Original scientific paper

Međimurje – History, Identity and Migrations

Emil Heršak ; Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies, Zagreb, Croatia
Joža Šimunko ; journal Međimurje, Čakovec, Croatia

Abstract

The paper examines socio-historical and other factors that have influenced and still influence the social reality of Međimurje (a region in the N.W. corner of Croatia). In the introduction, the question is posed whether or not the people of Međimurje can be taken as a sub-ethnic group in the Croatian ethnie. In the further text, the authors first describe the geographic characteristics of Međimurje, after which they present some information on the initial peopling of the area. Later, in a special section on the Middle Ages, the authors attempt to describe the formation of the feudal order in Međimurje. A review of the period when Međimurje was under the Zrinski family follows. In the next sections, the authors review the changes of feudal lords, the growth of the population, and the particular position of Međimurje between Croatia and Hungary. The question of Magyarisation is briefly discussed. The authors note the development of migration from Međimurje, which they interpret as one of the key traits of the contemporary social reality of the area. Finally, they postulate that the specific migration behaviour of the people of Međimurje can be (at least in part) explained on the basis of their past. Attachment to their land (the return motive), high rural density (the push factor), an emphasised work ethic, withdrawal into themselves, the capacity of adjusting to a foreign environment, and reliance on their own resources could be related to the socio-historical heritage of the people of Međimurje from the recent and more distant past.

Keywords

identity; migration; Međimurje

Hrčak ID:

127707

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/127707

Publication date:

28.12.1990.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 6.917 *