Family of Writer Zaim Azemović Demands Cultural Recognition

The family of the late writer Zaim Azemović, who passed away in 2015, has reacted strongly to the Municipality of Rožaje’s decision to reject a proposal for the local library to bear his name. They argue that formal deficiencies should not serve as an excuse to evade cultural responsibilities. The Secretary of the Ministry of Sport, Culture, and Youth stated that the proposal could not be considered due to procedural issues, emphasizing that such initiatives must be initiated through a civic initiative under the Law on Memorials, which mandates a waiting period of 20 years after a person’s death.

While the Azemović family acknowledges that their initiative lacked certain formal elements according to the Statute, they highlight that it was a public effort supported by over 100 intellectuals from the Western Balkans. They stress that formalism should not overshadow the essence of cultural recognition.

In a statement, the family said, “We do not shy away from the truth and do not hide our own responsibility: the initiative we submitted did not include all the formal elements as prescribed by the Statute. This is our mistake, and we clearly acknowledge it, but we reject the attempt to use it to obscure the core issue. There is only one truth that binds us.”

The Secretary’s communication reiterated that the initiation of the naming process is possible “exclusively” through a civic initiative. The Azemović family interprets this as an attempt to shift responsibility from the local authorities to the citizens and their family. They remind the authorities that the Law on Memorials allows for exceptions to the 20-year rule with the consent of the Government of Montenegro, indicating that the existence of a formal deadline should not be a barrier.

The family provided examples from other municipalities, noting that the Cultural Center in Plav was named after Husein Bašić (1938–2007) before the 20-year period elapsed, and the library in Budva was named after Miroslav Luketić (1927–2022) prior to the formal timeline. They believe these instances demonstrate that local governments can honor creators when there is political will.

“This act transcends administrative frameworks and becomes a document that clearly shows how willing local authorities are to distance themselves from their cultural responsibilities,” the family stated.

They also pointed out that the issue of naming the library holds broader cultural significance, particularly in the context of Bosniak culture. The family recalls that the political structures in power during this period included representatives from the Bosniak Party, which publicly positions itself as a defender of Bosniak identity and culture. They question the lack of political will to support their initiative.

The family plans to adhere to proper procedures and amend their initiative to meet formal requirements but urges institutions to demonstrate accountability and apply the law comprehensively, including the possibility of exceptions with government approval. They emphasize that Zaim Azemović left behind a substantial literary legacy consisting of 25 books and hundreds of texts, asserting that his work represents a public good deserving of recognition.