Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in ... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142

Vladan Vukašinović 796 : 061.237 (497.1)“1912/1941“ Sonja Kocić Original scientifi c paper

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, Belgrade,

THE FALCON MOVEMENT IN SMEDEREVO UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR (1912-1941)

Summary Basic ideas and characteristics of fundamental falconry are disseminated also in the Kingdom of Serbia, ideas of fellowship, releasing of Germanization infl uence and strengthening of national and cultural conscience. Gymnastics associations accepted the idea of overall Slavic falconry exercising, and added to their names title “Falcon”, as in Czech Falcons, and introduced Czech “Falcon” exercising system, instead of German one. Also Smederevo Gymnastics and Combat Association in the course of time chose the falcon exercising system. The aim of this research was to fi nd, systemize and critically analyze data about the falconry in Smederevo, about the falcon association “Dusan Silni” (Dusan the Mighty), which as a successor continued the activities of the previous association – Smederevo Gymnastics and Combat Association. The basic assumption was founded on the expectation that data from the archive, periodical sources and ex falcon legacy would provide a satisfying base for reconstruction of Falcon Association history, i.e. appearance and development of the Falconry in Smederevo. During the research historic, causal and descriptive methods were used. Research results for the reference period, show that despite complex political, social, economic and cultural situation in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the Falcon Association of Smederevo played a signifi cant role in spreading and development of the falcon movement and promotion of Yugoslav national thought. Large number of data showed that activities of this falcon organization were extremely versatile. Well organized training programs, numerous participation in falcon rallies and competitions, as well as health, educational, cultural and other forms of acting of the Association, had great infl uence on social and cultural transformation of the town of Smederevo as well as of the nearby villages and rural population, for which falcon foremen took most credit. Key words: FALCON RALLIES / FALCON IDEA / FALCON ASPIRATIONS / FRONTMEN

INTRODUCTION

During research of the history of the Associa- vanished in war ashes, since Smederevo suffered tion for Physical Education “Partizan” in Smederevo two war destructions at the beginning of the Second (Vukašinović, 1996), it came to our attention that World War - during the April bombing in 1941, and activities of Partizan had been deeply engrained in during the dreadful ammunition explosion in the For- pre-war falcon movement. Beliefs of the ex falcon tress on June 5, 1091, or it was lost in the course of members were that there were little saved and avail- allied bombing from June 11 to June 16, 1944. able data for research of Smederevo falconry. It was Despite that, sentimental feelings gathered believed that there were no original Association doc- during the time and changed relationship of society uments saved. It was not clear whether prior to the towards this, for such a long time, suppressed phe- occupation the concealed documentation had perhaps nomenon of falconry, invoked an old wish of Asso-

130 Correspondence with: Vladan Vukašinović, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, 156 Blagoja Parovica Str. 11030 Belgrade; е-mail: [email protected] Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142 ciation members to fi nd new traces in its further his- ed (Trujić, 1967; Petrović, 1983; Ilić, & Mijatović, tory. At the moment of reconstruction of Smederevo 2006). Misunderstandings, unsportsmanlike rivalry falconry, in 2007, very little was known about Falcon and splitting of falconry membership lasted for 18 Association, a few names of founders, unclear date years, until its uniting in 1910, and therefore Serbian of place and year of foundation, a few photographs gymnastics and falconry were in serious crisis. and memories, paled in time. The history of Smeder- Gymnastics associations in province had a evo Falcon Association hasn’t so far been researched, tough job to decide which association to join. Sme- and it was not possible to analyze it without basic derevo Gymnastics and Combat Association (founded knowledge from the history of Belgrade, Serbian and in 1885) maintained cooperation with both Belgrade Yugoslav falconry. associations, respecting the choice and commitment Basic ideas and characteristics of fundamental of members, while retaining its own name. This is falconry are founded on libertarian ideas and prin- supported by data in regards with Association activi- ciples of civil society arisen from French democratic ties and cooperation which Smederevo maintained revolution “Freedom, equality, brotherhood”, as well with both Belgrade Associations. In those years, at as the philosophy of the ancient Hellenes – “gymnasi- the end of the 19th century, while our organizations um was not just a place where one could occasionally were in dispute, The Second and The Third Overall stop to exercise, but also an educational institution, Slavic Rally were held in Prague, Czech country (XV which nourished culture of body and spirit (Ioanni- Všesokolsky slet, 150 let v pohybu, 2012). These ral- dis, Stefanović, Koriotu, Šiljak, & Mijatović, 2008). lies became more and more popular, number of par- In spirit of liberalism, democracy, altruism and tough ticipants climbed to 5000 and audience to 30 000. discipline, the creator and founder of falconry, a phi- Serbs, Slovenes, Croats and Poles participated in the losopher Dr. Miroslav Tirs and his associates created procession. the falcon movement and body exercising organiza- In the history of Serbian Kingdom and later tion where the idea of unity, release of Germanization Yugoslav Kingdom, social and political events hap- and strengthening of national and cultural conscience pened quickly, dynasties Obrenovic and Karadjord- was propagated. Tirs’s idea that moral and body re- jevic swop the throne, a constitutional battle with birth is a skeleton of falcon activities, led to extreme willful rulers was led, Constitutions were adopted development of the falcon movement and large inter- and abolished, non-democratic regimes were abol- est for this organization outside of Czech, Moravia ished, social and economic reforms initiated, crises, and Slovakia. state bankruptcy… The same situation was in the pe- Belgrade Gymnastics Association, added to its riod when old century was replaced by the new one – name a title “Falcon” in accordance with Prague Fal- assassination of Aleksandar Obrenovic (1903), social cons (1891), and it fi rst accepted the idea of overall and economic changes with Petar I Karadjordjevic, Slavic falcon exercising, to be introduced instead of soon the imposed Customs war by Austro Hungary German exercising system. Therewith, establishing (1906-1910), and the Balkans war (1912-1913), as an similar associations in the Kingdom of Serbia be- introduction to the First World War and other events gan in Kragujevac, Sabac, Nis… (Ilić, 2008; Ilić, & until the beginning of the Second World War, created Mijatović, 2006). Decision to name the gymnastics occasions that signifi cantly infl uenced life of an or- associations “Falcon” in Serbia, caused strong reac- dinary man, social relationships, and even develop- tion and disagreement among its members. This dis- ment of falcon movement, because a Falcon shared pute led to the founding of a new association named destiny of his state and people. Citizen Gymnastics Association “Dusan the Mighty” The aim of this research was to fi nd, systemize (1892), whereas later the name was changed to the and critically analyze data about the founding and de- Knight’s Association “Dusan the Mighty”. Its mem- velopment of the Falcon movement in Smederevo, in bers supported the idea of relying the work of the as- the period from 1912 to 1941, bearing in mind con- sociation on Serbian history, with hallmarks of Serbi- text and refl ex of overall social and historic events for an tradition and statehood. While members of Falcon the reference period. Associations were abandoning the Association and The basic assumption was founded on expec- going over to “Dusan the Mighty”, in entire Serbia tation that data from the available archive, legacy and affi liations of “Dusanovac members” were found- recollection of a few ex falcon members should en-

131 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142 able reconstruction of the origin and development of Falcon Association “Dusan the Mighty” in Smeder- the Falconry in Smederevo, i.e. Falcon Association evo was not issued. In the next, 1913 year, after the in Smederevo that would continue activities of the end of the Second Balkans War (from June 16 to July previous Smederevo Gymnastics and Combat Asso- 10, 1913), Smederevo Falcon Association was regis- ciation. tered into the Union of Falcon Associations. Other- wise, it was usual to have falcon associations, prior to their founding, submit a request to Belgrade Falcon METHOD Parish in the course of one year and receive approval – decision in the following year. Therefore, as con- fi rmed in the researched data from a dozen of reliable Historic, causal and descriptive methods were sources, - in periodicals and statistical reports (Re- applied in the research. In frames of heuristics the port on Work of Smederevo Grammar School for the widest fact oriented material was consulted: mono- School Year 1913-1914; Obradović, 1914), as well as graphs, falconry periodicals, funds, repertoires, an- reports about Belgrade Falcon Parish (Reports for the nuals, reports, minutes, brochures, rules, photo-doc- Main Assembly of Falcon Parish Belgrade, March umentation, and legacies of ex falcons. The collected 13, 1932; The Annual Reports for Main Assembly of data from historic sources was classifi ed, analyzed Falcon Parish Belgrade Work for the Year 1936; The and compared with different aspects that character- Annual Reports for Main Assembly of Falcon Parish ized the development of falconry in time period from Belgrade Work for the Year 1937; The Annual Re- 1912 to 1941, depending on situation in the Kingdom ports for Main Assembly of Falcon Parish Belgrade of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes and in the Kingdom of Work for the Year 1938), as well as manuscripts from Yugoslavia. remnants and remembrance of falcon frontmen and members (Stojanović, 1994), date of Falcon Associa- tion in Smederevo founding and the beginning of the falconry is linked both to 1912 and 1913 and is often RESULTS AND DISCUSSION cited as “school year 1912/13“. It is known that, till the beginning of the Bal- kans Wars, activities of Falcon Associations in Bel- Positive changes in Serbian gymnastics and grade Falcon Parish were very dynamic. In that year falconry, after combining falcon and knight unions, Serbian Falcons participated in The Sixth Overall contributed to maturing of the Association for Gym- Slavic Rally in Prague. Few events are connected nastics and Combat members` idea for changing the with occurrence of falconry in Smederevo from the name of their organization. That was ongoing at the end of 1911 and further on, that preceded foundation time of arrival of 9 Czech falcon gymnastics teach- of Association, and were in the Report on Work of ers appointed by the Government of the Kingdom of Smederevo Grammar School and school chronicle. Serbia (starting from March 1911) and appointed to Grammar school pupils showed great interest in body 9 Serbian towns (Ilić, & Mijatović, 2006). The Czech exercising and falcon activities that were propagated. foremen provided great contribution by working in Then, a teacher, Ahilo Kalman, known as a propo- Grammar Schools, Falcon Associations and Military nent of gymnastics and founder of Gymnastics and Academy. Combat Association in 1885, held a speech on St. The falcon association “Dusan the Mighty“ Sava’s day about the importance of the falconry ex- was founded in Smederevo in 1912. The precise date ercising (Report on Work of Smederevo Grammar is not available, though it is assumed that the found- School for the School Year 1910-1911). Further on, ing was taking place till the beginning of the fi rst Bal- at the end of March 1912, a lecture about “Behaviour kans war (October 8, 1912). Since falcon association in Falcon Association” was held and on that occasion activities were reduced or ceased during the Balkans the falconry brochure was issued by Svetislav Petro- wars (Obradović, 1912; 1914), the annual reports for vic, an owner of a printing offi ce in Smederevo. And 1912 for the Union of Falcon Associations “Dusan in the end, Minister of Education Ljuba Jovanovic the Mighty”, as well as Reports and chronicles of (a famous Belgrade falcon) visited Grammar School Smederevo Grammar School (where falconry was in August 1912 and probably that occasion acceler- propagated) аnd therewith, specifi c founding data of

132 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142 ated founding of the Association (Report on Work sembly of Falcon Parish Belgrade Work for the Year of Smederevo Grammar School for the School Year 1936), confi rmed the assumption that it was about 1910-1911; Pavlović, Bulatović, & Paunović, 1971), the continuation of the Association activities, which especially when he met there a teacher Radivoje Ris- means it was reorganized and renamed to Falcon As- tic as well as his old acquaintance from the period of sociation “Dusan the Mighty“. It is interesting that the work of the Gymnastics and Combat Association, Smederevo Gymnastics and Combat Association was the teacher Ahil Kalman. All of it had happened prior one of the oldest Gymnastics Associations in the to the beginning of the First Balkans War. Kingdom of Serbia and in Smederevo Danube basin, The founding assembly was held in the café founded in 1885 (Spernjak, 1931; Petrović, 1983; of a reputable hotel “Laf“ on the Danube riverbank. Ilić, & Mijatović, 2006). The expert work in this as- The hall of the café from the yard side had movable sociation was carried by certain gymnastics teachers inventory, so after the assembly it was used as a gym. in Smederevo Grammar School and offi cers, who Association founders were grammar school pupils were appointed by the Ministry. Their dedication to who were attracted by the idea of falconry (Mila- organize gymnastics marked the pre-history of Sme- din Milic, brothers and sisters Pandurovic, brothers derevo Falconry. Ciric, brothers Konstantinovic, M. Djoric, N. Dimi- Falcon training classes started to take place in trijevic and older practitioners, already active in the the mentioned hall, in the beginning only gymnas- existing association Mihajlo Balzareno, brothers tics was exercised: simple exercises, exercises on a Nikola and Djordje Nicota, Tosa Jeftic and Dragisa wooden loom, iron bar that was carried by taller prac- Nisavic). This initiative was supported also by Gram- titioners, on their shoulders such as shaft and also mar School teachers Ahilo Kalman and Radivoje they were lifting cannonballs. Also, “French” boxing Ristic, active from the past time in the Association was trained (hitting both with hands and legs). When for Gymnastics and Combat, a supplement teacher swords had been purchased, they started with sword- Mioljub Todorovic, as well as the mentioned printer play. The inventory was getting richer by purchase Svetislav Petrovic. The fi rst head of the Association and its hand making, such as climbing rope and tug was a reputable Smederevo citizen, bank offi cer Dra- rope, etc. (Stojanović, 1994). In probably one of the gisa Nisavic, and the fi rst chief was Mihajlo Balza- oldest photographs from the falconry frames, one of reno (Stepanović, 2008). bunch of exercising events at that time was saved, Data in connection with activities of Smeder- and that was the Falcon Rally in Smederevo Fortress, evo Gymnastics and Combat Association from 1904, held in 1914, just before the start of the First World 1908 and 1911 (The Annual Reports for Main As- War.

Picture 1. Falcon rally in Smederevo fortress, 1914

133 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142

In working with younger Falcon membership August 1920 (Mijatović, 2006). After making deci- typical was the attention paid to four things that de- sions on the fi rst Falcon Assembly in Novi Sad (June termined the essence of falcon idea, which was mani- 1919), Falcon Unions were dissolved and Falcon fested through: body and moral (spiritual) upbring- Parishes were established that will bear the name on ing, as well as upbringing of national, patriotic and the territorial basis (Belgrade Parish in its title will democratic spirit. Falcon union infl uenced the work retain the name “Dusan the Mighty“). Based on the of association and enlightened the membership in decision of the 2nd Falcon Parliament in Zagreb (Au- spirit of falconry through the falcon press. Activities gust 1924) Falcon Societies in their name will erase were suddenly interrupted because the First World national and historical attributes (Serbian will delete War began, membership was drastically lost or less- name “Dusan the Mighty“) and will carry the name ened or it was prosecuted because of the patriotism, of their village or town. and many of them applied to the military. In Sme- The Association work was restarted by Gram- derevo county, when comparing male population in mar School director Rudolf Biklovic in 1924, who 1910 with the number from 1916, loss of male popu- was then appointed head of association and the lation due to bombing, war operations or detention chief was Ivan Oblak, gymnastics teacher working camps was around 8.500 or 37,20% (Popović, & in Grammar School (Sokolska župa Beograd, 1937). Popović, 1995). First two years were especially diffi cult in renewing In the new, united state, Falcon Movement of of falconry in Smederevo and till the end of 1928 the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (June work and assumptions for organizational strengthen- 1919) was formed and a principle “one state, one na- ing of Falcon Association Smederevo consolidated tion, one falconry” was then established. This union slowly and painfully. was renamed into Yugoslav falconry union since

Picture 2. Smederevo Falcon reveille, in front of the villa Obrenovic, 1924

Thanks to the kindness of Municipality and duzbina” of the late benefactor Steva Kuzmanovic, Board - consisting of most reputable Smederevo citi- a building that with its architectonic decision could zens, membership of falcons got a space for work – be compared with beauty of the Catholic Church and gym of falcons on the fi rst fl oor of the building “Za- the Court building in Smederevo. Older falcons were 134 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142 giving various interesting data about the falconry in maintenance of the gym.The house of falcons was lo- Smederevo, one of which was that the association cated on the fi rst fl oor of “Zaduzbina” where it had a possessed a cinema of falcons. The expensive pro- spatial main and auxiliary gym, accompanying prem- jector was donated to the falcons by a benefactor Jo- ises, falcon library and reading-room. In the gym of van Kodzas in order to overcome a fi nancial crisis. falcons, besides exercising the following was orga- Movies were projected from the hall’s balcony and nized: dances, public classes, lottery, and collection the income was used for purchase of cinema inven- of voluntary and humanitarian donations at falcons’ tory, movies’ purchase and payment of utilization and evenings.

Picture 3. Falcon headquarters on the fi rst fl oor of Zaduzbina building

Belgrade Parish tempted to establish strong in- the front man’s board to work with the youngsters, he fl uence on falcon associations. It managed to enforce introduced regularity in organizing falcon manifesta- that by strong organization and deployment of asso- tions and actions, public classes, academies, rallies, ciations in parishes, by infl uencing the planning and different celebrations with performances “kermes“ accomplishment of their mandatory activities and (dances), establishing various funds, purchase of cooperation between the associations. It had a con- gymnastics devices... In the same year Tadic found- stant insight into the work of associations through its ed small falcon expert library with a bookstore and delegates and was receiving periodical reports from city orchestra (1928) and he started cooperation with them. other falcons’ associations. Pupils, students, workers From the middle of 1928, when the Union ap- and other citizens who studied and worked or lived pointed for Smederevo Association Ante Tadic as a outside of Smederevo started getting back to better head, a dynamic teacher and falcon front man edu- organized and stronger Association. cated in Prague, dynamic and versatile work of Sme- Organizational consolidation of Smederevo derevo falcons was established. His arrival to the As- Association was based on extremely strong person- sociation enabled Smederevo falcons and population alities – fore men, initiated by Tadic’s arrival to Sme- fi nally to experience all valuable characteristics of derevo. Their energy and love towards gymnastics in falconry. Early in the fi rst year of his engagement in general, also the emphasized moral and work abilities Smederevo, he managed to enlarge membership in all in building of a strong falcon collective and infl uence categories, especially female. He formed the second- on individuals, today from a distance of one century ary school falcon branch, gathered ex practitioners to is simply fascinating. The newly elected head who

135 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142 was entrusted by the Belgrade Parish to “conduct ners were sent to periodically organized front men reorganization from a technical side” (Kujundžić, courses, mostly parish ones, in Belgrade, and rarely 1928), in spite of very short time period spent in the federal ones. Social front men courses were or- Smederevo (1928-1932, matches with his service in ganized by experts and experienced front men. Fron- Grammar School), undertook decisive steps and left tend courses were not easy; those would last for 2, 3 deep traces in the Association that became a guide to or 4 weeks. A front man title was gained after having other falcons in further work of falcon organization. passed theory and practical part that enabled them The society had such a rhythm of regular train- for work in falcon associations, but also for teach- ing, cultural and educational activities that number ing in primary and secondary schools. The individu- of members rose to 600. With the activities such as als attending the course had at their disposal litera- lectures, short speeches (short lectures in front of ture with different, overwhelming physical contents practitioners), country parties, public classes, festive (Brozović, 1930). and gymnastics academies, summer holidays on the The association was active in the initiative Adriatic coast, organizing falcon evenings where pu- of founding village brigades which extremely well pils’ orchestras played, falcons’ choir sang, recitation infl uenced the social and cultural transformation of of its members, pledge on a statehood day, forming the village environment. The fi rst falcon brigade was village brigades, puppet and athletic sections, Rus- founded in 1929 and was the most success- sian falcon section, as well as other forms of cultural ful one. Then, the brigades were formed in Milosevac development, put on motion an inert village mental- (1931), and Lugavcina (1934), ity of the town of Smederevo. and (1936) and Vodanj in 1939. (The An- Falcon cultural infl uence in Smederevo nual Reports for Main Assembly of Falcon Parish strengthened during the time, so falcons always had Belgrade Work for the Year 1937). their place in programs in various town celebrations. In the period between the two world wars, but And different performances where thematic lectures, also in the earlier past of Smederevo, in the 19th cen- concerts, movie projections, or poetry recitals were tury, there were many humane people in Smederevo, conducted, almost always were followed by falcon benefactors and donors who were helping the Associ- exercising, the so-called gymnastics academies or ation and there were also citizens organized through public exercising classes. These celebrations were falcon humanitarian activities, usually on the occa- visited by the most reputable persons from the dis- sion of various festivities. The festivities were given trict. Organizing manifestations for important re- great importance to. State holidays, birthdays of the ligious holidays, Easter, Christmas or Vidovdan, King and members of the King’s dynasty, various brought large popularity to the Falcons because on historic and other anniversaries, state and falcon ju- such occasions more citizens gathered. Some acad- bilees were celebrated. One of the central festivities emies would be preceded by festive processions as in the frames of falcon activities was “Falcon’s Pe- announcement and the beginning of the academy ter’s fi fth year”. That was an important educational, program. The academies were held most often in cultural and advertising project of the Kingdom of falcon gym or Municipality Hall, and public classes Yugoslavia falcons that was symbolizing loyalty and with gymnastics exercising in open space, summer love towards the King and his heir to the throne. In falcon gym. celebrations of Peter’s fi ve years, the Yugoslav fal- The framework of program activities in fal- conry was morally obliged – plighted to work in the con branch was gymnastics. Simple exercises were fi ve-year period for the benefi t of their country and trained, exercises on devices, rhythmic, exercises population by fulfi lling useful tasks, because “sports with requisites, group rally exercises. Federal falcon in the course of its historic development was often organization prescribed contests (“games“) with easy depicting the economic, social and political dimen- athletic contents, and soon other sports disciplines sion of the society” (Šiljak, Mijatović, & Parčina, were accepted, too. 2013). The most important pledge of Smederevo fal- Program of professional development of cons was to collect as much money as possible for membership in falconry system of the Kingdom of building of falcon house that would be named “King Yugoslavia was ambitiously set. Advanced practitio- Peter II”.

136 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142

Falcon rallies were public manifestations Besides district, generational and parish ral- which had vast role in spreading falcon idea – ide- lies, Smederevo falcons had participated since 1926 ology (Ćuk, 2013). Falcon union was attempting to in almost all biggest rallies (Брозовић, 1930; 1935). have three parts within the program despite the level, Those were: The 8th Overall Slavic Rally in Prague and those were: falcon parades through the town at (1926), The 6th Province Falcon Rally in Skopje the beginning and the end of rallies, then falcon com- (1928), The First Overall Falcon Rally of the King- petitions (games) in exercising on devices and other dom of Yugoslavia in Belgrade (1930), The First disciplines and falcon manifestations where mass Province Rally in Ljubljana (1933), The Second training by large number of participants was shown Province Rally in Sarajevo (1934), The Third Prov- including various cultural contents. According to the ince Rally in Zagreb (1934) and The Eighth Rally structure of falcon organization in the Kingdom of of Bulgarian Heroes in Sofi a (1935). Especially in- Yugoslavia county, parish and province rallies were teresting was the Fourth Province Rally in Subotica held (they were also named federal or state because (June 1936) where department for female generation of open participation of cities). Falcon association won the 1st place and a title of state champion and in Smederevo participated in large number of rallies was honored with silver wreath of Belgrade Parish and competitions by organizing them as a host or a (The Annual Reports for Main Assembly of Falcon guest to other associations and unions after having Parish Belgrade Work for the Year 1937). Smederevo qualifi ed for those. Smederevo was well-known as a generation group was representing Yugoslavia fal- good rally host. The past of the town and the ancient conry in the following year due to the great success in fortress on the Danube riverbank were interesting for the State Rally in academies organized in Belgrade at guest falcons for sight-seeing prior to competitions. Kolarac and in Sofi a, in the National Theatre (1937). Guests were arriving to Smederevo by boat or train, which itself was interesting for competitors.

Picture 4. State champions of generation of Smederevo, Subotica 1936

The overall Slavic and overall falcon rallies evo. A year later, Smederevo falcons, amongst 7000 were parades of technical readiness in exercising Yugoslav participants, participated in The 9th Rally and grandiose mass performances. Appearance of of Bulgarian Heroes in Sofi a (1939), too. Only Bel- Smederevo falcons in The 10th Overall Slavic Rally grade Parish had 1150 participants for whom two in Prague (1938) was noticed as well as the appear- train compositions were necessary for transportation. ance of pupils from secondary schools of Smeder-

137 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142

Picture 5. 10th Overall Falcon Rally in Prague 1938

Picture 6. Smederevo Falcons in Falconry Parade, Sofi a, 1939

At the end of twenties and the beginning of evo falcons showed except gymnastics a great inter- thirties of the last century, when falconry was ex- est for other sports. They developed those and as the tremely strong in all fi elds of its acting, new sports promoters represented especially handball, football, activities in physical exercising and competitions rowing, volleyball, athletics and cycling. Later on, started being accepted. Sports spirit was always de- they became active as sports offi cials in sports as- veloped in Smederevo, so the mentioned changes in sociations and clubs. relations of sports and falcon unions were easily ac- Besides the falcon gym, since 1935 the as- cepted. Smederevo was an example amongst towns sociation possessed its summer gym. This gym was for that. Thanks to the versatile orientation in the spatial, located adjacent to the Danube and it was uti- program of activities of the Association in Smeder- lized till the beginning of the Second World War. It evo, it was highly ranked in Belgrade Falcon Parish was a favorite place because it signifi cantly unloaded (The Annual Reports for Main Assembly of Falcon work of the falcon gym and because people were Parish Belgrade Work for the Year 1937). Smeder- gathering there to see attractive falcon skills.

138 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142

The association got all gymnastics devices in cially heads which were elected as most experienced time. Even those were not the most modern ones, amongst themselves. At the beginnings of Smederevo they served its purpose and suffered often destruc- falconry there were Radivoje Ristic, Frankl Buhovec, tive energy and escapades of the performers. Besides Ivan Oblak, Bogic Danilo, Jovica Spasojevic, Petar the gym devices, the Association also possessed a Donic, Ante Tadic, Kolarov Djordje, Josip Kocmut… pianino, which was used for dancing and rhythmic Later, thanks to them, their pupils grew into success- exercising. A janitor was in charge of order in falcon ful competitors and versatile sportsmen and became gym and technical issues. members and front men: Budimir Stojanovic, Sveto- In Falcon Association Smederevo, deep trace zar Toza Konstantinovic, Djordje Ciric, Bozidar Pro- in front man work left excellent front men, espe- kic, Miodrag Mitrovic...

Picture 7. The Falcon Association of Smederevo, a part of the membership 1940

When by the law, the Falcon of the Kingdom tion – telegraphic, phone and fi rst aid, as well as a of Yugoslavia was pronounced a state institution course for protection from poisonous gases. Shooting (1929), it had great infl uence on creating curriculum training – handling and shooting from a rifl e, fi rst aid for military and schools (Mijatović, 2006). But since and strangulation were realized in the Fortress and social occasions were becoming more complex, con- in the Shooting range. During the March demonstra- ditions for falcon activities were becoming more dif- tions, the falcons supported population by participat- fi cult. There were more situations where falcons were ing in protests (falcons management did not organize morally tested to confi rm their values with their be- those protests), where insubordination towards the havior. Future times should show how deeply falcons enemies lasting for centuries was expressed. believed in character, moral, wellbeing for a man and Since majority of falcons ran in front of the his freedom in a mutual country. Besides the internal occupiers or was mobilized, the falcon gyms closed separatism and nationalism, a danger from external one after another, because the falcon organization enemy started growing. Yugoslav falconry was a fi rst ceased the work. Wishing not to extinct the values of social organization that unconditionally mobilized all this sports movement and to be able to revive, after its forces for the country defense. the war, falcon spirit in the Danube town, a group Exercising activities in Smederevo were re- of Smederevo falcons made sure to keep, i.e. hide, placed by defensive trainings, and special attention features and devices of the Association (Vukašinović, was paid to shooting and bike riding. Courses for 1994). During the occupation it was dangerous to be easy orientation in fi eld were organized, for connec- a falcon, the work of the organization was forbidden 139 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142 by the occupier and the falcons were persecuted and of the everyday life of the multinational community. arrested. The older Smederevo falcons were joining The falconry made strong impression on population the partisans, because of that. A few members were and made their lives better, more interesting and captivated and sent to German detention camps, meaningful. The association accomplished good re- some of them never returned, and some were shot at sults in all fi elds and in one shorter period of time the Jezava in Smederevo, in 1944. also, excellent competition and revue results. After the Second World War had been fi nished, Hymn, falcon uniforms, oath beneath the As- the dissolved falcon organization was not forbidden sociation’s fl ag, performances, travels, summer holi- or cancelled, but also it wasn’t restarted. One of the days, work in sections, sweating in falcon’s gym- reasons was consistency in decision not to get in- nasium and summer polygons, friendship, learning volved in politics, and since 1945 restarting of sports and education, all that left an indelible trace in lives and physical culture was not possible without politi- of members. Therefore the falcon generations have cal infl uence. So the falconry stayed a memory for never forgotten the falcon values. The Falcons infl u- its ex members, and in population memories, it was ence grew so much, that it attracted the most repu- an overall Slavic organization that used to promote table Smederevo citizens to the membership. Such Yugoslav and national thought, and strengthened an infl uence and reputation of a sports organization will individual physically, spiritually, morally, intellectu- never happen again in Smederevo. ally and culturally. The Second World War terminated highly de- Very soon a new gymnastics movement was veloped falcon activities in many fi elds, and great formed all over the freed country, again formed on number of activities and manifestations, activated the principle of unity, brotherhood of all nations and by new government after the war were based on the nationalities. And as it usually happens, again sports ideas, experience and practice of the Kingdom of Yu- movement and exercising, as known and tested means goslavia Falconry. It was not too hard to recognize will connect all the nations in one country. The his- copied solutions, falcon ideas and methodology in tory is repeating, and already seen tragic fate of an mass rallies, programs, in exercising organization, ordinary Yugoslav man, condemned to suffering with idea of Yugoslavia, brotherhood and unity, fi ve-year deterioration of unity illusion, will repeat again after plans, identifi cation of the youth with the ruler… half of a century. In its being, falconry possessed undoubtedly Smederevo sportsmen will, thanks to the fal- values that were respected by Smederevo popula- con past and experience - the same falcon members tion, so the Association was highly respected. Hard- who were front men during the thirties - quickly or- working, experts and experienced foremen were cer- ganize and in 1946 form a new gymnastics associa- tainly one of those values. The falcon association in tion – GA ”Unity” (Vukašinović, 1996). Smederevo was lucky, so to say, thanks to the fact that it was a multinational town, and to its wish to have around famous experts who were not born in CONCLUSION Smederevo. Young Smederevo population learnt a lot from those foremen, developed themselves into ex- perienced foremen and started and carried the work The Falcon Association “Dusan the Mighty“, of the Association in time after the war. In its leading later named The Falcon Association “ Smederevo“ work, they were emissaries and apostles of the fal- (1912) continued the activity of Smederevo Gymnas- con thought and strivings, which was to bring up an tics and Combat Association (1885), and it remained individual who would be like a falcon – an extraordi- its successor, same as it was with other gymnastics nary, strong and resistant bird, morally on high level, associations in Smederevo from1910. The activity brought up in overall Slavic and liberal spirit, patri- of this falcon organization strongly infl uenced social otically and nationally oriented towards Yugoslavia. and cultural transformation of Smederevo and its They set up standards for that time very high, which population, as well as the surrounding villages and in some aspects could never again be repeated. That their population. Plenty of the held activities infl u- was rich inheritance passed on to the younger ones, enced cultural, educational and pedagogic content to be transferred further on.

140 Vukašinović V., Kocić S., The Falcon Movement in Smederevo... PHYSICAL CULTURE 2013; 67 (2): 130-142

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Received: 8.10.2013. Accepted: 15.11.2013.

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