Diplomatija

Diplomatija is an online interactive map focused on the Balkans and surrounding regions. Created by the Serbian developer Miki M., the project began in the late 2000s, originally as a personal hobby before gaining popularity among historians, educators, and geography enthusiasts. The website allows users to view the historical evolution of national borders, administrative divisions, and settlement names over several centuries.

The map’s interface is built on a set of layered vector graphics that can be toggled on and off. Users can select different time periods—such as the Ottoman Empire, the Austro‑Hungarian Empire, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia—to see how territories changed. A dedicated “Events” panel lists major wars, treaties, and demographic shifts that led to border adjustments.

Diplomatija also features an interactive timeline and a “War Map” mode that displays conflict zones and troop movements. The platform supports multiple languages, primarily Serbian and English, thereby reaching a broader audience. Content is generated from public domain historical sources and the site offers downloadable data files for academic use.

The site’s popularity stems from its detailed coverage of Balkan history, a region noted for its complex geopolitical changes. Many schools and universities incorporate the map in coursework, and it is frequently cited in online discussions about regional history. Its open‑access model allows users to modify the map’s layers and add annotations, fostering a collaborative environment for researchers and hobbyists. Despite its informal origins, Diplomatija has become a respected resource for anyone studying the political geography of Southeast Europe.