Book promotion of Dr. Marko Miljković, Research Associate at the Institute of Economic Sciences and Head of the Department of Economic History and Theory

The promotion of the book by Marko Miljković Automobil je sloboda – Istorija razvoja automobilizma u Srbiji 1903-2023 [The Automobile is Freedom – History of Automotive Development in Serbia 1903-2023] was held at the Museum 25th of May, on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 6 p.m., organized by the Museum of Yugoslavia, the Museum of Automobiles, and the Službeni glasnik publishing house.

This technological invention, which arrived in Serbia in 1903, eased and embellished the lives of many while also contributing to numerous social changes. The book about 120 years of automobiles and automobilism in Serbia is, therefore, an important contribution to political, social, and cultural history.

Transforming the way we move, automobiles have remained a symbol of mobility and progress, fostering economic development and cultural changes worldwide. Marko Miljković's book Automobil je sloboda – Istorija razvoja automobilizma u Srbiji 1903-2023 not only delves into the history of automobiles in this region but also analyzes this phenomenon of modern society in the broader context of historical changes and modernization that Serbian society has undergone from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. Using various historical sources - archival material, newspaper articles, photographs, automobiles, advertisements, invitations, posters, films, TV series, popular music, and the memories of contemporaries - the author presents an authentic picture of an entire century of technological revolution.

Driving through time, passing through the Kingdom of Serbia, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the SFRY, and modern Serbia, through the processes of their modernization, as well as crises and wars, showing all the complexity and richness of such a topic, readers will have the opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary view of the history of Serbia's development over the past 120 years. On this journey, they will experience driving on rugged and modern roads, pouring gasoline at the first Belgrade gas stations or during sanctions from plastic bottles, stopping at the first traffic lights, repairing automobiles with talented craftspersons, but also in professional services and modern garages, while persistently and most often unsuccessfully seeking free parking spots.

Speaking at the promotion were Marko Miljković, the author of the publication, Neda Knežević, director of the Museum of Yugoslavia, Bogdan Petković, director of the Museum of Automobiles, Rifat Kulenović, curator, Saša Ilić, historian, and Gordana Milosavljević-Stojanović, the editor of the book.

The publication of this publication was supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia.