Charter of Ban Kulin marks 837th anniversary

The Charter of Ban Kulin, one of the most significant historical documents of medieval Bosnia, marks its 837th anniversary. Issued on August 29, 1189, the charter was a diplomatic agreement between Ban Kulin and the Prince of Dubrovnik, Krvaš, guaranteeing freedom of movement and trade for Dubrovnik's citizens within Bosnian territory.

As the oldest preserved state document among South Slavic peoples, the charter serves as a testament to the political organization, sovereignty, and administrative capacity of Bosnia in the 12th century. It was written in the Old Bosnian vernacular using the Bosančica script and was bilingual to accommodate different readers.

Three copies of the charter exist. Two are preserved in Dubrovnik, while a third, which was stolen in the 19th century, is currently held by the Russian Academy of Sciences in Saint Petersburg. Bosnia and Herzegovina has requested its return, but Russia has declined, stating the document is part of their shared history.