Original scientific paper
The Stolen Town – On the Exile of the People of Ilok
Nikolina Vuković
Abstract
In this paper the author discusses the causes, the course and the characteristics of the expulsion of the non-Serbian population from Ilok and its immediate environment from 1991 into 1998. From an analysis of source material documents, the periodicals of the time and the relevant scholarly literature, the conclusion can be drawn that the features seen in the exile of the population of Ilok were in accordance with the general characteristics of the rest of the Croatian displaced population. Stress caused by the expulsion, problems of shelter and humanitarian aid as well as their uncertainties about when they would return to their home town can be highlighted as the main problems of the Ilok refugees. The expulsion of the Ilok people was the result of the aggression of the Yugoslav People’s Army and the local Serbian rebels. The Ilok exodus took place in October 1991, and from that moment an unexpectedly long period of life in exile began. The Ilok population was accommodated in tourist facilities in Istria and Kvarner, in refugee camps in Slavonia and in private accommodation throughout Croatia. During its exile, the population somewhat managed to normalize its life thanks to the organization of the Ilok town government and although they were not now living in the area of their home town. Throughout the course of the long period of life in exile, the Ilok people developed substantial and recognizable political, cultural, religious and sporting activities in order to preserve their identity. The main problems of life in exile were lack of humanitarian aid, accommodation problems, disagreements with the local population and problems with the local government. In spite of all that, the Ilok displaced persons managed to organize themselves, although they were not in their parent territory, and they participated in various activities that helped them to endure the long period in exile and to preserve the identity of the town of Ilok.
Keywords
town of Ilok; exile; refugees; return migration
Hrčak ID:
164538
URI
Publication date:
15.10.2015.
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