Religion in Serbia and the Serbian Orthodox Church

The Church of St. Sava in Belgrade is the largest Orthodox church and is one of the 10 largest Christian churches in the world.

According to the constitution, Serbia is a secular state that guarantees freedom of choice of religion. Serbia is one of the countries in Europe with religious diversity - with an Orthodox majority, Catholic and Islamic minorities and other minor faiths.

Orthodox Christians (6,079,396 people) make up 84.5% of the country's population. The Serbian Orthodox Church has traditionally been the largest church in the country, whose adherents are overwhelmingly Serbs. Other Orthodox communities in Serbia include Montenegrins, Romanians, Vlachs, Macedonians and Bulgarians.

Catholics in Serbia number 356,957 people or approximately 5% of the population, and they live mainly in the autonomous region of Vojvodina (especially in its northern part), which is home to ethnic minorities such as Hungarians, Croats, Bunjevci, as well as Slovaks and Czechs. Protestantism is professed by only about 1% of the country's population - these are mainly Slovaks living in Vojvodina, as well as reformist Hungarians.

Muslims (222,282 people or 3% of the population) form the third largest religious group. Islam has a historical basis in the southern regions of Serbia, especially in southern Raska. Bosniaks represent the largest Islamic community in Serbia, with some estimates suggesting that about a third of the country's Roma are Muslim.

Only 578 Jews live in Serbia. Jews from Spain settled here after their expulsion from the country at the end of the 15th century. The community flourished and reached its peak numbering 33,000 people before the outbreak of World War II (of whom almost 90% lived in Belgrade and Vojvodina). However, the devastating wars that later devastated the region resulted in a significant portion of Serbia's Jewish population emigrating from the country. Today, the Belgrade Synagogue is the only one still in operation that was saved by the local population during World War II from destruction at the hands of the Nazis. Other synagogues, such as the Subotica Synagogue, which is the fourth largest synagogue in Europe, and the Novi Sad Synagogue have been converted into museums and art pavilions.

Languages ​​of Serbia and Serbian language

The official language is Serbian, which belongs to the group of South Slavic languages ​​and is native to 88% of the population. Serbian is the only European language that actively uses digraphy (graphic bilingualism), using both the Cyrillic and Latin scripts. Serbian Cyrillic was developed in 1814 by Serbian linguist Vuk Karadzic, who created the Serbian alphabet based on phonemic principles. The Cyrillic alphabet originates from the converted Greek script of Cyril and Methodius of the 9th century.

Recognized minority languages ​​are: Hungarian, Slovak, Albanian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Ruthenian, as well as Bosnian and Croatian, which are similar to Serbian. All of these languages ​​are official and are used in municipalities or cities where more than 15% of the population is a national minority. In Vojvodina, the local administration uses, in addition to Serbian, five other languages ​​(Hungarian, Slovak, Croatian, Romanian and Ruthenian).

Serbs belong to the group of southern Slavic peoples. This is the indigenous population of Serbia. The state is located in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula (southeastern Europe). It has no access to the sea. The capital is the city of Belgrade.

Where live

The vast majority of Serbian citizens live in their homeland. They also spread to neighboring countries. There are many Serbs in such states as:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Montenegro
  • Croatia
  • Macedonia
  • Slovenia
  • Romania
  • Hungary

Serbs also live in Germany, France, Canada, Australia, and America. Some go quite far from their homeland - to Africa, Argentina, Brazil. There is a small amount in Russia.

Language

The population of Serbia speaks Serbian. It belongs to the South Slavic subgroup, along with Bulgarian, Macedonian, Croatian and Slovenian. It also includes Montenegrin and Bosnian languages. They are all similar to each other.

Number

The constant migration of Serbs makes it difficult to obtain accurate data on their numbers. According to various sources, there are from 10 to 13 million people. In Serbia itself, their number reaches 6-6.5 million. This is approximately 80% of the total number of residents of the country. There are 1,200,000 Serbs living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 700,000 in Germany, 300,000 in Austria, and 190,000 in Switzerland and the USA. Canada, Sweden, and Australia each receive approximately 100,000 Serbs. In other states, their diasporas range from 10,000 to 70,000.

Religion

Before the arrival of Orthodox Byzantine priests, the Serbs were pagans. They adopted Christianity in the 7th century. Now the overwhelming majority of citizens profess Orthodoxy. A small part are Catholics and Protestants. There are also Muslims and those who consider themselves atheists. Pagan beliefs left a certain imprint on the traditions and customs of the Serbs. The population still has old religious views and belief in the supernatural.

Appearance

Representatives of Serbian nationality are distinguished by their attractive appearance. They are tall, slender, stately. Men are broad-shouldered and have a proud posture. Women are elegant and graceful. The facial features are regular, with a thin nose and well-defined cheekbones. The hair is mostly light brown, some representatives have dark or black hair. Girls attract attention with their bright appearance, big eyes and seductive smiles.

Life

This South Slavic people is characterized by such features as patriarchy, strong family ties, and continuity of generations. They honor family traditions and national customs. Serbs are distinguished by patriotism and pride in their nation. Many of them are deeply religious. In the family, women are involved in raising children, providing coziness and a comfortable environment. Men are responsible for the financial side of life. The older generation is revered, family members treat each other with great respect.

Even at the beginning of the 20th century, Serbs lived in rural communities. This way of life has been preserved even now in villages and villages. There are gatherings where the female part of the population does handicrafts accompanied by songs and music. During the warm season, people gather outdoors. Serbian women know how to spin and know weaving. In rural areas, they made materials with their own hands and sewed clothes from them. Girls were trained in this business from the age of 9-10. Young girls prepared their own dowry for the wedding.


Serbian wedding

Serbian families are strong unions. They approach the choice of a life partner thoroughly, which guarantees a long, lasting marriage. Divorces are rare, since family ties are very significant for people. Giving birth and raising children is considered the main purpose of a woman. The appearance of a child in a family is accompanied by various rituals. In villages there are midwives who help deliver births and care for newborns. Numerous relatives give the mother and the baby gifts that have a deep meaning. Things brought into the newlyweds' house serve as amulets, preserve the child's health, and contribute to his rapid development.

Nepotism is common among rural residents. The godfather is present at the baptism ceremony of all children born in the same family. This is usually the best man (witness at a wedding). The child is given the name of the saint on whose day he is born. Children are also often named after their grandparents. At the conclusion of the union, the newlyweds are given a dowry. They can be household items, things, furniture, money. A dowry supports a young family well until they can get on their feet. Until the mid-20th century, when choosing a future spouse, they were guided by such aspects as financial situation, physical characteristics, and weight in society. Nowadays people enter into marriages for romantic reasons. The custom of matchmaking at a wedding has been preserved. Matchmakers are sent to the bride's parents, whose role is played by the groom's relatives. They discuss wedding preparations and determine the size of the ransom. The wedding is accompanied by festivities lasting up to three days.

Cloth

National costumes of Serbs differ slightly depending on the regions of residence. There are Shumadian, Uzhitsky and Pirot variants. Also, Bach and Leskovskaya regions have their own distinctive features. However, all of them share common characteristics. A men's suit consists of the following parts:

  1. A shirt with a turn-down collar, sometimes with a stand-up collar. Loose-fitting sleeves with cuffs.
  2. Wide pants tucked into stockings (knee socks).
  3. A short jacket or a long caftan.
  4. A short sleeveless vest worn over a jacket.
  5. A wide colored belt covering the upper part of the trousers - a sash.
  6. Tall woolen socks that reach almost to the knees.
  7. Opanki are leather shoes without heels, often with a long, curved toe.
  8. A small cap or hat with a medium brim.

Pants and shirts were made from cotton and linen fiber. In some areas, trousers were made from wool-blend homespun cloth. The pants were belted with a beautiful wide and long belt, the edges of which hung down to the knees. Hunters used leather belts, into the compartments of which weapons could be conveniently placed. Jackets and caftans were made from woolen fabrics. The fronts and cuffs of shirts were decorated with embroidery. The front part of the outerwear was trimmed with trim and garus. Sleeveless vests embroidered with ornaments were worn over shirts in the warm season.

In winter, an additional piece of clothing was long cloaks made of leather or cloth. An interesting detail of a men's suit are high socks with embroidery along the upper edge. They insulate your legs and emphasize your slim figure. Shoes are leather shoes like moccasins - opankas. They are lightweight and easy to move. Light, soft hats made of cloth are worn on the head. In winter, they are replaced by fur hats with a high crown. Neat felt hats with small brims are also common.


Women's national attire is very beautiful. It attracts attention with contrasting colors, rich embroidery, and many decorative elements. Girls wore loose, light tunic blouses made of thin linen. The neckline and upper part of the sleeves are decorated with ruching, which gives a fuller look to the figure. The edges of the blouse are widened, gathering into beautiful folds. The shelves and the bottom of the sleeves are finished with sewing, embroidery, and ribbons. The blouse is tucked into a flared skirt that is below the knee. Pleated fabrics were often used, which create a flowing effect. The top of the skirt is decorated with a wide colored belt.

A short sleeveless vest is worn on top of the blouse. It beautifully fits a woman's figure, fastening at the waist like a corset. They were made from satin or velvet fabrics. The entire front part is richly decorated with embroidery, braid, and colored appliqués. In cold weather, wear a woolen jacket over the blouse. An interesting detail of a woman's costume is the apron. It is worn over a skirt. The apron covers almost its entire front part. This item of clothing is also richly decorated with appliqués and patterns. In some regions, family women wore two aprons - front and back.

On their feet, women wear woolen socks decorated with embroidery and opankas. Hats are varied. Small round caps that fit tightly around the head are common. They are decorated with ribbons, flowers, cords, and coins. Some girls wore scarves and shawls. Women's attire is complemented by various decorative details, including:

  • flowers
  • necklaces
  • monisto
  • bracelets
  • small knitted handbags


Housing

The types of residential buildings vary depending on the areas. The primitive type of Serbian dwellings in the Middle Ages were dugouts and huts. The first were called zemunits and were a depression in the upper layer of the earth with an upper part consisting of poles. They were covered with turf and covered with earth. Huts (koliba) were made in the form of huts. The inclined walls were made of poles and long rods. They were covered with straw, bark, and turf on top. The diameter of the housing was only about 2 meters. It could accommodate overnight or shelter from bad weather.
Later buildings were like this:

  • wooden frame;
  • house made of stone;
  • frame house.

Small wooden huts were called brvnara. This is a one-room log house made of logs. The Brvnars were low and had no ceiling or foundation. Such housing, if necessary, was transferred to a new place of residence. In the middle or near the wall there was a fireplace lined with stones. Along with brvnars, clay huts were built. The walls made of wicker rods were smeared with a clay mixture. Gradually the houses were improved. By the middle of the 19th century, the housing expanded: a second room appeared. They began to make the foundation and roof. Initially, the roof was covered with thin boards, then they began to make a tiled covering. Often a mud hut was attached to the log house. She played a minor role. The newlyweds settled in it and received guests. In the main room they prepared food, did household chores, and rested.

Frame buildings were also one-story. They were called pletara. First, they built a box of boards around the perimeter of the house. Then they made wicker walls and spread clay on them. After this, the braid was connected to the main frame. The walls were whitewashed inside and out. The roof was covered with boards or straw, and later with tiles. In some areas of Serbia, such housing existed until the middle of the last century.


Later they began to make strong and reliable houses from stone and brick. At first, dry masonry was common. Rough stones were stacked on top of each other without any mortar. The one-story dwelling had a simple gable roof covered with straw or shingles. Then they began to build two-room houses and extend them upward. Two- and three-story buildings appeared. In the lower tier there were rooms for storing supplies and pens for domestic animals. Modern houses are made of stone and brick. They are installed on a high foundation. The roofs are mostly hipped. The buildings are complemented by terraces and verandas. New buildings have high ceilings and large windows. Frame houses are now being built using new technology.

Traditions

Serbian culture is rich in holidays and rituals. Many of them have pagan roots. The most significant holidays for Serbs are:

  1. Bozic
  2. Glory of the Cross
  3. Vidovdan
  4. Djurdzhevdan
  5. Vaskres

Glory of the Cross is one of the main family events among Serbs. It is celebrated as the holiday of the saint - the protector of the family. It is traditionally held at the father's house. Every Serbian family has its own saint, who passes down the paternal line. A married girl celebrates her husband's glory. On this day they invite guests and go to church. The priest pours wine over the brought bread and breaks it together with the owner.


Bozic is a favorite winter holiday in Serbia. In Russia, its analogue is kolyada. It is celebrated immediately after Christmas Eve, January 7th. On this day, the badnyak (log) ritual is performed. The log is smeared with honey, sprinkled with wheat and placed in the hearth. There it burns all evening. The ritual of burning a log signifies the transition from the old year to the new. Bonfires are lit in the squares and branches are burned. When it gets dark, children go from house to house, singing songs and collecting sweets (caroling).

Vaskres, or Velikden, is an analogue of Easter. On this day, eggs are painted, exchanged, and guests are invited. In some areas of southern Serbia, eggs were painted black, denoting sadness over the crucifixion of Christ. The pagan custom of using eggs has also been preserved. You need to find an anthill and put an egg in the middle. This ritual attracts wealth and success.

Dzhurdzhevdan is celebrated on the first day of summer (for Russians it is St. George's Day). Medicinal plants collected on Djurdzhevdan have magical powers. They are used to treat various diseases, laid out at home, in cattle pens to protect against all sorts of misfortunes. Also on this day, they made flower wreaths, collected dew, and told fortunes using herbs.

Vidovdan is the day of celebration of Vida (Vita). This is a saint bringing down hail to the earth. After the Vidovdan celebration, the sun completes the summer circle and turns towards winter (as the days begin to wane). On the night of Vidov Day, bonfires are lit, which are considered sacred.

Rituals

Pagan beliefs left a big mark on the culture of the Serbs. This people has preserved many ancient rituals. Some of them are quite interesting: climber, dodola, record.

Polaznik is the person who came to visit first on Christmas Day (in the morning). It was believed that what a person is like, so will the coming year. He was declared divine as he performed important rituals in the house. The climber was treated to food and given a place by the fire. He had to move the badnyak to attract happiness to the house. The guest was given a strong branch, and he hit the coals, trying to get as many sparks as possible. Each sparkle symbolized money, luck, and material well-being.

Dodola was performed with the aim of causing rain. This is necessary so that the plantings do not lack moisture and produce a good harvest. The ritual is performed in the summer between St. George's Day (May 6) and Petrov's Day (June 29). To perform the action, they find a girl who is either an orphan or the last child in the family (dodola). Several more children join her. They are decorated with green branches, and grass wreaths are placed on their heads. Children visit all the houses in the village. Then a dance is performed to song accompaniment. The villagers take buckets of water and pour it over them to simulate rain. After this, the children are given gifts and sweets.


Dodola celebration

Recording is a ritual of worshiping a tree in order to protect the crop from bad weather. It originates in ancient Slavic culture. There were sacred groves where people gathered to communicate. They could not be cut down for firewood or collected brushwood. In the village, the main tree with a large trunk, called a “record,” was chosen. Usually it was oak or elm, beech. A cross was carved on it. They prayed and made sacrifices near him. If a person began to get sick, his clothes were brought on record for healing.

Food

Peasant food was simple: bread with milk, butter, some vegetables. Also, meat was always present in the diet, as villagers hunted and raised livestock. Serbs rarely cook fish, preferring meat dishes. Villagers eat a lot of bread and pastries. In the past, tortillas made from corn flour were common. Nowadays wheat flour is consumed much more. It is also mixed with rye, barley, and oatmeal. Bread was baked on fire, on round baking sheets. Some Serbs still make their own baked goods.

In general, the cuisine is similar to Russian: there are soups, cereals, dairy products, potatoes, and white cabbage. Many dishes are prepared from green beans. Cheeses, kaymak (something between sour cream and cottage cheese), and cream are made from milk. Serbian cuisine is heavily influenced by its proximity to Turkey. Cafes and restaurants often serve dishes such as lula kebab, a variety of kebabs, and barbecue meat. In pastry shops you can find baklava, sweet rolls, and French desserts. People in Serbia love pastries. Here you can find a wide variety of pies with meat, cheese, vegetable fillings, as well as sweet confectionery. Pancakes (palachinke), donuts (priganitsa), and a cheese dessert with nuts - štrukli - are popular.
Famous national dishes of Serbian cuisine are:

  1. Pleskavitsa is a kind of large cutlet made from twisted or minced meat. Served with vegetables, onions, bread. Sometimes described in restaurants as a hamburger.
  2. Chevapchichi. The dish is reminiscent of Turkish lula kebab. These are minced meat sausages cooked on the grill. Served with kaymak and onion rings.
  3. Karađorđeva schnitzla. This is a very tasty dish, the basis of which is a thin meat steak. It is rolled up and fried in a mixture of eggs and crackers. Served with hot sauces.
  4. Pinjur. An eggplant and tomato based appetizer, sometimes called caviar. The composition includes onions, garlic, a mixture of hot peppers.
  5. Mešano meso is a traditional Serbian meat platter. Several types of meat delicacies are laid out on a large dish. There may be kebabs, cevapchichi, cutlets, schnitzel and other dishes. One plate is enough for several people.
  6. Juvech is a stew with rice and vegetables. It is a bit like pilaf, but has a thinner consistency.

Mixed meso

The drinks are mostly fruit juices. In rural areas, beech and birch sap are made. Delicious dessert wines and fruit vodka called rakia are made from plums and grapes. A homemade drink is stronger than a factory drink - it can be up to 60 degrees. To prepare rakia, pears, quinces, apples, and wormwood are used.

Character

Serbs are friendly and hospitable people. They are very responsive, attentive to their family and friends. They love children very much and pay them a lot of attention. When visiting, it is customary to talk about family and relatives. Twinning is common. This is an ancient custom when people who are not related by family ties perform a certain ritual, after which they are considered brothers. Brothers have close relationships and always help each other.

Frequent wars and attacks on the citizens of this country have left their mark on the mentality of the Serbs. They have a courageous character and are proud of their nation and state. Men can be noisy, they have strong handshakes and pats on the back. They are straightforward and sincere. Serbs value kindness and decency. They will always thank the one who helped them and will be glad to see him as a guest.

Perhaps that's why Orthodox religion, is the main one in Serbia, it is professed by 65% ​​of the inhabitants. Along with this, there are other religions that have also found their place in this country.

For example, Islam occupies approximately 19%, exists to a lesser extent in Sancak, is more prevalent in Kosovo.

Quantity Catholics is 4%, Protestants 1%, and other religions approximately 11%.

Orthodox religion is state in Serbia, conversion from it to another religion is prohibited.

At the head Serbian Church located synod chaired by metropolitan.

In ecclesiastical terms, Serbia consists of three dioceses: Chachakskaya, Belgrade And niche.

First mass Serbian baptism occurred approximately 610-641, under the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius.

Significant in historical and religious terms, one can call the figure Saint Sava.

In 1219 for Serbian Church, as a result of negotiations with the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Greek Emperor, he received permission to have his own autocephalous archbishop.

By order of the government, in 1875, about 40 monasteries were closed. Despite this, at present, in Serbian Orthodox Church there remained 204 monasteries, 3,500 parishes, about 1,900 priests, as well as 1,000 nuns and 230 monks.

If we talk about monasteries in Serbia, then they are usually located in remote places from large populated areas.

For example, convent "Vavedeniya" in Belgrade, located almost outside the city, in a place with a rural landscape. There are only 10 nuns living in this monastery, but by Serbian standards this is not so small.

Monasticism in Serbia still just being formed. It is young, both in age and in spiritual experience.

In terms of experience, Serbian monks are equal to His Holiness Patriarch Paul, who enjoys enormous authority in the country.

However, there are already monasteries in which everything is already perfectly organized. One of these places is Kovil Monastery.

In general, for Serbian monasteries the real example is Svyatogorsk Hilandar, which was founded at the end of the 12th century, Saint Savva and his father, Rev. Simeon Myrrh-streaming.

Kovil famous for his singing. They sing here in Church Slavonic and Serbian, in Byzantine traditions.

WITH Athonite traditions Not only the charter of the monastery is connected, but also everyday customs. For example, the guest will always be offered a cup of coffee or a glass of brandy. However, such hospitality is typical for all Serbs.

Serbs are very friendly, open and friendly people. Despite difficult trials in the form of wars and raids, these people maintained a bright and joyful state of mind.

Perhaps that is why people love to come to Serbia, stay here.

, Roman Catholic Church, Slovak-Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession, Reformed Christian Church, Evangelical Christian Church, Jewish and Islamic religious communities) and "confessional associations" (listed in a special register). The difference is that traditional churches and religious associations, unlike denominational associations, have the right to organize religious education in schools. In addition, the 2006 law prohibited the registration of a religious organization if its name is identical to the name of a religious organization already registered in the register or the name of an organization that is undergoing registration.

Believers in Serbia
Orthodox 85.0 %
Catholics 5.5 %
Muslims 3.2 %
Protestants 1.1 %
Jews 0.09 %
Other 0.07 %

According to the city census, without Kosovo:

  • Orthodox - 6,371,584 people. (85.0% of the population),
  • Catholics - 410,976 people. (5.5% of the population),
  • Muslims - 239,658 people. (3.2% of the population),
  • Protestants - 80,837 people. (1.1% of the population),
  • Jews - 785 people. (0.09% of the population),
  • other faiths - 530 people. (0.07% of the population).

Register of churches and religious communities

Organizations included in the register:

  • Slovak Evangelical Church a.v.
  • Reformed Christian Church
  • Evangelical Christian Church a.v.
  • Jewish community
  • Islamic community
  • Dioceses of the Romanian Orthodox Church
  • Christian Adventist Church
  • Evangelical Methodist Church
  • Evangelical Church in Serbia
  • Church of Christ's Love
  • Christ's Spiritual Church
  • Union of Christian Baptist Churches in Serbia
  • Christian Nazarene religious community
  • Church of God in Serbia
  • Protestant Christian community in Serbia
  • Christ Church of the Brothers in the Republic of Serbia
  • Free Church of Belgrade
  • Christian religious community of Jehovah's Witnesses
  • Zion Covenant Church
  • Union of Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movements
  • Protestant Evangelical Church "Spiritual Center"

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Notes

Gallery

Excerpt characterizing Religion in Serbia

– Did you know any other of these marvelous descendants, Sever?
- Well, of course, Isidora! We knew everyone, but we didn’t get to see everyone. I think you knew some of them too. But will you allow me to finish about Svetodar first? His fate turned out to be difficult and strange. Would you be interested to know about her? – I just nodded, and Sever continued... – After the birth of his wonderful daughter, Svetodar finally decided to fulfill Radan’s wish... Do you remember, dying, Radan asked him to go to the Gods?
– Yes, but was it serious?!.. To what “gods” could he send him? There have been no living Gods on Earth for a long time!..
– You’re not entirely right, my friend... This may not be exactly what people mean by Gods, but on Earth there is always someone who temporarily takes their place. Who is watching so that the Earth does not come to a cliff, and life on it does not come to a terrible and premature end. The world has not yet been born, Isidora, you know this. The earth still needs constant help. But people should not know about this... They should choose themselves. Otherwise, help will only bring harm. Therefore, Radan was not so wrong in sending Svetodar to those who are watching. He knew that Svetodar would never come to us. So I tried to save him, to protect him from misfortune. Svetodar was, after all, a direct descendant of Radomir, his first-born son. He was the most dangerous of all because he was the closest. And if he had been killed, this wonderful and bright Family would never have continued.
Having said goodbye to his sweet, affectionate Margarita, and rocking little Maria for the last time, Svetodar set off on a very long and difficult journey... To an unfamiliar northern country, to where the one to whom Radan sent him lived. And whose name was the Wanderer...
Many more years will pass before Svetodar returns home. He will return to perish... But he will live a full and vibrant Life... He will gain Knowledge and Understanding of the world. He will find what he has been searching for so long and persistently...
I will show them to you, Isidora... I will show you something that I have never shown to anyone before.
There was a whiff of coldness and spaciousness all around, as if I had unexpectedly plunged into eternity... The feeling was unusual and strange - at the same time it emanated joy and anxiety... I seemed small and insignificant to myself, as if someone wise and huge at that time watched me for a moment, trying to understand who dared to disturb his peace. But soon this feeling disappeared, and only a large and deep, “warm” silence remained...
In an emerald, endless clearing, two people sat cross-legged opposite each other... They sat with their eyes closed, without uttering a word. And yet, it was clear - they were saying...
I understood - their thoughts were speaking... My heart was beating wildly, as if wanting to jump out!.. Having tried to somehow gather myself and calm down, so as not to in any way disturb these gathered people who had gone into their mysterious world, I watched them with bated breath, trying remember their images in my soul, because I knew that this would not happen again. Apart from the North, no one else will show me what was so closely connected with our past, with our suffering, but not giving up Earth...
One of those sitting looked very familiar, and, of course, having taken a good look at him, I immediately recognized Svetodar... He had hardly changed, only his hair became shorter. But his face remained almost as young and fresh as on the day when he left Montsegur... The second one was also relatively young and very tall (which was visible even while sitting). His long, white hair, dusted with frost, fell onto his broad shoulders, glowing pure silver under the rays of the sun. This color was very unusual for us - as if it wasn’t real... But what struck us most were his eyes - deep, wise and very large, they shone with the same pure silvery light... As if someone with a generous hand had scattered myriads of silver stars into them. .. The stranger’s face was tough and at the same time kind, collected and detached, as if at the same time he was living not only our Earthly life, but also some other, someone else’s life...
If I understood correctly, this was the one whom the North called the Wanderer. The one who watched...

It’s hard to believe, but there were no extreme disagreements between the Balkan Slavs. Until the 19th century, the most friendly peoples were the Croats and Serbs. There was still a difference, but only a religious one! The Croats were under the powerful influence of Italy and Austria throughout the Middle Ages. The first Croatian settlements arose in the Mediterranean in the 7th century.

These events are connected with the search for salvation of the Slavic tribes from the Avars, Germans and Huns, scattered throughout the country. Most of all, the Slavs chose the possessions of today's Zagreb with its adjacent territories. However, they failed to reach the prosperous lands of the coast, which was under the leadership of the Romans. Then the Slavs created several autonomous principalities.

Croatia within Hungary

Closer to the 10th century, the Croats enlisted the assistance of Byzantium and gathered considerable strength to create a cohesive state. Even to this day, the Croatian people like to focus on their Christianity. The initial period of upsurge did not last long until internal divisions became a threat to state unity. Then, in 1102, the noble community recognized Kalman I, the Hungarian king, as its sovereign. As a result, Croatia became part of the Kingdom of Hungary. At the same time, the parties agreed that Kalman would leave the administrative and political structure and aristocratic privileges unchanged.

Oppression of the Hungarian Kingdom

While under Hungarian rule, the Croats had to share many difficult historical changes with this kingdom. Undoubtedly, the most significant damage was caused by the Ottoman attacks. Due to the fact that these offensives continuously moved north, the Hungarian government in 1553 militarized the border territories of Slovenia and Croatia. The tense military situation lasted for 25 years. During this time, most residents moved to safer areas.

However, under the leadership of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Great, it broke through the defense. Moreover, the army was able to approach the gates of Vienna, but failed to capture the city itself. In 1593, the Battle of Sisak forced the Ottomans to abandon the conquered Croatian lands. Only the Bosnian surroundings remained in their possession.

Unity and strife between two Slavic peoples

Under the influence of the Austrians and Hungarians, the Croats quietly lost their national identity. However, both Croats and Serbs felt the same contempt for the Turkish invaders. There was only one difference - the discrepancy between traditions. However, the feeling of hatred towards the usurper was much stronger than the insignificant differences in customs. There are countless examples of military unity between Croatian and Serbian rebels! They fought together against the sworn Ottoman occupiers, as well as against the no less disgusted Habsburgs.

In 1918, a favorable situation arose - the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The event that took place made it possible for the southern lands to separate. This is how the united kingdom of Yugoslavia was formed. In principle, the ousting of the Turks and the formation of a separate kingdom should have brought the Slavic peoples even closer together. However, the opposite happened...

The reason for the first conflicts

The first outbreaks of rivalry appeared after the end of the second. That’s when the true history of the conflict between Serbs and Croats began! The need for reconstruction of the Balkans turned into hostility that continues to this day.

In fact, two opposing currents are emerging simultaneously and rapidly gaining recognition. Serbian minds put forward the concept of a “Greater Yugoslavia”. Moreover, the system center must be formed in Serbia. The reaction to this statement was the appearance of the nationalist publication “Name Serb”, written by the dashing hand of Ante Starcevic.

Undoubtedly, these events have been developing for a long time. However, to this day there is an insurmountable barrier that the Croats and Serbs cannot resolve between themselves. The difference between the two fraternal peoples is distorted even in their understanding of the most pressing issue for them. If for a Serb a guest is the one who is fed by the owner, then for a Croat it is the one who feeds the owner.

Father of the Croatian nation

Ante Starčević was the first to introduce the idea that Croats are not Slavs! They say that they are the offspring of the Germans, who hastily became Slavic-speaking, because in this way they want to better manage the Balkan slaves. What a terrible irony of fate! The mother of the “father of the Croatian nation” was Orthodox, and his father was Catholic.

Despite the fact that the parents were Serbs, the son became the ideological leader of Croatia, spreading the concept of Serb genocide in his country. It is noteworthy that his closest friend was the Jew Joseph Frank. Although Ante Starcevic had a deep disgust for this nation. Joseph himself also became a Croatian nationalist, converting to Catholicism.

As you can see, the guy’s author’s imagination has developed limitlessly. There is only one sad thing about this story. Starčević’s delusional parting words resonated in the hearts of Croatian youth. As a result, a series of Serbian pogroms swept through Dalmatia and Slavonia at the beginning of the century. At that time, it would never even have occurred to anyone that the Croats were artificially converted Serbs!

For example, under the leadership of the “father of the nation” from September 1 to 3 in 1902, together with his friend Frank, the Croats in Karlovac, Slavonski Brod, Zagreb destroyed Serbian shops and workshops. They uninvitedly invaded homes, threw away personal property, and beat people.

The unsteady world of a single kingdom

One of the results of the First World War was the emergence of a united kingdom. Much historical information confirms the involvement of the Serbs in the violent hostility of the Slovenes and Croats inside the kingdom.

The economy in Slovenia and Croatia was more developed. Therefore, they, in turn, asked a fair question. Why is it necessary to feed the wretched metropolis? It is much better to form your own autonomous state, living comfortably. Moreover, for a Serb, every Orthodox Slav has always been and will remain alien!

Croatian genocide

The existence of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia did not last long - the Second World War began. In 1941, on April 6, German planes attacked Belgrade. Just two days later, the Nazi army had already captured the area. During the war, Ante Pavelic's Ustasha association gained fanatical popularity. Croatia became a German mercenary.

Belgrade historians are confident that the approximate number of those killed by the Ustasha is 800 thousand Gypsies, Jews and Serbs. Only 400 people were able to escape to Serbia. The Croats themselves do not refute this number, but claim that most of them were partisans who died with weapons in their hands. The Serbs, in turn, are confident that 90% of the victims are civilians.

If today a tourist accidentally ends up on Serbian soil, it is possible that the hosts will show a loyal interest in the guest. The Croatian side is the opposite! Even despite the absence of bulky Asian barriers and gates, any illegal appearance in their personal space is perceived as a manifestation of rudeness. Based on this information, you can clearly imagine who the Croats and Serbs are. The character traits are most clearly expressed in the mentality of these two peoples.

Nazis and martyrs

After the end of the war, Yugoslavia came under the influence of the USSR. The new state was headed by Joseph, who ruled with an iron fist until his death. At the same time, Tito did not take the advice of his closest comrade Moshe Piade, deliberately mixing the indigenous population of Slovenia and Croatia with the Serbs. After 1980, due to political and territorial conflicts, a split gradually began to occur in Yugoslavia, in which Croats and Serbs suffered the most. The difference between the two once fraternal peoples has again been reduced to irreconcilable hostility.

The Croats who fought for federalism even under the Habsburgs did not want to adapt to the Serbs. Also, the Croats did not want to admit that the very birth of the south was due solely to the suffering and military victories of the Serbs. The Serbs, in turn, were not going to compromise with those who had only recently taken off their Austrian uniform. In addition, the Croats, decisively and at times even ruthlessly fighting on the side of Austria, never went over to the Serbian side. Unlike the Slovaks and Czechs.

War within the country

Later, at the beginning of 1990, the collapse of the USSR occurred, during which the final split of Yugoslavia followed. As a result, Croatia, having declared independence, separated from the country. However, the Serbs in Croatia themselves instigated inter-territorial clashes within the country. After a short time, this led to a brutal civil war. Serbian and Yugoslav armies invaded Croatian territory, capturing Dubrovnik and Vukovar.

Nevertheless, we will try to impartially look at the conflict that has broken out, without dividing into “left” and “right”. Croats and Serbs. What is the difference? If we talk about religious motives, we can confidently say that some are Catholics, while others are Orthodox. However, this is the lot of inter-church conflicts, the main goal of which is exclusively the prosperity of confessions. Therefore, we should not forget that the Croats and Serbs are, first of all, two fraternal peoples who were pitted against each other throughout the 20th century by their common enemies.

The term "Patriotic War" in Croatia

Among the Croats, the civil war is called the Patriotic War. In addition, they are extremely offended if someone calls her differently. Against this background, not so long ago even an international scandal erupted with Switzerland. The country has banned Croatian singer Marko Perkovic Thompson from entering its territory. It was alleged that Marco, with his speeches, incites interracial and religious hatred.

When the Swiss recklessly used the name “Civil War” in the text, they caused a flurry of emotions in the Croatian ministry. In response, the Croatian side sent a letter of protest, bypassing its President Stjepan Mesic. Naturally, such an act caused him justifiable indignation. In addition, the president did not like the fact that Croatian officials defended the hated Thompson, who was indeed repeatedly seen in inciting conflicts. However, when the question concerns the exact wording, you can close your eyes to the rest.

The culprit of the new war is the Yugoslav army

Undoubtedly, the war was largely civil. Firstly, the beginning was laid by the internecine conflicts that broke out in the united Yugoslavia. In addition, the Serbs who rebelled against the Croatian leadership were actual citizens of this country.

Secondly, the war for Croatian autonomy was fought only at first. When Croatia received international independence status, the war continued anyway. However, this time the issue of renewing the territorial unity of Croatia was being resolved. On top of that, this war had a clear religious overtones. However, isn’t there one thing in this story that prevents us from naming a civil war in which only Croats and Serbs participated?

History, as we know, is built exclusively on irrefutable facts! And they say that the role of the real aggressor of Croatia was the Southern People's Army (JNA). In addition, Croatia was still part of Yugoslavia, which was formally dominated by two Croatian leaders - President Stjepan Mesic together with Prime Minister Ante Markovic. By the beginning of the offensive on Vukovar, the Yugoslav army was already legally on Croatian territory. Therefore, the invasion that occurred cannot be called external aggression.

However, the Croatian side does not want to admit at all that the JNA has never represented the interests of Serbia. Before the attack on Vukovar, which occurred on August 25, 1991, the JNA acted as an opposing party. Subsequently, the Yugoslav army began to represent only its generals, as well as a small part of the communist leadership.

Is Croatia guilty?

Even after the withdrawal of Yugoslav troops from Eastern Slavonia, Western Srijem and Baranja, the JNA still continued its attacks on Croatia. In particular, to Dubrovnik. Moreover, pronounced aggression was manifested on the part of Montenegro. It is important to know that Croatia also took part in the attack, and in turn also fought against the Army on the territory of Herzegovina and Bosnia.

According to experts, at least 20 thousand people became victims of the war, which lasted four whole years, on the Balkan Peninsula. Thanks to the assistance of the UN together with other international organizations, the war in Croatia was ended in 1995. Today all the talk comes down to the return of refugees, who, in turn, talk more about returning than they are going to do it.

Undoubtedly, Serbian-Croatian relations today are far from cloudless. And mutual clashes continue to this day. Especially in those areas that were most affected by military operations. However, the unhealthy demonization of the Croatian people, carried out throughout the 90s and continued by some now, does not coincide with reality at all!