Karlovac University is the oldest, second-largest, and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. Founded in 1885, it predates the independence of the state and has historically served as the theological and ideological bedrock of Kresimirian society.
Located in the city of Kromine in District IX, the university is renowned for its Faculty of Divinity, which is the sole state-authorized training ground for the Diviner clergy. While it is the second-largest university by enrollment—surpassed only by its arch-rival, Sinj University—it remains the preferred alma mater for the nation’s conservative political elite, high-ranking civil servants, and military officers.
The university is historically scarred by the 1960 bombing, a devastating terrorist attack that killed 28 people and fundamentally altered the course of the Kresimir-Bosken conflict.
History
Imperial Origins (1885–1921)
Karlovac University was founded in 1885 under a charter from the Vosti Empire. Its creation was driven by a movement of Kresimirian intellectuals and the leadership of the Sanctian Church, who sought to establish a center for the preservation of Kresimirian language and faith amidst the multicultural empire. In its early decades, it became a hotbed of nationalist thought, educating key figures of the independence movement such as Kresimir Basic.
The Republic’s Academy (1921–Present)
Following the Unification War, the university’s influence expanded significantly. Article 38 of the Constitution mandated that all education align with the state religion. As the premier theological institution, Karlovac was given the responsibility of shaping the national curriculum.
Throughout the 20th century, the university became the “gatekeeper” of the Kresimirian establishment. A degree from Karlovac was virtually a requirement for entry into the upper echelons of the Federal Councils or the Chancellory staff.
The 1960 Bombing
On September 12, 1960, the university became the target of the deadliest terrorist attack in the history of the Republic. Operatives from the Bosken separatist group BRC-21 detonated a massive explosive device in the crowded main atrium of the Faculty of Divinity.
The explosion killed 28 people—mostly students and faculty, including the renowned theologian Professor Jon Harj—and injured over 100 others. The tragedy shocked the nation and delegitimized the BRC-21 insurgency, paving the way for the 1961 Treaty of Brod Moravice. The atrium was rebuilt in 1962 and now houses the “Monument to the Martyrs,” a shrine visited annually by the Divine Chancellor.
Campus and Academics
The campus is characterized by its historic Neoclassical architecture, walled gardens, and quiet cloisters, contrasting sharply with the modern Brutalism of Sinj University.
Key Faculties
- Faculty of Divinity: The heart of the university. It is the only institution in Kresimiria authorized to ordain Diviners, giving it immense power over the application of the Faith Restriction Clause.
- School of State Administration: Trains the bureaucrats who run the Federal Councils. The curriculum focuses on constitutional law, ethics, and protocol.
- Institute of Military History: Closely linked with the Council for Defence, this faculty educates the officer corps of the Kresimirian Army in strategy and national history.
Rivalry with Sinj University
The rivalry between Karlovac University and Sinj University is a defining feature of Kresimirian academic and social life. It represents a clash between two visions of the nation:
- Karlovac: Represents tradition, theology, the “Old Guard,” and the rural/conservative political base (often associated with the Sons of Kresimir).
- Sinj: Represents modernization, technology, secular commerce, and the urban liberal base (associated with the CRF and the technocratic wing of Blue Dawn).
Notable Alumni
- Kresimir Basic: Divine Founder and leader of the Sons of Kresimir.
- Kresimir Kresimirovic II: The second Divine Chancellor, known for his hardline policies.
- Malik Kondratiev: Current leader of the Sons of Kresimir.
- Eward Matek: Divine Founder and founder of the Civic Renewal Front (who later taught History at the university).