King Petar I Karađorđević: Remembering the Old King of Serbia
Exactly 104 years ago, the old Serbian king, Petar I Karađorđević – affectionately known as "Čika Pera" – passed away. Every year, on August 16th, the anniversary of his death is commemorated. His reign marked crucial moments in Serbian history — from the Balkan Wars to World War I — during which he showed exceptional courage and dedication to his country. Let us take you through his life, importance, and the places in Serbia that preserve the memory of him and his family.
The Life of King Petar I Karađorđević
King Petar I Karađorđević was born in 1844 as the son of Prince Alexander Karađorđević
and Persida Nenadović. He came from a powerful dynasty that led Serbia in its struggle for freedom. He married Queen Zorka, the daughter of Montenegrin King Nicholas I Petrović.
Together, they had five children: King Alexander Jelena Karađorđević Petrova, Andrija, and Prince Đorđe.
The Liberal King: The Reign of the Old King
After the death of his father, Prince Alexander Karađorđević, in 1885, Petar became head of the Karađorđević family. At the time, Serbia was ruled by the rival Obrenović dynasty, under King Alexander Obrenović and Queen Draga. Their reign ended violently with the May Coup of 1903. Following this event, Petar I Karađorđević was elected as the new King of Serbia.
As king, he advocated for a constitutional system and was known for his liberal policies, steering Serbia toward modernization and strengthening democratic values.
With the creation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes on December 1st, 1918, Petar I Karađorđević became its first king, a position he held until his death on August 16th, 1921. Alongside his ancestor Karađorđe, he was the only member of the Karađorđević dynasty both born and to die on Serbian soil. He was succeeded by his son, King Alexander I Karađorđević.
King Petar received many honors, including the prestigious Russian decoration — the Grand Cross of Saint Andrew with Swords. Before him, only Tsar Alexander I, celebrated for defeating Napoleon, had worn this order.
The King Known as “Čika Pera”
During his reign, the people lovingly called him "Čika Pera" ("Uncle Pera") because of his warmth and accessibility. King Petar I Karađorđević was Serbia’s leader in its most decisive historical moments. He guided the country through the Balkan Wars and World War I, leading the liberation of Serbia from Ottoman, Albanian, and Austro-Hungarian occupation. His bravery and vision contributed both to Serbia’s modernization and to the unification of the South Slavic peoples.
After his death, the National Assembly of Serbia awarded him the honorary title "Petar the Great Liberator" in gratitude. Among the people, he was also remembered as "the Old King."
What Was Named After King Petar I Karađorđević?
In 1875, when uprisings broke out in Herzegovina and Bosnia, Petar Karađorđević joined the fight against the Ottoman Empire as a volunteer, using the pseudonym Petar Mrkonjić. Because of his role in this uprising, today a town in southwestern Republika Srpska bears the name Mrkonjić Grad in his honor.
In addition, many streets and squares in Serbia’s major cities are named after him. Among the places linked to his memory is Koviljača — known as the "Royal Spa" — which he frequently visited and supported.
Oplenac: The Mausoleum of Kings
The most significant site tied to the legacy of King Petar I Karađorđević is Oplenac, where the magnificent Church of St. George stands. This church is renowned for its dazzling mosaics that depict not only religious scenes but also moments from Serbia’s rich history.
Oplenac serves as the mausoleum of the Karađorđević dynasty and is the final resting place of King Petar I and members of his family. Because of this, Oplenac is one of the most visited and most important historical sites in Serbia.
The royal vineyards, located in Topola — King Petar’s birthplace — are also part of the family legacy. These vineyards symbolize fertility, life, and the deep connection to the land. King Petar I dedicated much effort to their development.
King Petar I Karađorđević: Remembering His Death
“King Petar goes, for go he must,
Across the bushes, stones, and hills,”
are verses from the poem "The Four Oxen of King Petar" written by French poet Edmond Rostand, inspired by King Petar’s bravery during the retreat across Albania.
The anniversary of his death, August 16th, reminds us of the immense importance King Petar I Karađorđević had in Serbia’s history.
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