'Rodoč for Remembrance': A monograph preserves the history and heritage of a Mostar community

The Croatian Heritage Foundation in Zagreb has presented Rodoč for Remembrance, a monograph by Davor Šaravanja and Tibor Vrančić, the result of nearly seven years of research. Spanning more than 300 pages, the book preserves the history, memories and identity of Rodoč, a settlement in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The monograph documents the people, events, customs and traditions that have shaped Rodoč over the centuries, offering a valuable record of the community's heritage for future generations.

The presentation was organized by the Croatian Cultural and Artistic Society Rodoč, the Croatian Heritage Foundation and the Klub Mostaraca Association, with the aim of highlighting the area's rich local heritage and ensuring its preservation.

The book was presented in Zagreb by co-author Davor Šaravanja, Žana Ćorić, an adviser specializing in issues concerning Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, Miljenko Puljić, a prominent cultural figure and former director of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and Komedija Theatre, and Vedran Vidović, artistic director of the Rodoč Croatian Cultural and Artistic Society and president of the Association of Croatian Amateur Cultural and Artistic Societies of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A written monument to Rodoč's past

Divided into 12 chapters, the monograph traces the settlement's history from ancient times to the present day. It explores demographic changes, old family names and surnames, everyday life, customs, economic activity, agriculture, industry, sports and cultural life, as well as events that have shaped the local community.

Drawing on historical records, documents, photographs and personal testimonies, Šaravanja and Vrančić set out to preserve valuable accounts of Rodoč and its people that might otherwise have been lost to time.

The book also offers a message to younger generations about the importance of understanding their roots. Its photographs, documents, names and personal stories provide a lasting record of the place from which many families originate.

"This monograph is a valuable contribution to preserving our shared memory. It bears witness to the people, the times and the life of a place. But a book, no matter how valuable, is not enough on its own. Heritage lives only when it is passed on, when someone embraces it, understands it and continues to live it," Vidović said at the presentation.

He stressed that one of the most important tasks is to find ways to pass on the knowledge, experience and values of previous generations to those who follow.

A glimpse into the area's economic history

Ćorić highlighted programs and projects through which the Croatian government supports Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly initiatives aimed at helping people remain in their communities and build sustainable livelihoods.

She also pointed to intriguing historical details featured in the monograph, including evidence of agricultural experiments in the area during the 19th century.

"The Croatian government has numerous projects supporting Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of them helps people remain in their communities and earn a living through their work, including agriculture. Speaking of agriculture, the monograph mentions that rice was cultivated in Rodoč in the mid-19th century and that there were also attempts to grow peanuts," Ćorić said.

A bridge between Croatia and Croats abroad

Puljić noted the significance of presenting the book at the Croatian Heritage Foundation, describing the institution as more than a venue for book launches.

"The Croatian Heritage Foundation is not just a place where we present a book. It is a space for meetings, connections and the transfer of knowledge — a place where the importance of the ties between Croatia and Croats beyond its borders is reaffirmed," he said.

He also reflected on the significance of the monograph's title, emphasizing that remembrance should serve a purpose beyond looking back.

"Remembrance is not simply about turning toward the past. It has meaning when we learn from it and when it helps us make better decisions for the future," Puljić said.

Preserving tradition through music and dance

The event concluded with a musical and dance performance by members of the Rodoč Croatian Cultural and Artistic Society, which is celebrating 25 years of activity this year.

Founded in 2001, the society has played an important role in preserving Croatian cultural and folklore traditions, bringing together generations through song, dance, folk customs and other cultural activities.

Their performance in Zagreb offered a glimpse of the rich folklore heritage of the Mostar region and reinforced the central message of the book: a community's history and identity endure as long as people remain committed to preserving its stories and passing them on to future generations.