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I find out about the Italian Colony in Bosnia, near Laktaši and 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.
The Context: Italy in the Late 19th Century
Italy, freshly unified in the mid-19th century, grappled with socioeconomic challenges. Poverty, land scarcity, and overpopulation drove millions of Italians to seek new horizons.
The mezzadria system, prevalent in the South, divided land into ever-smaller plots, compelling families to look beyond their borders for sustenance. The promise of “bread and work” beckoned them across oceans and mountains.
Trieste: A Gateway to the World
Trieste, a bustling port city nestled on the Adriatic Sea, played a pivotal role in this exodus. Its strategic location made it a melting pot of cultures, languages, and aspirations.
Trieste’s Italian population, drawn from various regions, formed a vibrant community. They navigated the bustling docks, exchanged stories, and dreamed of distant lands.
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The Journey Begins
In the late 1800s, Trieste witnessed a steady stream of emigrants departing for Northern Bosnia. Why Bosnia? The answer lies in economic opportunities.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire, which ruled Bosnia at the time, sought to develop its hinterlands. The promise of fertile soil, jobs, and a fresh start lured the Italian diaspora.
Settling in Northern Bosnia
The Italians settled primarily in Banja Luka, Doboj, and Bijeljina. Their arrival infused these Bosnian communities with new energy. They brought their language, cuisine, and customs, enriching the local tapestry. The Italians engaged in various trades—merchants, artisans, and farmers—contributing to the region’s growth.
Cultural Exchange
The Italian-Bosnian encounter sparked a fascinating cultural exchange. Bosnians embraced Italian culinary delights—pasta, olive oil, and wine—while the Italians adopted Bosnian coffee rituals. Language barriers dissolved as children played together, learning both Italian and Bosnian. The harmonious coexistence left an enduring legacy.
Challenges and Triumphs
Life in Northern Bosnia was not without challenges. The Italians faced language barriers, adapting to a different climate, and navigating unfamiliar customs. Yet, their resilience prevailed. They established schools, churches, and social clubs, fostering a sense of community. The aroma of espresso wafted through Bosnian streets, a testament to their tenacity.
As the 20th century dawned, the Italian-Bosnian connection deepened. Families intermarried, creating a unique blend of traditions. The echoes of Trieste resonated in Bosnian architecture, cuisine, and folklore. Today, remnants of this migration endure—a trattoria serving pasta, an old church bell tolling, and the laughter of descendants.
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Many years ago I heard about this small former colony near where I have lived for over 20 years. 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.
I have been intrigued ever since.
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