Muhamed Ahmuljić Wins Top Prize at Milo Bošković Days Poetry Competition

A total of 142 poems were submitted for the competition, which is dedicated to the poet Milo Bošković. The jury, led by Prof. Dr. Tatjana Đurišić, along with members Nataša Peković and Edin Smailović, selected the winners.

Muhamed Ahmuljić received the first prize of 500 euros for his poem titled "Trojan Horse in the Maternity Ward." Đurišić explained the jury's unanimous decision, noting that the poem's maturity and depth were unexpected for an author born in 2002. She expressed her initial assumption that the poem's aggressive themes must have been penned by a woman, highlighting the significance of a male perspective on destructive roles in society.

In a video message, Ahmuljić expressed his surprise at winning, stating he thought the poem's content might distance him from the award. He emphasized the critical role of literature in questioning established norms and expressed pride in receiving the award as both a recognition and a responsibility.

The second prize, worth 300 euros, was awarded to Aleksandar Mitrović for his poem "Dissected Melancholy," while Marina Nikolić received the third prize of 200 euros for her poem "Esperanto."

Nikolić shared her gratitude for being introduced to Bošković's poetry and reflected on the lasting impact of his work. She expressed hope that the messages poets leave behind will resonate well after their time.

The event began with a speech from Danijela Djukic, librarian at the National Library, who highlighted the significance of the competition and the continued exploration of Bošković's legacy. She noted that the initiative started from an inquiry about a statue of Bošković that had been overlooked, leading to a greater appreciation for his work.

The program included a presentation by Prof. Nataša Peković, who recently defended her master's thesis on Bošković's literary contributions. She noted the need for further research on his plays and essays, which remain largely unexplored in the academic context.

The finale of the event featured recitations by the host Nikola Scepanovic and student Iva Kljajić, adding to the celebration of poetry and Bošković's enduring influence.