Municipality of Razanj

Razanj through the centuries

Although no significant archaeological research has been carried out on the territory of the municipality of Razanj, during the construction of houses, digging wells, etc. there are very interesting archeological sites that confirm the existence of this settlement as early as p.n.e. The found objects that are kept in museums in Belgrade and Nis, testify that this area was inhabited in prehistoric times. This is evidenced by many archaeological excavations found in the city and its surroundings and numerous exhibits in neighboring museums. In ancient times, Razanj was known as Arsena, and diplomats, merchants and world travelers passed through this city. During the rule of the Turks, the main road of Constantinople passed through the city.

The legend of Razanj tells about the city from the time of the Romans when this city was called Arsena, from the Latin word arsenale, literally translated "warehouse for storing war equipment", and that is why the settlement was called Arsena. Remains of the Roman road were also found there near Razanj, in the middle of the 16th century. The name Razanj itself comes from the Turkish era. One of the legends says that the inhabitants of this town protected themselves from the invasion of the Turks with pointed carts that looked like skewers and hence the name Razanj, and according to another story it is believed that the name Razanj comes from the name Rozanj, the highest point of Bukovik mountain (893m).