Šumadija facts for kids
Šumadija (pronounced Shoo-mah-dee-yah) is a beautiful area in the country of Serbia. Its name comes from the Serbian word šuma, which means 'forest'. This is because Šumadija used to be covered in thick forests!
The city of Kragujevac is like the heart of this region. It is also the main city for the Šumadija District in Central Serbia.
Contents
Where is Šumadija Located?
Šumadija is found between several rivers. To the north, you'll find the Sava and Danube rivers. The Velika Morava river is to the east, and the Zapadna Morava river is to the south. On the western side are the Kolubara, Ljig, and Dičina rivers.
Some experts, like Jovan Cvijić, believe the northern border is between the Avala and Kosmaj mountains. If you follow this idea, then Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, would not be considered part of Šumadija.
A Look at Šumadija's History
Hiding in the Forests
Back in the 1700s, the thick forests of Šumadija were a safe place. They were used by brave fighters called Hajduks. These fighters were trying to resist the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which controlled Serbia for a long time.
The Serbian Uprisings
A very important event happened in Šumadija in 1804. This was when the First Serbian Uprising began. It was led by a national hero named Karađorđe. This uprising was a big step towards Serbia becoming free.
Later, in 1815, the Second Serbian Uprising started. This time, Miloš Obrenović led the fight. He successfully pushed back the Ottoman forces. Thanks to his efforts and smart talks, Serbia gained its freedom by 1830. After centuries under Ottoman rule, Serbia was finally an independent country!
Šumadija in Yugoslavia
Between 1922 and 1929, Šumadija was an important administrative area. It was called Šumadijska Oblast within the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Its main city was Kragujevac. This is the same city that is the center of the modern Šumadija District today.
Important Cities and Towns
Many cities and towns are located in the Šumadija region. Some of the larger ones include:
- Belgrade (most of it)
- Kragujevac
- Čačak (northern part)
- Aranđelovac
- Gornji Milanovac
- Jagodina
- Smederevo
- Smederevska Palanka
- Mladenovac
- Lazarevac
- Velika Plana
There are also many smaller towns in the region, such as:
- Knić
- Varvarin
- Topola
- Lapovo
- Ljig
- Grocka
- Belanovica
- Rača
- Barajevo
- Sopot
- Batočina
- Rekovac
Related Pages
- Šumadija District
- Geographical regions in Serbia
- Central Region (Serbia)
Images for kids
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Gledić Mountains in southern Šumadija.
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The First Serbian Uprising began in Šumadija (Orašac Assembly depicted).
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A scale model of royal complex founded by Miloš Obrenović, when Kragujevac served as the capital of the Principality of Serbia
