According to tradition and historical indications, Boka Navy was founded in 809, making it the oldest existing institution after the Church in the town of Kotor, in the Bay of Kotor (Boka) and in Montenegro, as well as the oldest world's existing maritime institution.

HISTORY AND TRADITION; FOUNDING OF THE BOKA NAVY

Certain historians (D. Farlati, G. Gelcich, A. Dabinović) and centuries of tradition link its founding to the arrival of Saint Tryphon’s relics to Kotor on January 13th, 809. A Venetian ship was transporting the relics from Constantinople to Venice, but Andreaci Saracenis, a prominent resident of Kotor, bought the relics from the Venetian traders. The order of seafarers who followed the relics on that occasion became the core of a fraternity known today as Boka Navy. A church was erected to hold the relics in Kotor. In 1166, a Romanesque cathedral was built in the same place, and Saint Tryphon replaced Saint George as patron of the town and the Diocese of Kotor.

Kotor AND ITS MARITIME AFFAIRS IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES

The town of Kotor was founded by Romans in the 1st century, at the heart of the bay, some 30 km away from the open sea. Risan, once the capital of the Illyrian kingdom before it was conquered by the Romans in 168 BC, was the most important town and port in Boka in the ancient times. However, Kotor was fortified, which allowed the town to endure Barbarian invasions. Eventually , the surrounding towns from the ancient times, including Risan, were destructed, and their residents fled to fortified Kotor in the 7th century. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, Kotor and Boka spent centuries as part of the Eastern Roman Empire, later named the Byzantine Empire. Once the Balkans were invaded by Avars and Slavs, the Byzantium lost control over a significant portion of the peninsula; Kotor and only a few fortified coastal towns remained under its jurisdiction. Kotor still held a high degree of autonomy as the Byzantine rule was mostly formal with tenuous links to Constantinople. The town also had to independently ensure defence from frequent attacks from both land and sea. Even though written records from this era are scarce, it is known that Kotor was the seat of the Diocese, with its own cathedral, fortifications and, undoubtedly, a fleet. There are mentions of ships from Kotor involved in military engagements organised by the Byzantine fleet against the Arabs at Dubrovnik in 867. Maritime trade also had an important role in the economic and social affairs of the town. This is why the existence of a maritime organisation was not only probable, but certain.

Over the course of its long history, Kotor frequently changed rulers, albeit always preserving a high degree of autonomy. In the second half of the 11th century, Kotor and its surrounding area became a part of the first Montenegrin state of Duklja (Dioclea). Due to weakening of this state, the Byzantine Empire restored its rule over Kotor in the mid-12th century. Despite the political shifts, Kotor continued its advancement as an important economic, cultural and religious hub, where maritime affairs and trade were especially significant. Two Kotor galleys are mentioned in records from 1155, while in 1167 the dukes from Kotor and Omiš signed a treaty on peace, free trade and sail. In the 12th century, contracts were signed between Kotor and several towns on both sides of the Adriatic Sea.

Kotor AND Boka NAVY IN LATE MIDDLE AGES

At the end of the 12th century, Kotor and the entire territory of Duklja was conquered by Serbia (Raška).Noblemen from Kotor occupied important positions at the Serbian court, and it was via Kotor that the majority of trade between medieval Serbia, Europe and the Mediterranean was conducted. As such, Kotor received many benefits from the Serbian rulers. Kotor held a high degree of autonomy, with nobility, town authorities, statute and judiciary similar to other towns in Italy and the East Adriatic.

Other than trade and maritime affairs, various crafts were also starting to flourish; fraternities that helped bring together craftsmen of the same ilk were being formed and the seafaring fraternity was of most significance. A document from 1353 witnesses that this fraternity, then called “Pious Association of Kotor Seafarers” (Pia sodalitas naviculatorum Catharensium), donated the Church of Saint Nicholas outside the town walls to the Franciscan order. It was of both religious and secular character and its patron saint was Saint Nicholas. Its role was to bring together seafarers, to protect their interests, allow for exchange of knowledge and experience between its members and take care of their problems. According to numerous indications, the fraternity at this time had a statute, which has not been preserved.

After the death of Emperor Dušan in 1355, crisis struck the Serbian state, while Montenegro (then called Zeta) became independent in 1360 under the Balšić dynasty.

Kotor continued to acknowledge Serbian rule until 1371, when it then received protection from the Hungarian-Croatian king. The region was extremely unstable at the time and Kotor was frequently attacked by the Balšić dynasty, the town of Dubrovnik and other neighbours. In 1378, it was attacked, conquered and looted by the Venetian fleet. From 1384 to 1391, Kotor was under the protection of the Bosnian King Tvrtko I and became fully independent in 1391. The turbulent atmosphere of the era and the Ottoman invasion in the Balkan peninsula endangered safety and trade, which prompted Kotor to seek protection from the powerful Republic of Venice. After being rejected seven times, Kotor’s request was finally granted by the Republic of Venice in 1420.

Boka NAVY DURING THE VENETIAN RULE (1420–1797)

Venetian rule of Kotor and its surrounding area lasted until the fall of the Republic in 1797. As such, it greatly influenced political, economic and cultural history of this region. After Venice lost territories in Albania and, subsequently, the towns of Bar and Ulcinj in 1571, Kotor acquired an important strategic role in control of the Adriatic and defence from the Ottomans. In addition to certain parts of Boka and the towns of Herceg Novi and Risan, the Ottomans also conquered Montenegro in late 15th century, causing Kotor to be surrounded by Ottoman territories from all sides, exposing it to frequent attacks and sieges both from sea and land. This caused the Venetian authorities to invest funds into the fortification of the town. As trade routes with inland territories ceased, maritime trade was intensified and funds were used to develop a merchant fleet. Due to danger posed by the Ottoman fleet and pirates, merchant ships had to be armed.

The seafaring fraternity became increasingly important in this period. It changed its structure and obtained a military function in addition to its already existing ones. It was assigned a set of tasks essential for the defence of the town and the bay from the sea; these included the galleys with commanders and crew from Kotor and its surroundings, patrolling the bay and the Adriatic coast, as well as participating in naval battles and engagements.

The first preserved statute of the “Confraternity of Boka Seafarers of St. Nicholas” (Fraternitas Divi Nicolai marinariorum de Catharo) was passed on June 26th 1463. It is evident that this document was, in fact, a revision of an earlier statute. It was ratified by the Venetian authorities and contained 26 articles. The Confraternity ( Navy) held a monopoly over seafaring and maritime trade, so non-members were not allowed to undertake these activities. Only common citizens were accepted in the Navy, and the nobles were excluded. The Navy played an important role in the education and exchange of knowledge, skills and experience related to maritime affairs between its members. Likewise, it looked after its members and their families, especially the poor and vulnerable.

Additionally, the Navy organized the naval postal service and provided sanitary services.

The Navy and had an obligation to protect the town by forming a defence unit composed of its members. This was carried out by admirals who also acted as commanders of Kotor’s naval forces. This unit was tasked with patrolling at sea, confronting enemies, and participating in any engagements carried out by the Venetian fleet. In the 15th century, the Navy was commanded by the admiral. Additionally, there were two legal counsels, three proctors, four chaplains and a few guardians and there were also other officers, majors, captains, lieutenants, flag-bearers, etc. The patron saint in this period was still Saint Nicholas, but the fraternity was becoming increasingly tied to the cult of Saint Tryphon, organising and guarding celebrations in his name.

Seafarers from Boka also excelled in numerous wars and battles at both land and sea. Led by the commander Jeronim Bisanti, Kotor galley Saint Tryphon of Kotor fought heroically in the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, where its entire crew (200-300 members) perished. Other towns in the bay began to prosper in this period; Perast, then Prčanj and Dobrota, acquired municipal status by intensifying maritime activity and participating in naval battles against the Ottomans and pirates. For its military and other accomplishments, Kotor and other towns in Boka received numerous privileges from the Republic of Venice, especially in areas of maritime trade, while some exceptional individuals were awarded with noble titles and the chivalric Order of Saint Mark.

The Navy also enjoyed privileges provided by the Republic of Venice. During Saint Tryphon’s festivities on February 3rd, the Venetian provveditore would grant the authority over Kotor to the Navy for three days. Additionally, the Navy had a right to propose pardons and release prisoners. The act of power transfer to the Navy emphasised the historical fact that Kotor was not occupied by the Republic, but instead accepted its protection and authority of its own free will. All the ships entering the bay had to display a white flag with the image of the town’s patron, Saint Tryphon.

Kotor was attacked numerous times by the Ottomans, yet always resisted despite being greatly outnumbered; it withstood the powerful Ottoman fleet in 1539 and 1571, as well as Ottoman land forces in 1657. Pirates also posed a threat by constantly attacking Christian ships, especially those from Boka, from their bases in North Africa, Albania and, as of 1571, Ulcinj. They also frequently attacked coastal villages. The most brutal pirate attack happened in Perast in 1624.

Kotor and its surrounding area were also devastated by earthquakes in 1537, 1563, 1667 and 1729. The region also suffered plague outbreaks.

Despite these dramatic events, the residents of Kotor and Boka managed to grow an impressive fleet and develop lucrative maritime trade, mostly in the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Large profits made from maritime trade allowed for the development of culture, architecture, arts, literature and music.

The Confraternity of seafarers, increasingly referred to as Kotor Navy (Marinarezza di Cattaro), took part in additional Venetian wars against the Ottomans during the 17th century with naval battles in the Adriatic Sea and the Mediterranean. Their notable successes were in the Cretan War (1645–1669) and the First Morean War (1684–1699), when they achieved significant victories. The most important triumph occurred when the united Holy League fleet and militaries – composed of forces from the Republic of Venice, Papal States, Order of Malta and Toscana, as well as numerous ships and fighters from Boka – finally liberated the town of Herceg Novi from the Ottomans in 1687. This victory marked the time at which the entire bay came under Venetian rule. Simultaneously, an alliance was made with Montenegrin tribes who had begun their long fight for liberation from the Ottomans.

The last war fought between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire, known as the Second Morean War, lasted from 1714 to 1718. Residents of Boka and members of the Navy took part and stood in battles from both land and sea.

An unusually long period of peace followed, lasting from 1718 to the end of the Republic of Venice. During this time, maritime affairs and trade underwent dynamic development in all parts of Boka, including the newly liberated Herceg Novi, Risan and other smaller surrounding villages. By the end of the 18th century, Boka boasted a fleet of over 300 ships. Profits made from maritime trade enabled further progress in culture and arts and new Baroque palaces and churches were built.

The combat against pirates continued across the Mediterranean, resulting in many casualties among Boka seafarers; however, many heroic feats and spectacular victories were also achieved, which earned them chivalric honours and noble titles from the Republic of Venice.

The Navy remained the most important fraternity in Kotor and Boka. In 1745, it counted 400 members and enjoyed numerous privileges.

Seafarers from Boka were becoming renowned across Europe. For example, in 1698 Captain Marko Martinović from Perast was tasked by the Venetian authorities to train a group of Russian nobles, whom Peter the Great had sent to the Venetian doge in order to be educated in maritime skills and science.

Captain Matija Zmajević from Perast went to Russia in 1712, where Peter the Great entrusted him with the important task of developing the war fleet and fighting the war against Sweden in the Baltic. These accomplishments earned him the admiral title, and he became the commander of the Saint Petersburg port.

For his feat of capturing the Sultana – the largest ship in the Ottoman fleet –and bringing it to Malta in 1760, Captain Petar Želalić from Bijela joined the Order of Malta.

Boka NAVY IN THE 19^th CENTURY

When Napoleon Bonaparte threatened Venice in 1797, a large number of volunteers departed from Boka in order to defend it. Frightened Venetian oligarchs did not dare to resist the attack. The only attempt at defence was when Perast’s ship Anneta la Bella attacked the French’s Liberatore d’Italia as it tried to enter the Venetian Lagoon. Once the Republic of Venice’s 1,000-year existence came to an end, Boka then became under the Austrian rule. In this period, conflict arose between the Navy and the Austrian authorities, who banned the Navy’s activities.

After the Austrian army was defeated by Napoleon, Austria conceded Boka to Napoleon as mandated by the 1805 Treaty of Pressburg, a decision that was met with resistance in Boka. In February of 1806, a Russian fleet sailed into Boka. Amidst the Russian presence in Boka, which lasted until August of 1807, the Navy’s activities were restored. During this time, ships from Boka engaged in corsair activities against French ships in the Adriatic.

As stipulated by a provision from the Treaty of Tilsit, the French took over Boka in August of 1807. People of Boka considered the French to be occupiers and their rule bore grave consequences for maritime affairs and trade due to wars, corsaire activities and the Continental Blockade instated by Napoleon. Furthermore, the French burdened residents of Boka with exorbitant taxes and requisitions, and attempts to recruit Boka locals into the French war fleet were met with fierce resistance. French authorities, viewed by Boka residents as occupiers, banned the fraternity of Kotor seafarers and ceased its assets.

In the autumn of 1813, the people of Boka, aided by Montenegrins and the English fleet, organised a rebellion against the French and liberated the bay. Finally, in January of 1814, after a siege that lasted for months, the French in the town of Kotor surrendered. Montenegro and Boka formed a joint government, which declared their unification. However, owing to decisions made by world powers at the time, Boka was given over to Austria in June of 1814 and would remain under its rule until 1918.

Through a decision made by Austrian authorities, the Navy was revived in 1833, but only as a professional organisation without port authority or military function. However, the Navy was banned once again after its members participated in the revolutions of 1848.

The Navy was reinstated in 1859 as a memorial organisation under the name “Noble Body of the Boka Navy”. It retained its military structure with an admiral and officers, but had no military function. Its members were no longer just seafarers, but also individuals of various professions and social classes that were involved in nurturing the tradition of the Navy, which remained linked with the Catholic Church.

A new statute was introduced in 1874. During the Austrian rule, the main activities of the Navy included participation in various parades and ceremonies, such as Saint Tryphon’s festivities, the arrival of Emperor Franz Joseph in Kotor in 1875 and the 60th anniversary of Franz Joseph’s rule in Vienna in 1908.

At the time of the Austrian rule in the first half of the 19th century, the maritime affairs in Boka were gradually recovering from the great losses suffered during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1849, Kotor founded a maritime school. In 1853, the merchant fleet of Boka consisted of 131 sailing ships, weighing 36,175 tonnes in total. In this period, Captain Ivo Visin from Prčanj circumnavigated the globe in his sailing ship Splendido, which weighed 300 tonnes and carried 11 crew members, and became the first subject of the Austrian Empire to do so. He received numerous rewards for this feat, including a flag of honour for naval accomplishments, the only one of its kind awarded to a seafarer. In the second half of the 19th century, maritime affairs were on a rapid decline due to competition posed by steamships and Vienna’s maritime policies, which focused on relocation of maritime affairs to Trieste and Rijeka. The last sailing ship from Boka, Nemirna, sank in the Bay of Biscay in 1902. Many seafarers and ship owners moved to Trieste and other cities in Europe and America.

Other than participating in religious and state ceremonies, Boka Navy set up an initiative to collect and archive historically important documents and artefacts.

KINGDOM OF YUGOSLAVIA PERIOD

The Boka Navy was abolished during World War I. After the war began efforts to restore its work. In 1934, a new statute was passed, stipulating that the Navy should engage in solving problems of seafarers, but also in restoring and advancing maritime affairs in Boka. In 1938, a collection of the Boka Navy’s showpieces was put on display at the Grgurina Palace in Kotor, an antecedent of what would later become the Maritime Museum.

Several shipping enterprises were initiated in this period, the most significant being “Zetska plovidba”.

PERIOD OF 1945–2006

The Navy’s activities were ceased once again during World War II, when the region was occupied by German and Italian forces. Many of its members joined the Partisan fight against the occupation, and many others sailed on Allies’ ships.

After the war, the Navy’s work was briefly resumed, participating in Saint Tryphon’s festivities in 1945 and 1946. However, its activities were halted again, including participation in Saint Tryphon’s celebrations. The Navy itself was not banned, temporary management was installed, and the Navy’s role was reduced to its participation in some state ceremonies. The Navy was revived in 1964 when a new statute with 31 articles was passed, bringing about various changes. The Navy parted ways from religious tradition and, instead of Saint Tryphon’s Day, September 10th became the official Boka Navy Day (the same day as the commemoration of the Yugoslav Navy). Furthermore, the activities of the Navy were expanded, and its subsidiaries were established in Croatia and Serbia. Its objectives included nurturing maritime traditions, achieving socialist revolution and establishing a sense of brotherhood and unity. It was also involved in scientific research, collection of documents and artefacts related to maritime history and cooperation with maritime unions and other social organisations.

This period marked the dynamic advancement of maritime affairs in Yugoslavia and Boka. In Kotor, two shipping companies were founded, “Lovćen” and “Jugooceanija”, the latter being one of the largest shipping companies in Yugoslavia. The Maritime Museum and Maritime College, which later became Maritime Faculty, were also established during these years. Many members of Boka Navy had notable roles in advancing maritime trade, science and research. Josip Broz Tito was declared the honorary admiral in this period, and the Navy carried significant funds and a large membership. Admiral Dr. Vladislav Brajković, an academic and prominent expert in maritime law, was the head of the Boka Navy from 1964 to 1990.

The crisis of communism prompted the Navy to reform and pass a new statute, which was once again tied to Saint Tryphon; it resumed participation in Saint Tryphon’s festivities. June 26th was chosen as the official Navy Day, commemorating the date in 1463 when the statute of the Confraternity of Boka Seafarers of St. Nicholas was passed.

The breakup of Yugoslavia and the ensuing wars brought about dissolution of federal institutions, which caused the Croatian branch of the Navy to break away from the central institution in Boka.

BOKA NAVY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 21^ST CENTURY

From 1991 to 2012, Dr. Miloš Milošević, renowned historian, writer and scholar, served as the admiral of the Navy. Despite historical and political turmoil, the Navy continued to grow in this period. It changed its statute several times, organised numerous cultural events and scientific conferences, published important books, made appearances abroad and participated in celebrations as mandated by the statute.

In 2009, the Navy, together with Diocese, Kotor and Montenegro, celebrated the 1200th anniversary of the arrival of Saint Tryphon’s relics to Kotor and the founding of the fraternity. The statute was renewed in 2016, when Admiral Dr. Antun Sbutega and new management were appointed.

This age-old fraternity, which witnessed and contributed to the history of Boka, Adriatic Sea and the Mediterranean, strives to preserve and value the traditions that many generations in Boka nurtured with great sacrifice, but also with dignity and immense motivation. Its basic principles are illustrated in its motto – Fides et Honor (faith and honour). It has played an important role in creating the material, cultural and spiritual values of Kotor and Boka, and now remains as an active part of social and cultural life in this region.

During statute-mandated celebrations, such as Saint Tryphon’s Day on February 3rd, Navy Day on June 26th and Kotor Municipality Day on November 21st, its members wear colourful traditional uniforms, carry historic weapons and perform their traditional dance marked with pious and maritime symbols. According to tradition, this dance was performed for the first time on January 13th, 809, when Saint Tryphon’s relics were brought to Kotor.