Croatian is a South Slavic language used primarily in Croatia, by Croats living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in neighboring countries where Croats make up autochthonous communities, and parts of the Croatian diaspora. It is sometimes classified as belonging to the Central South Slavic diasystem (also referred to as "Serbo-Croatian"). The roots of the Croatian language can be traced back to the Proto-Slavic language, which emerged around the 6th century AD. As Slavic tribes settled in the region, their languages began to evolve. By the 12th century, distinct dialects of Croatian were already emerging, influenced by historical events, invasions, and cultural exchanges.

The first written documents in Croatian date back to the Glagolitic script, which was developed in the 9th century by Saints Cyril and Methodius, playing a crucial role in the creation of these manuscripts, reflecting the fusion of spiritual and artistic expression while promoting literacy among the Slavic peoples.

The most notable text is the Baška Tablet, inscribed in Glagolitic, dating back to 1100 AD. Over time, Latin script became dominant, particularly following the influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The modern Croatian standard language is a continuous outgrowth of more than nine hundred years of literature written in a mixture of Croatian Church Slavonic and the vernacular language. Croatian Church Slavonic was abandoned by the mid-15th century, and Croatian as embodied in a purely vernacular literature (Croatian literature) has existed for more than five centuries.

Dialects of Croatian

Croatian is characterized by its three main dialects:

1. Shtokavian: This is the most widespread dialect and forms the basis of the standard Croatian language. It is spoken in most parts of Croatia and is also the foundation for Serbian and Bosnian.
2. Kajkavian: Predominantly spoken in northern Croatia, this dialect has unique features that distinguish it from Shtokavian. It is often associated with the city of Zagreb and its surroundings.
3. Chakavian: Found primarily along the western coast of Croatia, this dialect has its roots in the historical region of Istria and the islands in the Adriatic Sea. It features distinct vocabulary and phonetic characteristics.

These dialects not only highlight the linguistic diversity within Croatia but also reflect the country's regional identities and cultural nuances.

Today, Croatian is recognized as one of the official languages of the European Union. It is part of the South Slavic language group, alongside Serbian, Slovenian, and Bulgarian. The language is standardized based on the Shtokavian dialect, which is spoken by most Croatians and serves as the basis for the literary language.

Croatian has a phonetic alphabet, which means that words are pronounced as they are written. Croatian is spoken by approx. 6 million native speakers around the world. The Croatian alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet with special characters ć, č, đ, š, ž, dž; it does not have q, w, x, y
Alphabet:
A B C Č D Dž Đ E F G H I J K L Lj M N Nj O P R S Š T U V Z Ž a b c č d dž đ e f g h i j k l lj m n nj o p r s š t u v z ž

Croatian Literature

The works of writers like Marko Marulić, often regarded as the father of Croatian literature, emerged during this time. His epic poem “Judita” (1501) is a notable example of early Croatian literature, blending biblical themes with national pride. The Baroque period in the 17th and 18th centuries saw a flourishing of poetry and drama. The 19th century was a pivotal time for Croatian literature, coinciding with the broader movements of nationalism across Europe.

Vlaho Bukovac, Ilirski preporod

The Illyrian Movement, aimed at promoting Croatian language and culture, significantly influenced literary expression. Authors such as Petar Zoranić and Ivan Gundulić produced significant works that explored themes of love, heroism, and the human condition. Gundulić's epic poem “Osman” (1620) reflects the struggles against Ottoman rule, serving as both a literary masterpiece and a symbol of national resilience. Also, Šenoa’s historical novels, such as “Zlatarevo zlato” (The Goldsmith's Treasure), interwove romance with historical events, capturing the imagination of readers and contributing to the development of the Croatian novel. The 20th century was marked by significant literary movements, including modernism and postmodernism. Notable figures such as Marin Držić and Tin Ujević emerged, offering fresh perspectives on existential themes, identity, and the human experience.

Držić, a playwright and poet, is celebrated for his sharp wit and satirical approach, with works like “Dundo Maroje” remaining central to Croatian theatrical tradition. The aftermath of World War II brought political changes that impacted literary expression. The socialist regime-imposed censorship, yet writers found ways to navigate these constraints. Miroslav Krleža, one of Croatia’s most prominent literary figures, addressed social and political issues in his works, often critiquing the status quo.

His play “Glembajevi”, explored the complexities of human nature where a family is overtaken by desire, relationships, and drama leading to their inevitable downfall.

Croatian Art

The origins of Croatian art can be traced back to prehistoric times, with evidence of artistic expression found in cave paintings in places like the Vela Spila cave on the island of Korčula. These early artworks, which date back to the Paleolithic era, depict animals and human figures, reflecting the lives of early inhabitants. As the region came under Roman rule, the influence of classical art began to permeate Croatian culture.

Roman cities such as Pula and Split showcase remarkable examples of Roman architecture, including the Pula Arena and the Diocletian’s Palace.

These structures are not only significant for their engineering but also for their artistic decoration, which included sculptures and mosaics that illustrated mythological and everyday themes.

The medieval period marked a significant transformation in Croatian art, characterized by the influence of Christianity. The arrival of Byzantine art brought new styles, particularly in religious iconography. Churches built during this period, such as the Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, showcase stunning stone carvings and elaborate altars.

The Baroque era further enriched Croatian art, particularly in architecture and sculpture. The influence of the Catholic Church was profound, as many Baroque churches were constructed during this time. The Church of St. Nicholas in Zadar is a prime example, showcasing elaborate decorations and a dramatic interior.

The 19th century was a pivotal time for Croatian art, coinciding with the rise of national consciousness and the desire for cultural independence. Vladimir Nazor and Ivan Meštrović were significant figures during this period. Nazor’s poetry often intertwined with visual art, while Meštrović, one of Croatia’s most celebrated sculptors, created monumental works that captured the spirit of the Croatian people. His sculptures, such as the “Well of Life”, exemplify the emotional depth and national pride that characterized the era.

The 20th century brought about radical changes in the artistic landscape of Croatia. Modernism emerged, challenging traditional forms and embracing new techniques and ideas. Artists like Julije Knifer and Miroslav Kraljević explored abstraction and surrealism, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Storytelling, Science, and 101

Croatia is known for being the filming location of the HBO series Game of Thrones with its beautiful architecture and landscapes. Dubrovnik served as the primary filming location for King's Landing attracting fans from around the world.

In addition to Dubrovnik, various other locations in Croatia served as filming sites for "Game of Thrones," including Split and the fortress of Klis, attracting eager fans to see where these iconic stories took place.

The renowned inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia, in 1856. His contributions to modern electricity and technology are celebrated worldwide.He pioneered the generation, transmission, and use of alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be transmitted over much greater distances than direct current (DC).

The Dalmatian breed originated from the region of Dalmatia in Croatia. The breed is known for its distinctive spotted coat and is often associated with firehouses due to its historical role as a carriage dog.

"Kamen po kamen, palača." - "Stone by stone, a palace."

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