Branko Miljković | Origin of Street Names

Branko Miljković (1934 - 1961) was a poet, translator, and essayist who, despite his very short life, managed to establish himself among the most significant and elusive poets of his time.

He was born in Niš, where he grew up and completed primary school and high school, already displaying a capricious nature and exceptional talent for poetry. Even as a child, he wrote and published poems in local newspapers, but it was only upon arriving in Belgrade to study philosophy that he entered the "big stage." The editor of the literary magazine Delo at the time, poet and writer Oskar Davičo, published his first poem.

Growing up in occupied Niš during World War II, like most of his contemporaries, Branko Miljković witnessed numerous wartime atrocities. His later biographers and critics are almost certain that scenes from his childhood strongly influenced the themes of death and transience, which became one of the main motifs in Branko Miljković's future poetic work.

During his short life, Branko was known as a man who carried a certain restlessness within him. As a sharp-witted poet studying philosophy, he delved into the depths of the human mind, remaining a completely elusive figure for many. Romantic in nature, but often lonely and disillusioned, he gave the impression of an unhappy man and a bohemian. With a sharp tongue, and according to many, a lover of a "glass," he was prone to starting arguments and didn't shy away from publicly criticizing the regime of that time.

As such, he often found himself in misunderstandings and conflicts with colleagues and friends. Disillusioned with everything and everyone, it is believed that it was precisely for that reason that he left Belgrade in 1960 and moved to Zagreb, where he worked as an editor in the literary department of the Zagreb Radio.

After just a few months of staying in Zagreb, Branko Miljković's life abruptly and under never clarified circumstances came to an end - he was found dead in a forest near the city. According to the official version, he died by suicide due to depression, although there are reasonable doubts that he was actually murdered and later hanged to cover up the crime. The motives behind his tragic death were never fully elucidated. One of Branko's strongest verses and Serbian poetry in general, perhaps holds the answer - "...a too strong word killed me..."

Branko Miljković, or "The Prince of Poetry" as he was affectionately called, published five poetry collections in his 27 years of life. Among a sea of poems, „Uzalud je budim“ stands out, perhaps as the most famous.

His original works, manuscripts, personal belongings, and literary and material legacy are preserved in his Memorial Room in Niš.

Streets in 23 settlements in Serbia and Montenegro bear the name of Branko Miljković today.