Serbs

==Serbs ==

The Serbs (Serbian: Срби, Srbi) are a South Slavic ethnic group native to the Balkans in Southeastern Europe. They primarily live in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and North Macedonia, as well as in the Serbian diaspora.

History

The history of the Serbs dates back to the early medieval period. The Serbs settled in the Balkans during the 6th and 7th centuries. They established several medieval states, including the Principality of Serbia, the Kingdom of Serbia, and the Serbian Empire.

Medieval Period

The first Serbian state, the Principality of Serbia, was established in the early 7th century. The Nemanjić dynasty played a crucial role in the development of the Serbian state, with Stefan Nemanja being one of the most notable rulers. The Serbian Empire reached its peak under Stefan Dušan, who was crowned Emperor in 1346.

Ottoman Period

Following the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, much of Serbia fell under Ottoman rule. The period of Ottoman domination lasted for several centuries, significantly influencing Serbian culture, religion, and society.

Modern Period

In the 19th century, Serbia gained independence from the Ottoman Empire. The modern state of Serbia was established in 1878, following the Serbian Revolution. The 20th century saw the formation of Yugoslavia, which included Serbia as one of its constituent republics. After the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Serbia became an independent country once again.

Culture

Serbian culture is a blend of various influences, including Byzantine, Ottoman, and Western European. The Serbian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in the cultural and religious life of the Serbs.

Language

The Serbian language is a standardized variety of the Serbo-Croatian language. It is written in both the Cyrillic script and the Latin script.

Religion

The majority of Serbs are adherents of the Serbian Orthodox Church. There are also smaller communities of Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims.

Cuisine

Serbian cuisine is diverse and includes a variety of dishes such as ćevapi, sarma, and pljeskavica. Traditional Serbian food is characterized by its use of meat, bread, dairy products, and vegetables.

Demographics

According to the latest census, there are approximately 7 million Serbs living in Serbia. Significant Serbian communities can also be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and the Serbian diaspora worldwide.

Notable Serbs

Some notable Serbs include:

• Nikola Tesla - Inventor and electrical engineer
• Miloš Obrenović - Prince of Serbia
• Novak Djokovic - Professional tennis player

See Also

• Serbia
• Serbian Orthodox Church
• Serbian language
• Serbian cuisine
• History of Serbia