Original scientific paper
FAITH AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICE IN THE CROATIAN REFUGE CAMPS IN EL SHATT (1944-1946)
Mateo BRATANIĆ
Abstract
During the World War II due to the war conditions there have been many population movements. By the same token, at the end of 1943 a part of Dalmatia population fled because of their fear of possible German offensive. With the help of Allays, they found refuge in deserts of Egypt, at the place called El Shatt. They stayed there for more than two years, and in March 1946 came back to their homeland. Author of this article analyzes religious practices in the refuge camp that was predominantly influenced by communist ideology. The results of the analysis revealed that there existed a kind of modus vivendi between religious practice and communist ideology, although some radical communists advocated for abolition of religious ceremonies. Such rigid stance did not prevail because communists wanted to maintain cohesion among refugees, who predominantly voted for religious practice. Consequently, during time spent in the desert it became clear that role of priesthood (mostly Catholic) and faith were quite important regarding keeping a high level of moral among population in harsh desert conditions.
Keywords
Refuge; El Shatt; faith; Roman-Catholic Church; communist ideology
Hrčak ID:
81357
URI
Publication date:
12.12.2011.
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