PRESERVATION OF ZRIN
Our mission is to preserve and celebrate the profound significance of Zrin, transcending its status as a mere location on a map. As descendants and allies of the town's forefathers, we bear the responsibility of safeguarding the living legacy of Zrin, honouring the cherished memory of our ancestors, and ensuring their stories resonate with future generations.
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BRANKA DEMBIC-CUBELIC
Zrin is not just a place on a map. It is the root of our being, the foundation of our heritage, and the spirit that runs through our veins. As descendants and friends of the town's forefathers, it is our responsibility to keep the legacy of Zrin alive, to honour our ancestors' memory, and to pass on their stories to future generations.
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My own heart beats with the rhythm of Zrinjian soil. Despite being born in Drenje and raised in Australia, my soul belongs to Zrin. The blood of my father, his parents, and his ancestors flows in my veins, tracing back to Pavao Dembic, who was born in Zrinj in 1770. It was a moment of destiny when I returned to Zrin, drawn by a force I couldn't ignore. The lush green valley where my father grew up, and the ruins of Marija Magdalene church on the hill stirred something deep within me.
As I stood barefoot on the cracked and broken stone floor of the ancient church, I wept. It was as if the axis of my world had shifted, and I could feel the spirit of my ancestors guiding me towards my purpose. It was in that moment that I met Damir, who shared his passion and his knowledge of the town and the church's history. The tears were still visible in my eyes as we talked, and my heart overflowed with emotions.
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Back in Australia, I met Vicki, and our shared passion for uncovering the stories of Zrin brought us together. As we talked and shared our findings, a deep connection formed between us, as if we were family. Together with Marijana, a first-generation descendant of Zrin and the daughter of Kata nee Ikic, Valerie Skender nee Brajcinovic, also a first-generation descendant. Valerie’s knowledge and ability with the translation of impossibly hard to read documents has been absolutely invaluable. Her Father was Mato Brajcinovic, a boy of Zrin and a tireless advocate of Zrin before his death in 2020. There are many others and many more of you who will contribute in the future.
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Our mission is not just about building a family tree. It is about connecting with our roots, understanding our history, and embracing our identity as Zrinjians. It is about forging new friendships, overcoming obstacles, and creating a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
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Let us embrace our journey with open hearts and open minds, guided by the spirit of our ancestors and fueled by the love of Zrin. Together, we can accomplish great things and keep the legacy of Zrin alive for all time.
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When you come to Zrin I invite you to come and visit the lavender field. We don’t know where our beloved Zrinjani have been buried but let each and every plant, every blooming flower, and the exquisite fragrance of lavender remind us of them.
MARIJANA & VICKI
Through their perseverance and dedication, Marijana and Vicki used their complementary skills, the first in all things Information Technologies (all things computer) and the seconds in all things DNA and genealogy to honour Kata’s story and give voice to the forgotten history of Zrin. Their journey serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the path, with determination and persistence, anything is possible.
Marijana reached out to a family friend living in Croatia who was passionate about Zrin history. This friend, Branka, proved to be a formidable source of information and connections. Despite the time zone difference, Branka eagerly accepted Marijana's Facebook message and personally connected with her. From there, Marijana brought in Vicki, a skilled problem solver and genealogist. Vicki's own mother had passed away before her time, leaving many questions unanswered. Through her work, she was determined to ensure that the same did not happen to Marijana's mother, Kata Ikic's story, as a child of Zrin.
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Damir is widely known among Zrin survivors, their descendants, and friends, as well as anyone interested in truthful and honourable historical writing. His books about Zrin have been read and re-read, passed through families and across the globe.
Zrinjani were forbidden from talking about Zrin, it wasn’t until after victory in the Homeland War that some felt able to talk about Zrin for the first time over 50 years later. Unfortunately, some descendants never got to hear the history from their forebears, as they had already died. The importance of his books and their historical accuracy, supported with documentation is immeasurable.
He has dedicated hundreds and hundreds of hours to talk with individuals who possess firsthand knowledge, displaying remarkable patience and empathy in his interactions. Damir's exceptional abilities and unwavering passion ensure that our history will not be forgotten.
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DAMIR BOROVCAK
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Damir also played a crucial role in supporting this project after an unlikely meeting on a sunny day in 2018 at the damaged St. Marija Magdalena Church in Zrin. Branka, a returnee, whose father Franjo escaped Zrin as a young boy, was standing with bare feet on the cold and broken stone of the floor within the roofless chapel, tears filling her eyes. She can’t explain why she took her shoes off, she just felt the need to connect. It was Damir, the only other person there who gave words to her emotions. He spoke to her with empathy, explaining the place and its history. The seeds were planted. Zrinjani and their descendants come from a good, strong seed, and our webpages are just one element of the growing produce.
