Povijesni prilozi, Vol. 44 No. 69, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.22586/pp.v44i69.699znj59
Antun Mihanović and “Horvatska domovina”: How the Poem Became the Croatian National Anthem
Vlasta Švoger
Abstract
The paper traces the long journey from the creation of Antun Mihanović’s patriotic poem “Horvatska domovina” (“Croatian Homeland”), published on March 14, 1835, in the magazine Danica ilirska, to its proclamation as the Croatian anthem. The political and social context of 19th century Croatia is briefly presented, with an emphasis on the period of Mihanović’s life. The study then examines the life and public activities of Antun Mihanović, author of the lyrics, as well as the poem’s significance in Croatian history and culture. The life and public career of Josip (Josif) Runjanin, the composer of the accompanying music, are also discussed. The final part of the paper follows the transformation of Mihanović’s poem from a literary work to a popular song, then one of several national anthems, and finally the official Croatian national anthem in 1972.
Uncertainties surrounding the poem’s place of origin and the authorship of its melody are also clarified. Its status of the national anthem, titled “Our Beautiful Homeland” after the first verse, was officially confirmed in 1990 by the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia and the Act on the Coat of Arms, Flag, and Anthem of the Republic of Croatia, and on the Flag and Sash of the President of the Republic of Croatia from the same year.
Keywords
“Croatian Homeland”; Antun Mihanović; Josip (Josif) Runjanin; Croatian national anthem
Hrčak ID:
341978
URI
Publication date:
19.12.2025.
Visits: 1.143 *