Mihailo Petrović - Alas | Origin of Street Names

Mihailo Petrović - Alas (1868 - 1943) was the greatest Serbian mathematician of his time, a university professor and academic, philosopher, travel writer, pilot, and one of the most distinguished Serbs in history.

He was born and raised in the Kosančićev venac neighborhood in Belgrade, in a clerical family. He completed primary school, gymnasium, and studied mathematics in Belgrade. The period of his education is faithfully described in the novel by Milovan Vitezović and later adapted into the film and series "Professor Kosta Vujić's Hat".

As an exceptionally gifted young man, Mihailo Petrović's further education took him to Paris as a state scholar, to the prestigious Sorbonne, where he obtained degrees in mathematics and physics, and earned a doctorate in mathematical sciences.

Upon his return from France, at the age of only 26, he became a professor at the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department of the Great School in Belgrade, the precursor to the future University of Belgrade, where he would continue to teach until his retirement. Just five years after being appointed as a professor, at the age of 31, Mihailo Petrović - Alas became a full member of the Serbian Royal Academy.

One of the greatest mathematicians of his time, he also invented several original devices and obtained patents, among which the hydrointegrator stands out - the first analog computing machine for solving differential equations based on the motion of fluids, for which he received a gold medal at the World Patent Exhibition in 1900.

In addition to mathematics, another passion of Mihailo Petrović - Alas, which earned him his famous nickname, was indirectly related to this invention. Namely, Mihailo Petrović was also known as one of the most passionate anglers and a frequent presence on the Sava and Danube rivers. His love for water went beyond fishing itself - Mika Alas became an expert in this field as well, participating in the establishment of international regulations on river fishing.

It is less known that the great mathematician also participated in both Balkan Wars and World War I, holding the rank of reserve lieutenant colonel.

A great traveler and adventurer at heart, having visited almost all of Europe, he diligently recorded and shared his impressions of different people and landscapes. He was likely the first Serbian to reach the North and South Poles.

However, certain controversies are associated with Mika Alas, in addition to his brilliant mind and exceptional reputation in society, stemming from his close friendship with the compromised Crown Prince, Prince Đorđe Karađorđević. It is believed that, because of this, the great scientist never became the president of the Serbian Royal Academy, although he was nominated on multiple occasions by colleagues, esteemed professors, and academics.

This certainly did not diminish his human and scientific significance, nor his reputation as one of the most popular Belgraders between the two world wars.

He found himself in his old age during World War II but still responded to the call as a reserve officer of the Yugoslav Royal Army. He spent a short time in German captivity but was released, possibly due to his illness and international reputation.

Mihailo Petrović - Alas passed away at the age of 75 in his house in Kosančićev venac, which is now a legally protected cultural monument.

The name of the renowned scientist is carried today by the Society of Mathematicians of Serbia, numerous schools and associations, as well as numerous streets in smaller and larger cities of Serbia.