Original scientific paper
The Migration Tradition of Imotski March (Croatia)
Josip Anić
; Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The paper attempts to present an historical overview of spatial mobility of the people of Imotski region from when they fell under Turkish rule to the present. The geopolitical importance of this area (a military march, Turkish: serhad) brought about that it often changed masters, coming under the rule first of one side, and then the other. Centuries of contension between rulers and dynasts disturbed the populace of Imotski, so that their willingness to leave their unquiet land is to be understood. New rulers brought new people! Properties changed hands – and then again – all from the beginning! The impoverished carst and the restless border were reasons for a low level of economic development. This constituted a new paradigm for migration, which showed itself both in short-distance and in long-distance relations. Continuous migration became a part of the conscience, the historical consciousness even of the present inhabitants of the region of Imotski, which is likewise marked by a high rate of internal and external, as well as overseas migration. Although accustomed to continuous movement, these people have a strong feeling of belonging to their homeland, since, as their author Raos has stated, they have not forgotten that “if you cut the root even of a marigold – it will die”. Always prepared to leave, they are even more prepared to return.
Keywords
internal migration; external migration; emigration; Imotski
Hrčak ID:
128069
URI
Publication date:
29.12.1989.
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