Stecak tombstones, stone medieval monuments, witnesses of a time which represent a cultural phenomenon in the world with their different shapes, sizes, decorations and inscriptions, are widespread throughout BiH, and increased number of these tombstones is located on the territory of Bosnia-Podrinje Canton.
One of the most important locations is the necropolis on Presjeka near Ustikolina, which is associated with the medieval tradition of burial by its figurative elements. Based on the remains found, the cemetery is dating from the 16th century.
The cemetery on Presjeka is around five kilometers away from Ustikolina, and it is a necropolis consisted of several groups of tombstones, which are among the oldest preserved tombstones in BiH. Their uniqueness is reflected in their motives and decoration on the tombstones: motives of spears, flags, bows and arrows, swords, apples, human hands…
The tradition of brick lined graves in BiH is present from the ancient times, early Christian era, and later it was continued in the Middle Ages. The existence of brick lined graves makes this necropolis specific.
Way of burial in brick lined graves is ancient and early Christian tradition, but it also can be found with some Bosnian medieval funeral monuments – stecak. However, this way of burying is rare phenomenon in the Muslim tradition of burying, so it is assumed that these graves belong to local nobleman who converted to Islam but preserved the old traditional way of burial.
There are many legends and the research of archaeologists, historians and other researchers about the origin and identity of the necropolis on Presjeka.
According to a popular legend, once upon a time, at this place clashed wedding guests and all of them died and were turned into the stone. Huge tree of endemic “Weeping Beech” – whose thread-like branches extend to the ground near the wall of this necropolis, seem as the witness of this tradition.
The weeping beech is several centuries old, and it breaks down and renews itself again. According to the legend, no one could do anything to the old beech, damage it or cut it down, and anyone who has tried it, faced with a very hard destiny.
Story that fateful battle for Bosnia – the collision of the Sultan’s army and the army of Bosnian Duke Stjepan Kosaca, took place at this place is also linked with this cemetery. During the battle armies were cut off, and thus it got the name “Presjeka (cut off)”.
(Source: L. C./Klix.ba)
