Newly Discovered Necropolis of Medieval Tombstones in Zabrđani near Bjelimići

In the village of Zabrđani, in the Bjelimići area, a previously unrecorded necropolis of medieval tombstones has been discovered, representing a significant contribution to the research and preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of Konjic.

As Emir Medanhodžić, president of the Čuvari baštine – Bassania Foundation, told Radio Konjic, the site is located in the immediate vicinity of the road, yet despite this, it remained unknown to earlier researchers.

“This is the village of Zabrđani, and what particularly surprised us is the fact that the necropolis is located only about three hundred meters from the road, next to a small Orthodox cemetery and a chapel. Precisely because the area is enclosed, it was probably not the subject of earlier research. When we entered and surveyed the site, we saw that it is a beautiful necropolis with around 40 medieval tombstones, mostly slabs and chests, although it is partially damaged,” emphasized Emir Medanhodžić, adding that they received information about the necropolis site from a resident of Glavatičevo.

“We have an excellent associate from Glavatičevo, Emin Hebibović, who knows the terrain very well. I myself have been in that area countless times, especially in Bjelimići, and we are always looking for new challenges. A few days ago, Emin told us that he had found a new necropolis that had not been recorded, so we went together to survey it,” said Emir Medanhodžić.

Medieval tombstone and their historical value

Speaking about the age and significance of the medieval tombstone Emir Medanhodžić notes that they date back to the Middle Ages and are characterized by their orientation and modest ornamentation.

“The medieval tombstones at this site, like most in Bosnia and Herzegovina, date from the period between the 10th and 15th centuries. They mostly lack elaborate decorations, although we noticed on one example a motif that could indicate a connection to the Bosnian Church. Unfortunately, in our country, methods such as thermoluminescence or broader use of C14 analysis, which could more precisely determine their age, are still not sufficiently developed,” explains Emir Medanhodžić.

Necropolises of Medieval Tombstones Have Tourism Potential

In order to protect and promote these valuable sites, the Foundation plans to implement a series of activities that will facilitate access and familiarize the public with the necropolises.

“We received a European Union project to install information boards and signposts for ten necropolises of medieval tombstones in Glavatičevo and ten necropolises in Bjelimići. We selected the most beautiful necropolises and are now determining where to place the signposts. We also planned the creation of digital and printed maps. We have already collected the GPS coordinates of the sites, and our goal is to enable visitors to easily find these necropolises and not get lost in the field. This is just the beginning, and we hope the project will be further expanded in the future,” said Emir Medanhodžić.

He also emphasizes the broader importance of preserving cultural heritage, especially in the context of local community development.

“Cultural and historical heritage can be an important resource for the development of the local economy. If properly valorized, it can create opportunities for small businesses, tourism development, and additional income for the local population. Our goal is to raise awareness of the values we have and how we can use them in a sustainable way,” said Emir Medanhodžić.

The discovery of a new necropolis in Zabrđani once again confirms that the Konjic area is rich in valuable historical sites and highlights the need for their systematic protection and promotion, so that they can be preserved for future generations and properly presented to both domestic and international audiences.

Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/otkrivena-nova-nekropola-stecaka-u-zabrdjanima-kod-bjelimica/