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An Englishman in the Balkans - The Italians of Mahovljani
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The Italians of Mahovljani

An Englishman in the Balkans

07/16/23

39m

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Featured In

Hello and welcome to the podcast, where in this episode we look at the legacy of a group of some 55 Italian families that came to the village of Mahovljani back in the late eighteen hundreds.

Today all that remains of that Italian influence is its church, high on the hill, vineyards that those settlers founded (and by the way are still harvested and turned into wine), and families with both Italian first and second names.

Many years ago I heard about this small former colony near where I have lived for nearly 20 years.I have been intrigued ever since. So, to my surprise and by pure chance, I bumped into one of the descents of one of the Italian families, Guilia, and asked her if she could tell me more about her community.

She agreed, and so we met her, and her family, at the Italian church on the hill, looking down on the Vrbas valley, just like her ancestors must have done on their arrival over 140 years ago. It’s quite the story.

You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at:

https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

Previous Episode

Welcome to this edition of "An Englishman in the Balkans," where I am starting a micro-series about life in Croatia through the eyes of another Englishman, Mark Whitfield.

This is the first instalment of a three-part series, where I’ll be finding out about . Marks decision to make Croatia his new home, learning about the intricacies of setting up a business in Croatia, with some valuable insights and practical tips, and hearing Marks anecdotes from his first two years as a business owner.

You can find out more about Mark's Glamping business in Štrigova Croatia HERE.

I hope that this micro-series will give let you experience another aspect of life for “foreigners” who choose to make this region their home.

Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at:

https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

Next Episode

In this episode, David goes on a mesmerising journey to the charming town of Travnik in central Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This time he travels solo, leaving behind Tamara, and shares the wonders he encounters along the way.

Travelling by bus through the scenic landscape of Bosnia, David provides essential tips for those eager to explore this beautiful country.

Passing through the spectacular canyon south of Banja Luka and its breathtaking views, David creates a virtual tour filled with nature's wonders.

Upon arriving in Travnik, David meets his host, Ben, who dreams of transforming Travnik into a top tourist destination. With Ben's guidance, David discovers the hidden gems of the town, exploring the picturesque Vlašić mountain, witnessing sheep shearing, and buying fresh Vlašić cheese.

However, David's true passion lies in the town's history and culture. Meeting an extraordinary tour guide, Dita Bajrami-Vrbanjac, reveals the rich tapestry of Travnik's past, from the Ottoman Empire to Austro-Hungarian rule. The streets come alive with captivating stories, immersing David in a world of centuries-old history.

Travnik, the heartbeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina, captures David's heart. The town's delectable cuisine and passionate residents make it more than just a location on a map; it becomes a soulful experience.

Until next time, Vidimo se opet!"

(Note: "Vidimo se opet" means "See you again" in Bosnian.)

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