Балкански институт (1934–1941)
The Balkan Institute (1934–1941)

Summary/Abstract: In the interwar period of 20th century there was a strong desire among the Balkan’s intellectuals and the state establishments to overcome problems that separated the Balkan states and, moreover, to create a form of Balkan union. One manifestation of that desire represented the foundation of Balkanski institut (The Balkan Institute) in Belgrade. The institute was formed in Belgrade on the initiative of Ratko Parezanin and Svetozar Spanacevic in 1934 and continued its work until August of 1941 when German occupying forces ended its eistence. During these seven years of its work, Balkanski institut, managed to become well known scientific institution in Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and perhaps even more outside its borders. Although we cannot say that it was related or a part of the Yugoslav state policy towards the Balkans, as it was founded on private initiative, we can say that it was strongly backed by Yugoslav state. Its founder was Ratko Parezanin, senior official in Centralni Presbiro (the Central Press Biro). King Aleander himself provided necessary funds for its creation, and the Yugoslav government, although not directly, provided financial funds for its development and for its publications. Balkanski institut, although not so none in modern historiography, gave a huge contribution to the idea of Balkan union.

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