When we mention the Dragon of Avala, rarely a resident of Serbia, or even the capital itself, can tell us who it is.

Namely, he said about one of the most famous personalities of the First Serbian Uprising, the unwavering warrior and hajduk Vaso Čarapić.

The monument to this Serbian hero is located in the very center of Belgrade, not far from the Republic Square and across from the National Theater and the Army House.

It was built in 1950 and is the work of our academic sculptor Rade Stanković.

Vasa Čarapić was born in 1770 in the Montenegrin tribe in the area of Kuča.

Already as a beardless young man, he distinguished himself with courage and steadfastness in the fight. That is why he was elected the prince of the Groč nahija. Of course, the Turkish dahis notice this and try in every way to get Vasi's head.

Vasa takes refuge with his family at the foot of Mount Avala, where the Turks try to kill him, and during the famous slaughter of the princes, they manage to cut down his brother Marko.

Vasa, who hated the Turks even more, defected to the hajduks in the depths of the forest on Avala, as soon as he learned that the Serbian Uprising was being prepared, he gathered his brave boys and returned to Belgrade.

Excellent connoisseurs of the history of the Serbian people know that Karadjordj himself extremely appreciated and respected the Dragon of Avala.

During the leader's hesitation, Vasa persuaded him to attack the Belgrade Fortress, and Vasa himself, with about 3,000 fighters, went to the Istanbul Gate, all this happened on October 29, 1806. After breaking through, Vasa jumped in to help the other insurgents in an effort to Vidin's gate was also conquered, and unfortunately it was hit by a Turkish bullet.

The remaining fighters and insurgents took him, hit and wounded, to Tasmajdan, where he died a few hours later.

The great fighter for liberation from the Turks was buried in the monastery of Rakovica, where his relics are still found today.

In addition to this monument to the Serbian Dragon from Avala, another one was erected on the very mountain Avala, many schools bear his name, as well as one of the Belgrade streets in the very center of the city.

It is our job to remember the Dragon of Avala and, as a nation, not to forget the heroes who fell for the freedom of the Serbian people.

Glory to him !!!