ПРИЛОГ БИОГРАФИЈИ СТЕФАНА ЗАНОВИЋА О сукобу са скадарским трговцем Зинелом Крајином
APPENDIX TO THE BIOGRAPHY OF STEFAN ZANOVIĆ About the conflict with Skadar merchant Zinel Krajina

Summary/Abstract: This paper discusses a fragment of life of the famous writer and adventurer Stefan Zanović from Budva, who was accused of assault by a Skadar merchant in 1769 in Venice. What truly happened and how the conflict arose is revealed through the testimony of witnesses diligently examined by the Venetian court of State Attorneys (Avogaria di Comun). There are details of the criminal investigation, its course and development, statements from eyewitnesses and testimonies of relevant individuals, as well as the presumed cause of the conflict, culminating in the conclusion of the investigation. Rich in details provided by Venetian citizens, this court investigation offers insights into how contemporary Venetians viewed Stefan Zanović. Furthermore, it goes beyond merely uncovering the details of a failed trade exchange with an Ottoman merchant. It offers a valuable depiction of that era and the social life in Venice. The inquiry also sheds light on the customs of drinking coffee in local cafés, which not only served as popular gathering spots but also functioned as key spaces for spreading news. To better understand this controversy, we have placed it within the broader context of the period in which it occurred and attempted to show that the way Venetian authorities handled the case was in line with the restless times within their borders on the Balkans. Ultimately, it seems that the Venetian authorities indeed believed it necessary to keep Zanović under the close watch of state officials, given his reputation as a gambler and adventurer that had been built.

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