As part of the Days of the City of Tešanj event, on December 12, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Tešanj General Library, one of the most significant historiographical discoveries in recent Bosnian science will be presented – the identification of the grave of Husein-Captain Gradaščević, known as the Dragon of Bosnia.
After almost two hundred years of uncertainty, on August 26, 2025, the location of his final resting place was scientifically confirmed and documented in Istanbul. This resolved one of the most long-standing issues of modern Bosnian history.
The discovery is the result of several years of research that included detailed archival work in Ottoman and Istanbul funds, analysis of old maps, field research and systematic comparison of narrative and administrative sources.
For the first time, a complete picture of the last days of Hussein-kapetan, a key political figure whose struggle for Bosnia’s autonomy stands out as one of the most important episodes of the 19th century, is presented.
The promotion in Tešnje has a special symbolic significance, because this city inherits a rich heritage of Bosnian captains and Ottoman cultural traditions. Among the famous walls of Tešanj, the most important research results will be presented, along with documentary material, expert interpretations and the historical context of the discovery of the tomb of the Dragon of Bosnia.
The participants of the event will talk about the methodology used, the scientific verification of the location and its importance for understanding the political thought of Bosnia in the 19th century. Plans for the future marking and memorialization of this extremely important historical figure will also be presented.
The promotion is open to the media, researchers, cultural institutions and all interested citizens, and due to the historical significance of the discovery, great public interest is expected.
