What Toplicki okrug is known for

Prokuplje is a city situated in southern Serbia, serving as the administrative hub of the Toplica District. Notably, Prokuplje holds significance as one of Serbia's Roman archaeological sites. During Ottoman dominion, the town bore the name Ürgüp before being annexed into the Kingdom of Serbia in 1878.[1] One of the predominant destinations of Prokuplje is the National Museum of Toplice, established in 1946. Functioning as a custodian of movable cultural assets, the museum showcases archaeological, ethnological, historical, and art-historical works, offering insights into Toplice's history from the prehistoric eras to the 20th century. Despite space limitations, the museum expanded in 1979, adding a new gallery over two levels, enhancing collaboration with domestic and international museums, and engaging citizens through various programs. Notably, the museum features a permanent exhibition on the Toplice Uprising of 1917, documenting the region's resistance against occupying forces. Additionally, the museum preserves the legacy of the Iron Regiment through a dedicated memorial room and park, commemorating its role in Serbia's liberation wars. The establishment of the Boža Ilić Gallery in 1996 marked a milestone in Prokuplje's visual appeal, fostering local and international artistic exchange through exhibitions and the Boža Ilić Art Colony.[7]

People preferring outdoor attractions can venture to Djavolja Varos, featuring tall stone formations with stone caps. Situated near the village of Djake—known for its acid springs with reputed properties—Djavolja Varoš tends to attract visitors with its geological features shaped by erosion.[8] According to UNESCO, Djavolja Varos, located on the south slopes of Mt. Radan, serves as an example of the effects of erosion, featuring over 200 stone pyramids formed by water erosion. These pyramids, standing 2 to 15 meters tall with protective caps, are ephemeral, constantly changing as erosion occurs. Furthermore, the site includes hydrological attributes such as the Devil's Water and Devil's Well, which are known for their mineral content and red color. Djavolja Varos exhibits acoustic phenomena, creating sounds that have fueled local superstitions for centuries.[9]

Another natural spot is the Jastrebac Mountain, visited for its dense forest cover of ancient origins. With peaks of Đulica and Pogled experiencing year-round sunshine, Jastrebac attracts adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Ribarska Banja can also be found nearby—a historic spa that is said to be favored by Serbian royalty. In close proximity to Jastrebac lies Kruševac, which bears historical significance, with preserved landmarks such as Lazarev Grad offering glimpses into medieval Serbia. Those who enjoy admiring art can explore the works of Milić of Mačva, dubbed the "Serbian Dali," while wine enthusiasts can savor Župa's varietals, including Prokupac and Tamjanika, at local cellars. Moreover, the Viticulture and Wine Museum in Aleksandrovac showcases the region's viticultural heritage.[5] The Monastery of Saint George, nestled on Mount Jastrebac, holds a history dating back to the Nemanjić era. Founded in gratitude by a Turkish bey turned monk, Ajdanovac Monastery was built during King Milutin's reign or shortly after the Turkish conquest. Though it endured desolation and destruction over the centuries, including Bulgarian looting during World War I, the monastery was rebuilt with royal assistance. Today, it stands as a cultural treasure, its single-nave basilica housing ancient relics and frescoes dating back to 1492. Designated as a protected cultural site in 1970, the monastery presents visitors with its enduring spiritual significance and historical legacy.[10]

Geography

Toplicki Okrug serves as a home for approximately 91,754 inhabitants, making it the least populated region in Serbia. Encompassing an area of 2,231 square kilometers, the region is characterized by its rugged and mountainous terrain. The landscape features Vidojevica, Kopaonik, and Radan mountain ranges, contributing to its natural diversity. The district's administrative capital is the city of Prokuplje, which not only serves as the administrative center but also ranks as the thirty-third most extensive city in Serbia. Additionally, Kuršumlija stands as another urban center within the region. However, apart from Kuršumlija and Kuršumlijska Banja, most of the towns and settlements in the area are situated in the low-lying valley along the Toplice River, characterized by a contrasting landscape to the mountainous regions.[4]

Jastrebac Mountain, located within the Toplicki Okrug borders, is one of the most densely forested regions in this part of Europe and holds the distinction of being among the oldest mountains in Serbia, dating back to the Tertiary Period. Jastrebac attracts visitors with its two peaks, Đulica and Pogled, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. One particularly notable feature includes a plateau with a man-made reservoir. Jastrebac's temperate climate and diverse plant and animal life offer opportunities for leisure activities such as hiking, cycling, and nature exploration. The mountain is home to an array of flora, including deciduous and coniferous species, alongside rare and endemic plants. It also harbors forests of paper birch. Moreover, Jastrebac's wildlife is diverse as well, with habitats supporting game such as red deer, boars, and rabbits, as well as a variety of avian species, including grey herons, storks, and pheasants. Additionally, the mountain's streams are home to diverse aquatic life, including crabs and trout.[5]

One of the larger cities found in close proximity to the Toplicki Okrug is Niš, to which we can approximate the district's climate. During the months of May and September, people can expect average temperatures falling between 20°C and 26°C. Summer, the hottest season, occurs from June to September. August tends to be the warmest month, with an average maximum temperature reaching 31°C. Conversely, January is typically regarded as the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of 5°C. April receives the highest amount of rainfall, with 65 millimeters, making it the wettest month, while August is the driest, with 34 millimeters of precipitation.[6]

History

The Prokuplje area, found around the Toplice District's capital, bears signs of early settlements dating back to the Neolithic period in locations such as Macina, Kavolak, and the south slopes of Jastrebac. Notably, the Vinča period is represented at the Pločnik site, showcasing one of the earliest instances of copper smelting. Belovode and Pločnik are reportedly among the oldest copper smelting sites globally, dating back to approximately 5200-4650 BC. In classical antiquity, the region transitioned from agricultural Vinča settlements to Thracians and Celtic Scordisci, later becoming part of the Roman province of Moesia. Renamed Hammeum, it developed as a Roman settlement on the Via Militaris road. Eventually, it became part of the Byzantine Empire, known as Komplos or Komblos, possibly rebuilt by Emperor Justinian.[1]

The Prokuplje Fortress, situated above modern-day Prokuplje, Serbia, served as a medieval fortified town encircled by the Toplica River. Known initially as Hammeum under Roman rule and Complos during Byzantine times, it became known as Toplica in the early Serbian era. Constructed in the late 14th century under Prince Lazar's rule, the fortress defended against Ottoman invasions. Renamed the City of St. Procopius, Prokuplje developed and produced the Prokupac wine. Occupied briefly in 1440 and entirely conquered in 1454 during the Ottoman invasion, it was restored and inhabited by Ottoman settlers, earning the name Hissar.[2]

In the following years, Prokuplje saw liberation in 1877 after 423 years under Turkish rule. It became the center of ToplickI Okrug, witnessing growth post-liberation. The First Balkan War and the First World War brought turmoil, but resistance peaked during the Toplica Uprising. In World War II, Prokuplje faced German and Bulgarian occupation, experiencing loss. Resistance efforts culminated in liberation by NOVJ in 1944. Post-war, Prokuplje underwent reconstruction and industrialization. Despite past struggles, the city became an economic and cultural hub in Toplica.[3]