German and Austrian Identity in Modern Slavic Osijek

Authors:

• Michał Kucharski

Abstract

The article presents the identity of Germans and Austrians in present and in historical Osijek, Croatia. German settlement then the Second World War and the experience of exile afterwards are few of the most crucial elements of current identities for both groups. Other important factors constituting identification and reflecting communities’ connection to Osijek are: architecture, activity of figures such as Vjekoslav Hengl or works of artists like among others Adolf Waldinger or Vilma Vukelić. The article showcases historical as well as current status of said minorities in urban space and in the sites of memory with possible perspectives for the future. Due to their size but also influence, communities played a significant role not only in Osijek’s past but also in the whole Croatian culture, especially literature. These days both groups together count barely several hundred people, but are still strongly present in collective memory of the citizens of Osijek. The conclusion focused on the issue of city’s current identity that consists of German and Austrian heritage and its present perception.