Minister Grlić Radman attends commemoration of the 165th anniversary of the death of Count de Corberon

On 20 August 2026, in Bisag, a commemoration was held to mark the 165th anniversary of the death of Count Edgar Bourrée de Corberon, a Frenchman who chose Croatia as his new homeland and left a significant mark on its political, cultural and social life. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Municipality of Breznica.

The commemoration took place in front of his final resting place, the crypt of the Drašković counts beneath the Chapel of St. Florian at Bisag Castle. Besides their friendship, the Drašković counts and Count de Corberon were also connected through their shared membership in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

In his address, Minister Grlić Radman recalled the life and work of Count de Corberon, who was close to the circle of Croatian national revivalists and advocated for a stronger political standing for Croatia, as well as for the preservation of Croatian identity, culture and language. He particularly highlighted the Count's contribution to efforts to found the University of Zagreb, which came to fruition in 1874, after his death.

Given his activities and the many connections he built across Europe, Count de Corberon can also be regarded as a forerunner of Croatian diplomacy.

The life story of Count de Corberon, a man who belonged to two cultures, can still serve today as a bridge for promoting Croatian-French relations. In this context, Minister Grlić Radman also recalled Jean-Michel Nicolier, who likewise saw Croatia as his second homeland and gave his life for it.

Minister Grlić Radman thanked Ivan Andrašek, head of the Municipality of Breznica, for recognizing the importance of honoring a man whose work benefited his adopted homeland and who deserves a place among the notable Croatians of the 19th century. He noted that, once the necessary permits are obtained, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs will contribute to efforts to secure a dignified burial site for Count de Corberon, since only ruins remain of his final resting place today.

Alongside Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, wreaths were also laid by Ivan Andrašek, head of the Municipality of Breznica, together with Silvija Zagorec, Deputy Prefect of Varaždin County; Fabien Feschi, Ambassador of France; Branimir Iveković, representing the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Croatia; and Vesna Pascuttini-Juraga, Head of the Varaždin Regional Conservation Office, representing the Ministry of Culture and Media, given that the remains of the old town of Bisag, including the castle, are a protected cultural heritage site.

Count de Corberon's biography was presented by Mladen Houška, author of the exhibition on Count de Corberon held at the Sveti Ivan Zelina Museum on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of his death.

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