The incineration of the relics of Saint Sava in Belgrade by Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha was a pivotal moment that reflected the tensions between the Ottoman Empire and Serbian Orthodox Christians in the late 16th century. Saint Sava, who played a crucial role in establishing the Serbian Orthodox Church and nurturing the national identity of the Serbs, became a powerful symbol of resistance against Ottoman rule. In 1595, the Ottomans, seeking to reinforce their authority and diminish the influence of the Orthodox Church, decided to publicly destroy these relics, which were held in a monastery in Mileševa.

The destruction took place on the Vračar plateau, where Sinan Pasha had organized a grand display intended to demonstrate the might of the Ottoman Empire and to tarnish the cultural heritage of the Serbs. By incinerating the relics, the Ottomans aimed to erase the spiritual connection that the Serbian people held with Saint Sava. Yet, this act backfired, igniting widespread outrage among the Serbian populace and solidifying Saint Sava’s status as a martyr in the hearts and minds of the people.

Today, the site of the incineration is home to one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, the Church of Saint Sava. Its construction commenced in the late 20th century and was completed in the early 21st century. The church serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Serbian culture and the enduring legacy of Saint Sava. The event has thus transformed from a moment of destruction to a symbol of revival and pride for the Serbian people, fostering a renewed sense of identity in the face of oppression.