The Migration Tradition of Imotski March (Croatia)

Rad pokušava predstaviti historijski pregled prostorne pokretljivosti stanovništva Imotske krajine od pada pod Turke do današnjih dana. Geopolitička važnost ovog prostora (vojničke granice, »serhata«) uvjetuje da on često mijenja gospodare i dolazi pod vlast čas jednih, čas drugih. Ta su višestoljetna preganjanja susjednih vladara i dinasta izazivali nespokojstvo imotskog puka, pa je onda razumljiva i njihova spremnost za pomicanje s toga nemirnog teritorija. Novi vladar dovodi i nove ljude; imanja mijenjaju gospodare. Pa onda opet, iznova! Siromašni krš i nemirna granica razlog su niskog stupnja gospodarske razvijenosti. To je nova paradigma migracija stanovnika. Očituje se i u kraćim i u daljim relacijama. To neprestano migriranje ušlo je u svijest, u historijsko pamćenje i ovodobnih stanovnika Imotske krajine, koju podjednako obilježava visok obujam unutrašnjih i vanjskih migracija, te iseljeništva. Iako naučeno na neprestano kretanje, ovo stanovništvo ima jak osjećaj pripadnosti zavičaju, jer kako reče jedan njihov književnik (Raos), ne zaboravljaju da »ako i nevenu korijenje porežeš – uvenut će«. Uvijek spremni otići, još su spremniji vratiti se.The paper attempts to present an historical overview of spatial mobility of the people of Imotski region from when they fell under Turkish rule to the present. The geopolitical importance of this area (a military march, Turkish: serhad) brought about that it often changed masters, coming under the rule first of one side, and then the other. Centuries of contension between rulers and dynasts disturbed the populace of Imotski, so that their willingness to leave their unquiet land is to be understood. New rulers brought new people! Properties changed hands – and then again – all from the beginning! The impoverished carst and the restless border were reasons for a low level of economic development. This constituted a new paradigm for migration, which showed itself both in short-distance and in long-distance relations. Continuous migration became a part of the conscience, the historical consciousness even of the present inhabitants of the region of Imotski, which is likewise marked by a high rate of internal and external, as well as overseas migration. Although accustomed to continuous movement, these people have a strong feeling of belonging to their homeland, since, as their author Raos has stated, they have not forgotten that “if you cut the root even of a marigold – it will die”. Always prepared to leave, they are even more prepared to return