A 19th-century Croatian Catholic cardinal who played a key role in the country's struggle for independence and was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. He's also known for his literary and poetic works.
Juraj Drakovi, also known as George II Drashkovich, was a renowned Croatian nobleman, statesman, Catholic bishop, and cardinal who played a crucial role in shaping the Croatian Kingdom during the 16th century. As the Ban of Croatia, he oversaw the country from 1567 to 1578, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential figures in Croatian history.
Juraj Drakovi was born on February 5, 1525, in Bilina, near Knin, southern Croatia, to Bartol Drakovi and Ana Utjeinovi. Following his father's death, Juraj was raised by his mother and influential uncle, cardinal Juraj Utjeinovi. He received his education in Krakow, Poland, and Vienna, Austria, before moving on to study law in Padova, Italy.
Juraj Drakovi's career was marked by several notable appointments, including his role as provost in Arad, Romania, and Jasov, Slovakia. In 1553, he became the secretary of the Holy Roman Emperor and Croato-Hungarian king Ferdinand I of Habsburg. He subsequently took over the prepositure of Pozsony (present-day Bratislava, Slovakia) in 1555. Drakovi's ecclesiastical career saw him become the bishop of Pécs in southern Hungary in 1557 and the bishop of Zagreb in 1563, a position he held until 1578.
In 1567, Drakovi was elected as the Ban of Croatia, alongside knez Franjo Frankopan Slunjski. Following Frankopan's death in 1572, Drakovi reigned alone until 1574 and then continued to rule jointly with others until 1578. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to strengthen the Croatian Kingdom and protect it from the Ottoman invasion.
Juraj Drakovi was a devout Catholic and a strong advocate for the importance of education. Throughout his life, he supported the establishment of schools and cultural institutions, which greatly contributed to the development of Croatian society.
Juraj Drakovi's contributions to Croatian history and society continue to be felt to this day. His legacy serves as a testament to the importance of education, leadership, and dedication to one's country.
Born in 1905
A Croatian Catholic cardinal who served as the Archbishop of Zagreb and played a significant role in the country's independence movement, known for his advocacy for human rights and democracy.
80 Years Old
A Croatian Catholic cardinal who served as the Archbishop of Zagreb and played a key role in Croatia's independence from Yugoslavia, known for his strong advocacy for human rights and democracy.
70 Years Old
A Croatian general who led military operations during the Croatian War of Independence, known for his role in the Operation Storm that ended the war.
71 Years Old
A Croatian general who played a significant role in the Croatian War of Independence, leading the Croatian Army to several victories against Serbian forces. He's also known for his controversial war crimes trial.
82 Years Old
The 7th Prime Minister of Croatia, a key figure in the country's transition to democracy and EU integration, known for his efforts to rebuild and stabilize the nation after a devastating war.
