When speaking about printed books and renowned universities, most people will rightfully think first of Oxford, Cambridge, or Gutenberg’s printing press. Few, however, know that the Serbian people had their own printing tradition as early as the 15th century—just a few decades after Johannes Gutenberg printed the first Bible in Mainz (around 1455). The first printed book in the Serbian language, the “Oktoih Prvoglasnik” (Octoechos of the First Tone), was published in 1495 in Cetinje. It marked a turning point not only in Serbian but also in South Slavic cultural history.
Symbolically, on International Literacy Day, celebrated worldwide on September 8th, let us revisit why this first printed book is so important, how it was created, who was behind the project, and what its significance is for Serbian identity and education.
How Did Printing Reach the Serbian Lands?
The invention of the printing press in the second half of the 15th century sparked a revolution in the way knowledge was transmitted. Instead of painstakingly copying manuscripts in monasteries, books could now be produced faster and in greater numbers. The news of this invention quickly spread across Europe, eventually reaching the Balkans.
At the court of Đurađ Crnojević, ruler of Zeta, the need to provide the people and the Church with printed books was quickly recognized. His vision was not only political but also cultural: he wanted the Serbian people to have access to books in their own language and to preserve their Orthodox faith and tradition in a time of great historical upheavals.
The First Serbian Printing House in Cetinje
The printing house was founded in 1493 in Cetinje. It was headed by Hieromonk Makarije, considered the first Serbian and South Slavic printer. Between 1493 and 1496, the press produced several significant editions, the most important of which was the “Oktoih Prvoglasnik.”
What makes this printing house unique is that it operated in a small Balkan state under constant threat from Ottoman expansion, yet it managed to produce works that were comparable in quality to the leading European editions of its time.
“Oktoih Prvoglasnik” – The First Printed Book in the Serbian Language
Published in 1495, the “Oktoih Prvoglasnik” is a liturgical book containing chants and prayers used in Orthodox liturgies. Its name derives from the Greek word oktoēchos, meaning “eight tones,” referring to the eight modes of church chanting used in worship.
The book was printed in Church Slavonic of the Serbian recension, richly decorated with ornaments, initials, and detailed illustrations. Each copy was a true work of art, reflecting the printers’ high level of skill.
Only a few copies have survived to this day, preserved in major libraries and museums, including the Cetinje Monastery.
Cultural and Educational Significance
The appearance of the “Oktoih Prvoglasnik” meant far more than a simple technical innovation—it was a true cultural and educational revolution.
Above all, it was crucial for the preservation of language and identity—at a time when the risk of assimilation was very real, printing books in Serbian Church Slavonic helped strengthen national identity.
It also contributed to the democratization of knowledge—books became more accessible, allowing education to spread beyond the walls of monasteries.
Most importantly, the establishment of the printing house reflected the connection with European currents—it proved that the Serbian lands were not lagging behind Europe but actively participating in broader cultural movements.
Before Oxford and Cambridge – The Serbian Contribution to European Literacy
When we speak today of universities like Oxford and Cambridge, we often see them as the cradles of European learning. However, the fact that a book in the Serbian language was printed in Cetinje as early as the late 15th century demonstrates that Serbian culture actively contributed to European enlightenment.
Although the Gutenberg Bible is better known, the “Oktoih Prvoglasnik” is equally important as proof that smaller nations, too, had their pioneers of print. This historical moment shows that Serbs were not mere observers of European development but active participants in it.
The Cetinje Printing House (1493–1496)
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Founder: Đurađ IV Crnojević, ruler of Zeta, son of Ivan Crnojević, who established Cetinje as the new center of power around 1482–1484.
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Operation: The first printing press in Southeastern Europe, active between 1493 and 1496, relocated from Obod (Ivan’s seat) to Cetinje under the direction of Hieromonk Makarije.
Major Works Printed in Cetinje
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Oktoih Prvoglasnik (first part of the Cetinje Octoechos) – completed January 4, 1494, containing 270 leaves (29 × 21.6 cm), printed in red and black, decorated with Renaissance-style initials. 108 copies are preserved.
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Oktoih Petoglasnik – the second part of the liturgy, the first illustrated South Slavic incunabulum, with fragments of 37 leaves and six woodcuts preserved.
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Psalter with Additions (1495), featuring three ornamental titles and 27 initials repeated 221 times. 36 copies are preserved.
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Other works mentioned include the Trebnik (Book of Needs/Prayer Book) and the Triodion (Four Gospels).
Lessons for Modern Education
For the Academic Center of Knowledge, remembering the first Serbian printed book holds special significance. It reminds us that knowledge and education are not the privilege of great empires and universities alone, but can also be advanced by the vision of individuals and small communities.
Today, in the digital age—when information is just a click away—it is important to recall that our ancestors put enormous effort into ensuring books reached the people. This obliges us to invest in education and the transmission of knowledge to new generations.
The Academic Center of Knowledge sees its mission precisely in this: to open the doors of knowledge to all who wish to learn and progress.
Conclusion
The first printed book in the Serbian language, the “Oktoih Prvoglasnik” of 1495, is one of the most important cultural achievements of the Serbian people. It proves that Serbian literacy was part of the European Renaissance of knowledge and that, despite historical challenges, our people nurtured education and culture.
Before Oxford and Cambridge became symbols of university tradition, there was a printing press in Cetinje that ensured the preservation of the Serbian language, faith, and identity for future generations.
For us today, it serves as a reminder that, regardless of circumstances, investing in knowledge and education remains the greatest legacy we can pass on to those who come after us.
