Between the Ottoman Empire and the Serbian National State: The Transformation of the Visual Identity of Sephardim in Belgrade

ננד מקולביץ'

Department of History of Art, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, head of department

During the nineteenth century there has been a significant transformation of visual identity of Sephardic Jews in Belgrade. The changes were based on new political context and liberation of Serbia from the Ottoman Empire. In Serbian state, Sephardim in Belgrade experienced cultural emancipation - new synagogue was built and new cemetery was established. Ottoman visual identity of Sephardim gradually deserted, and only lasted in the women`s costume.