BUBANJ MEMORIAL PARK: A MEMORIAL TO THE VICTIMS OF NAZI TERROR AND MASS EXECUTIONS IN WORLD WAR II
BUBANJ MEMORIAL PARK: A MEMORIAL TO THE VICTIMS OF NAZI TERROR AND MASS EXECUTIONS IN WORLD WAR II

Summary/Abstract: The "Bubanj" Memorial complex, locate on Bubanj Hill at the outskirts of Niš, was built with the aim of marking the site of mass executions of the innocent victims of Nazism in the Second World War. It is a symbol of suffering but also of resistance, struggle and desire for freedom, embodied in the symbolic depiction of three huge clenched fists. The "Three fists” symbolize resistance and defiance against fascism. They are a recurrent reminder of the importance of freedom as the supreme human value. The paper first briefly presents the eugenics policy, which was the ideological basis of Nazism and ferocious Nazi crimes. Then, the authors outline the historical circumstances leading to the establishment of the Concentration Camp Crveni krst in Niš and Bubanj Hill as the execution site. The central part of the paper focuses on the construction of the Bubanj memorial complex, its importance in the post-war Yugoslav society, and its current position on the cultural map of Serbia. While calling attention to the agony sustained by victims of Nazi terror in these parts of Serbia, the authors highlight the strength and resilience of the people who endeavored to preserve and defend freedom and right to dignified life as ultimate human values.

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