Beljarica

Beljarica refers to a Serbian Cyrillic cursive script. It is a historical form of handwriting used extensively in administrative and personal correspondence throughout the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Distinct from the formal, printed Cyrillic alphabet (called "Ustav" or "štampana slova"), Beljarica was characterized by its flowing, interconnected letters and numerous ligatures designed for speed and efficiency in writing. Variations in letter forms and the presence of ornamentation can often be observed depending on the writer's individual style and era. Understanding Beljarica is crucial for researchers and historians examining historical Serbian documents and manuscripts. It is important to differentiate Beljarica from other cursive scripts influenced by Latin alphabets; while some influence might be present, Beljarica maintains its fundamental basis in the Cyrillic writing system.