On the Stanak in Medieval Bosnia

Abstract

Most certainly, within the social system of the mediaeval Bosnian state the role of Stanak (Parliament, National Assembly) was decisive and determining, and in most of historical literature the epithet 'state' preceded it. Despite its huge importance, there is only scant data on the activities, location, role and actual meaning of this institution. The only exception is the study conducted by Mihail Dinic which, rightfully, has determined the institutional position of stanak within the mediaeval Bosnian statě and society. Jurisdictions of stanak were sporadically mentioned prior to and after this study whereas little research and even less interpretation work was conducted concerning it.