Sabrana djela IV: Prokleta avlija
"Cursed courtyard" is one of Ivo Andrić's most famous works, originally published in 1954. This short but powerful work presents a deep analysis of human nature and destiny through the story of prisoners in an Ottoman dungeon known as the Cursed Court.
Set in Istanbul, the story explores themes of power, injustice, truth and freedom. The main narrator, Friar Petar, a Franciscan from Bosnia, found himself imprisoned in the Cursed Court, a notorious prison. Through his eyes, we experience the stories of the other prisoners, including the central story of Latif and his obsession with Suleiman the Magnificent.
The cursed courtyard symbolizes a universal prison - a place where destinies meet, where lies, intrigue and cruelty reign. Friar Petar listens with understanding to the stories of other prisoners, revealing their humanity despite the difficult circumstances. Through the story of Mehmed Pasha Sokol Andrić also introduces historical elements, combining fiction and real events.
The cursed courtyard is not only a physical prison, but a metaphor for life's sufferings, limitations and injustices. Each character has its own story, and through them Andrić explores human destinies, longings and mistakes. The work delves deeply into the question of power, freedom and moral decay. Through the stories of the prisoners and Friar Petar, Andrić revives historical Bosnia and the Ottoman Empire.
"Cursed courtyard" is considered one of Andrić's most powerful works, because within a relatively short format he manages to show a complex network of human destinies, moral dilemmas and historical forces. The work leaves a strong impression even today, because of its universal message about human destiny and justice.
A copy is available as part of the book set "Ivo Andrić: Sabrana djela I-X"
Browse the set1. Sabrana djela I: Na Drini ćuprija
A Bridge on the Drina is a novel by Ivo Andrić that was first published in 1945. The action takes place in Višegrad, a small Bosnian town, and the central motif is the bridge on the Drina, which is a symbol of culture, history and the destiny of the peopl
2. Sabrana djela II: Travnička hronika
"Travnička hronika" is a novel by Ivo Andrić, first published in 1945. This work belongs to the author's so-called Bosnian cycle and provides a broad picture of historical, cultural and political circumstances in Bosnia during the Ottoman and Austrian rul
3. Sabrana djela III: Gospođica
"Miss" is a novel by Ivo Andrić, originally published in 1945. The work belongs to the so-called Bosnian trilogy, together with the novels "On the Drina bridge" and "Travnička kronika".
4. Sabrana djela IV: Prokleta avlija
"Cursed courtyard" is one of Ivo Andrić's most famous works, originally published in 1954. This short but powerful work presents a deep analysis of human nature and destiny through the story of prisoners in an Ottoman dungeon known as the Cursed Court.
5. Sabrana djela V: Nemirna godina - pripovetke
"Nemirna godina" is a collection of short stories by Ivo Andrić, which includes a number of short stories written during various periods of his creativity.
6. Sabrana djela VI: Žeđ - pripovetke
"Žeđ" is a collection of short stories by Ivo Andrić that was first published in 1936. This collection represents one of the highlights of Andrić's narrative creativity.
7. Sabrana djela VII: Jelena, žena koje nema - pripovetke
It is a collection of short stories by Ivo Andrić, which was first published in 1963. This collection contains a number of short stories that explore existential themes, and the title story is one of the most famous in Andrić's oeuvre.
8. Sabrana djela VIII: Znakovi - pripovetke
This collection brings together a number of Andrić's shorter works that deal with human destinies, historical and social circumstances, and universal issues of human nature.
9. Sabrana djela IX: Deca - pripovetke
This collection includes a series of stories that focus on the world of children, their innocence, curiosity, suffering and dealing with the cruelties of the adult world.
10. Sabrana djela X: Staze, lica, predeli
"Paths, faces, landscapes" is a collection of essays and writings by Ivo Andrić, first published in 1963. This work differs from Andrić's fiction because it deals with philosophical, introspective and autobiographical considerations.