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Belgrade Students Recreate WWI March to Kajmakčalan, Film the Journey
🇷🇸 Serbia /Culture & Society

Belgrade Students Recreate WWI March to Kajmakčalan, Film the Journey

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Students and professors from Belgrade's XIII Gymnasium undertook a pilgrimage to Kajmakčalan, recreating the path of Serbian soldiers from World War I.
  • The expedition was documented in a film titled "Kajmakčalan - Gate of Freedom," capturing the challenging ascent and its historical significance.
  • Participants described the experience as a profound life lesson, emphasizing the personal connection to their ancestors' history and the shared struggle.

A group of students and professors from Belgrade's XIII Gymnasium has transformed a historical pilgrimage into a cinematic experience, documenting their arduous journey to Kajmakčalan. The expedition, titled "Kajmakčalan - Gate of Freedom," retraces the steps of Serbian soldiers from World War I, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in their nation's history.

This was a vital lesson. A lesson that differs from classic lessons and school teaching; this was a life experience and a lesson

— MihajloDescribing the experience of climbing Kajmakčalan.

The initiative, spearheaded by the school's director and supported by educators, saw over 100 students and 30 professors brave challenging conditions. Mihajlo, a student participant, described the ascent as a "vital lesson" distinct from classroom learning, highlighting the subjective temperature of minus 10 degrees Celsius, heavy snow, and strong winds. "This was a vital lesson. A lesson that differs from classic lessons and school teaching; this was a life experience and a lesson," he stated.

For some, like student Konstantin Donić, the journey held deep personal significance. Inspired by his great-grandfather's service in World War I, Konstantin donned a military uniform, mirroring his ancestor's path. "When we returned from the excursion, I studied family history, especially the period of World War I. Then I learned that my great-grandfather, Cvetin Radosavljević, participated on Kajmakčalan itself, and we climbed to the very top following the path of his regiment," he explained.

When we returned from the excursion, I studied family history, especially the period of World War I. Then I learned that my great-grandfather, Cvetin Radosavljević, participated on Kajmakčalan itself, and we climbed to the very top following the path of his regiment

— Konstantin DonićExplaining his personal motivation for participating in the expedition.

Professor Marko Pejović noted the students' keen interest in World War I, attributing it to a personal connection to their families' experiences. He also pointed to the symbolic resonance of Kajmakčalan, linking it to themes of resurrection and national revival, akin to other significant WWI sites like the "Albanian Golgotha." The shared experience among friends, overcoming difficulties with mutual support, was also highlighted as a crucial element of the expedition.

The most important thing that happened is that we went with friends. Knowing that it wasn't easy for everyone, but the love and support of the whole

— Student participantReflecting on the camaraderie during the challenging expedition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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