Did You Know That Ulcinj Was Once a Pirate Republic?
According to historical sources, piracy in Europe was considered a profession that did not significantly damage one’s social standing until the 17th century, meaning that almost any capable man could engage in it. Following the Battle of Lepanto, the position of Kapudan Pasha of the Ottoman Empire was assumed by Uluj Ali (Kılıç Ali), one of the greatest naval commanders of Algeria and the Ottoman Empire after Hayreddin Pasha Barbarossa. Recognizing the skill and expertise of Ulcinj’s sailors, after the Ottoman conquest of Ulcinj in 1571, he helped them organize themselves, acquire the necessary ships, and embark on pirate expeditions, further strengthening them with several hundred of his experienced fighters.
The well-known Ulcinj businessman and hotel owner Gani Resulbegović established the Museum of Ulcinj Pirates in the Old Town of Ulcinj. In addition to its valuable collection of exhibits, the museum features a VR application created by the team at DIGI.BA Association, in collaboration with researchers from the Sarajevo Graphics Group Laboratory at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo. This educational game allows museum visitors to become pirates, experience life aboard a ship, and learn fascinating details about pirate vessels, sails, weapons, and treasure. The guide throughout the application is a parrot named Dulcinjo.
Production Team
Project Consultants: Gani Resulbegović, Ćazim Resulbegović
Project Administration: Adisa Rogo, Renato Scuzzarello
Script: Fatmir Alispahić
3D Modeling and Animation: Mirsad Festa
Graphic Design and Animation: Almir Zoletić, Aida Sadžak
Music and Sound Design: Adnan Mušanović
VR Application Development: Filip Marić
VR Application Structure and Direction: Bojan Mijatović
Producer and Project Coordinator: Selma Rizvić
Application Trailer
https://youtu.be/1Xp5JZi93KU?si=veIGZ5PW3MKqzeW2
More Information
http://h.etf.unsa.ba/ulcinjski-gusari/
