This monument, authored by sculptor Miodrag Živković, commemorates the Battle of Sutjeska, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II in the former Yugoslavia.

Antwerp-based photographer Jan Kempenaers traveled throughout former-Yugoslavia to capture thousands of old monuments commemorating the the Second World War. The structures are called “Spomeniks” and were commissioned by former dictator Josep Tito in the 1960s and 1970s.

“Tito couldn’t erect figures or busts in honour of generals because he didn’t want to be seen to be favouring any ethnic group, for example a Bosnian general or a Serb war hero, so instead they made these things that didn’t refer to people,” Kempenaers told The Guardian.

Ostra

Kruševo – “The Kruševo Makedonium monument in Macedonia was dedicated to the Ilinden Uprising of 1903, when the Macedonian population revolted against the Ottoman Empire.”

Kosmaj – “The Kosmaj monument in Serbia is dedicated to soldiers of the Kosmaj Partisan detachment from World War II.”

Podgarić

Niš – “Built in 1963, this monument in Niš, Serbia commemorates the 10,000 people from the area that were killed during World War II. The three clenched fists are the work of sculptor Ivan Sabolić.”

Knin – “This monument is dedicated to the soldiers who freed the city of Knin, Croatia from the fascists during World War II.”

Kadinjača – “The Kadinjača Memorial Complex commemorates those who died during the Battle of Kadinjača.”

Tjentište

The monuments were built using reinforced concrete, steel, and granite, and they feature strong, angular geometry, which gives them an otherworldly look. I wonder if these will be featured in some sort of History Channel Ancient Aliens show in the future…

If you liked these, there’s a book by the photographer on Amazon where you can find a lot more images, here.

-RSB

[via Business Insider]