In the Sarajevo Museum, you can see the cloak of Husein Captain Gradaščević, the Dragon of Bosnia – the first military leader in the Ottoman Empire’s army and later a Bosnian captain who fought for the autonomy of Bosnia. In 1831, he led the Movement for the Autonomy of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Ottoman Empire, thus earning a place among the most significant historical figures of the Bosniak people.
His cloak is not part of the permanent exhibition of the Sarajevo Museum but is displayed from time to time. As for how it came to the museum, who made it, and when Gradaščević wore it, Amra Madžarević, a museum advisor at the Sarajevo Museum, provided the answers.
“Our inventory book from 1950 states that the cloak was purchased that year from Mileva Ćesović from Tuzla, who was authorized by Rašida Kulović, the wife of the former mayor of Sarajevo, Esad Kulović. The item was purchased for 12,000 dinars. Rašida’s father was Hadži Muhamedbeg Gradaščević, and his uncle was Husein Captain. However, the letter preserved in our archive, where Rašida lists several items she bequeaths to the Museum, was personally signed by Rašida Kulović. Mileva was likely a sort of intermediary”, says Madžarević.
The cloak, she points out, is made of Eastern silk fabric, blue in color interwoven with golden threads, and has a very simple cut and appearance.
“This cloak was probably bought ready-made since such a cut fits all sizes. It bears no markings or specific characteristics. Only the material (silk) and weaving show the time from which it originates. It was worn on festive occasions, usually for Eid celebrations. Husein Captain came from a wealthy family, traveled a lot, and spent time in the East, so he likely purchased it during his travels. This is not a cloak that was granted in the Ottoman Empire as a token of merit. The cloak that signifies honor is made of red wool with long sleeves and specific insignia”, says Madžarević.
Husein Captain Gradaščević died very young, at the age of 31, and, according to the latest research, he is buried in the courtyard of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque in Istanbul, located in the Eyüp district, outside the city walls near the Golden Horn. The Dragon of Bosnia, along with Ban Kulin and King Tvrtko, is one of the most important historical figures in the struggle for Bosnia’s independence. He died on 17 August 1834, and there are many theories about his death – some claim he was poisoned, while others assert he died after falling seriously ill.
