Alexander Nevsky. Nikšić, Montenegro, 2023

In 2023, busts of Alexander Nevsky, sculpted by Aidyn Zeinalov, were installed in Montenegro’s second-largest city Nikšić and the town of Andrijevica. Alexander Nevsky is one of the most venerated Russian saints in Serbia and Montenegro. For instance, the Vasojevići, a historical highland tribe living in Montenegro, consider Alexander Nevsky their patron saint. Being Orthodox Christians, they have been observing Alexander Nevsky’s Day at least since the 18th century. The legend goes that, in the mid-18th century, the Vasojevići prayed to the saint for victory over the Turks. After the battle began, Prince Alexander appeared in the sky putting the Turks to flight. The two busts were given by Aidyn Zeinalov to the people of Montenegro as a gift.