engleski

National Narratives in Croatia

National historical narrative is one of the most important elements of national identity. It is not static, but subject to change, and some of its elements are more or less enduring. The paper addresses the Croatian national narrative from its inception in the 19th century with the formation of the modern Croatian nation, to this day. It discusses the role of historiography, but also literature and other art, as well as the role of media in the formation of collective perceptions of the nation’s history and its place in the world. The paper presents the main elements of national narrative and its changes tied to political developments. Some of the most important and enduring elements of Croatian narrative include the history of early medieval Croatia and its “national rulers”. The period had a significant role through all phases of the narrative’s development, although with variations in interpretations and emphases. The perception of Croatia's position in Europe was strongly influence by the view of Croatia as the Bulwark of Christendom, or Antemurale Christianitatis, and the feeling of belonging to the western civilizational circle. The paper concentrates on the formation of the World War II narrative, which, in Croatian case, consists of several sometimes contradictory perceptions, and that of the newly created narrative of the Homeland War.

Crotian history, historical narrative, memory studies

nije evidentirano