Sanjev

Sanjev is a small urban settlement located in the northern district of the Republic of Montenegro, falling under the administrative jurisdiction of the Pljevlja municipality. The village sits at an altitude of approximately 645 metres above sea level and is positioned near the Jakupice mountain range, contributing to its mixed terrain of low hills and forested areas. The settlement is accessed via a regional road that connects it to the nearby towns of Pljevlja and Berane, facilitating modest commercial and cultural exchange with the broader region.

The name Sanjev is believed to derive from the Slavic root "sanj" meaning "dream" or "to desire", a common naming convention in the area for places that were historically considered aspirations of early settlers. Earliest documented references to Sanjev appear in Ottoman-era tax registers from the late eighteenth century, where it is recorded as a modest village inhabited primarily by Bosniak and Montenegrin families. Over time, the population has fluctuated, peaking in the mid-twentieth century during industrial development in nearby mining towns before experiencing decline in the post‑industrial period.

As of the most recent census, Sanjev hosts a population of around 1,250 residents. The local economy is largely based on subsistence agriculture, livestock farming, and small-scale forestry. Some residents commute to larger towns for employment in sectors such as manufacturing and services. Traditional crafts, including wool weaving and wood carving, remain a cultural staple and provide supplementary income through local markets and tourist attractions. Although the village has limited public infrastructure, a primary school, a community center, and a health outpost serve the local population.

Notable individuals from Sanjev include the former provincial governor Miodrag Jović, who served Montenegro’s western region in the early 1990s, and the renowned folk musician Vesna Petrović, known for her interpretations of highland ballads. The village’s history and contemporary life reflect the broader patterns of rural communities in the Balkans, where historical legacies and modern challenges coexist.