Did you know...
...that Ivan Meštrović, "Croatian Michelangelo" originates by birth from Otavice near Drniš? Although Meštrović was born on 15.8.1883. in Vrpolje, Slavonija, he spent all of his youth in Otavice. His earliest experiences had the greatest impact over the course of his life: the culture of this area, its folk songs, legends and customs inspired Meštrović to carve wood and soft stone - "muljika". Ivan Meštrović was one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century and the greatest sculptor on the religious matter since the time of Renaissance. His most famous works are: Tillers, Spring of Life, Mother child-bearer, Our Lady Petropoljska and relief of St.Roko in Drniš, statues of Josip Juraj Strossmayer and Nikola Tesla, Domagoj's archers and Well of Life in Zagreb, statues of Grgur from Nin and Marko Marulić in Split, Indians in Chicago, Canadian Phalanx in Ottawa, Job at Syracuse University NY and numerous others. Beside statues he also made reliefs, paintings, frescoes, crucifixes and wrote texts: "My conversations with Michelangelo", "Several memories on Rodin" and "Memories on political people and events". Meštrović died on 16.1.1962. in South Bend, Indiana. According to his last wish, his body was transfered to family mausoleum in Otavice, the church of The Most Holy Redeemer.
..that one of the tallest people in Drniš ever is Stojko Vranković? 2.18m high center in professional career played for KK Zadar ('86.-'89.), Aris ('89.-'90.), Boston Celtics ('90.-'92.), Panathinaikos ('92.-'96.), Minnesota Timberwolves ('96.-'97.), Los Angeles Clippers ('97.-'99.) and Fortitudo Bologna ('99.-2001.). He was most famous while playing for Panathinaikos with which he won the first club European basketball championship title (legendary finals in 1996. versus Barcelona and Stojko's block in the last second of the game). Stojko won three bronze ('87., '93. and '95.) and two gold European championship medals, two bronze World championship medals ('86. and '94.) and two silver Olympic medals (Seul '88. and Barcelona '92.). Stojko was a member of Croatian golden basketball generation which played againts Dream Team in the Olympic basketball tournament finals in Barcelona 1992.
...that Krsto Odak, Croatian composer and music teacher, originates by birth from Siverić near Drniš? He was born on 20.4.1888. He studied at theological faculty in München. From 1913. he was a priest in Sinj and nearby Otok. In 1919. he left to Prague to study music. At his senior undergraduates' concert he scored first success with "Sonata for violin and piano" After returning to Zagreb Krsto Odak became a proffesor at Music Academy where he worked till retirement. During the course of his life he wrote more than 80 numbered and unnumbered opuses. His early works contain folk traits which are visible in later works too. Krsto Odak also wrote sacral music - compositions for choirs: "Sv.Cecilia", "Ave Maria", "In the glory of Holy Heart", "Christus Factus Est" etc. He died 4.11. 1965. in Zagreb.
...that Ivan Aralica, Croatian writer and academician, was born on 30.9.1930. in Promina? He participated in Croatian Spring. He was a member and vice president of Chamber of Counties. Aralica is one of the greatest Croatian narrative writers of the second half of 20th century. Up to now he wrote 16 novels, most famous being bestsellers "Ambra" and "Fukara". Based on his originals a three movies have been filmed: "Life with uncle", "Četverored" and "Horseman". Ivan Aralica is a member of Foundation of Croatian state oath, HAZU (Croatian Academy of Science and Art) and a Society of Croatian writers.
...that Mihovil "Miki" Nakić, Croatian basketball player and now a sports director of basketball club Cibona, originates by birth from Drniš? Miki is a descendant of Vojnović-Nakić family, in the past a governors of Drniš - serdari. With a national team he won an Olympic gold and bronze medals ('80. Moscow and '84. Los Angeles). Miki was known by his trademark - hairstyle.
..that Jakov Gotovac, Croatian composer and opera bandmaster, author of opera "Ero sa onoga svijeta" (Ero from another world) has his roots in Drniš area?