preserving and popularizing intangible cultural heritage, Prekić stated, “This exhibition serves as an important bridge between the past and the contemporary moment. Its dual role is to document, systematize, and preserve traces of a rich tamburica practice that has shaped the identity of Pljevlja, while also popularizing tamburica music by making it accessible to new generations and audiences who may have limited knowledge of it.”

Through such initiatives, the legacy of Pljevlja’s tamburica tradition continues to live on, ensuring that this unique cultural expression not only survives but thrives in the hearts of future generations.