You Are Here – Belgrade (Београд)

Starbucks You Are Here Belgrade mug is the first from this series to use non-Latin letters for the title. We’ve seen local variants of the names before, but never Cyrillic. I think the reason Starbucks decided to use that option is that in Serbia, both the Latin and Cyrillic alphabets are officially recognized and widely used. This unique characteristic reflects the country’s historical and cultural diversity. The Latin alphabet, also known as the “Latinica” (латиница), is predominantly used in everyday life, including signage, official documents, and digital communication. It is commonly associated with Western influences and international communication. On the other hand, the Cyrillic alphabet, known as the “Ćirilica” (ћирилица), holds significant cultural and historical importance. It is deeply rooted in Serbian heritage and is often associated with traditional and formal contexts. The usage of both scripts showcases the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while maintaining a connection to the broader global community.

Now that we think we know the reason for the usage of Cyrillic, here are a couple of words about Belgrade and the design of this new mug.

Belgrade, the capital and largest city of Serbia, is situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Belgrade has a rich history that dates back to the ancient times, as evidenced by the remains of a Neolithic settlement found in the city. The city has been under the rule of various empires throughout history, including the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires. Belgrade was also heavily bombed during World War II and suffered significant damage, but it was quickly rebuilt and has since become a vibrant and dynamic city.

One of the most iconic structures in Belgrade is the Ada Bridge, which spans across the Sava River and connects the New Belgrade and Čukarica municipalities. The bridge is an engineering marvel and was completed in 2012.

Another notable landmark in Belgrade is the Avala Tower, a telecommunications tower located on Mount Avala. The tower was built in 1965 and stands at a height of 204.5 meters, making it one of the tallest structures in the Balkans.

The Monument of the Victor, also known as Pobednik, is a statue located on the Belgrade Fortress. The statue depicts a man holding a sword and a bird in his left hand, symbolizing the victory of Serbia over the Ottoman Empire in the Balkan Wars. Another famous statue in Belgrade is the Monument to Prince Mihailo, which features a bronze statue of Prince Mihailo Obrenović on horseback. The monument is located in the central square of Belgrade and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Finally, the Belgrade Fortress, also known as Kalemegdan Fortress, is a historic castle located in the heart of Belgrade. The fortress dates back to the 2nd century AD and has been rebuilt and expanded throughout the centuries. The castle features several towers, including the famous round towers, and is now a popular tourist destination with stunning views of the city and the rivers.