ZAGREB, 20 July, 2021 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Tuesday congratulated the head of the Islamic Community in Croatia, Mufti Aziz Hasanović, and all Islamic believers on Kurban Bayram, wishing that the Bayram days be filled with peace, health and joy.

Plenković also wished that "this time of sacrifice give you inspiration and strength to overcome the challenges and tests ahead."

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July 2, 2021 - Dedication to researching and developing the field of social sciences sees the Ivo Pilar Social Research Institute expanding scientific cooperation once again after Željko Holjevac's visit to Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Ivo Pilar Social Research Institute, active as always, continues to expand its cooperation on scientifically explain social issues (symbolically noted as 2021 marks 30 years of the Institute).

As reported on their official website, Institute headmaster dr. Željko Holjevac visited Sarajevo, the capital city of the neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina, from June 21-23.

The main story of that visit was a signed bilateral cooperation agreement between the Ivo Pilar Social Research Institute and the Sarajevo Catholic Faculty. The agreement was signed by Holjevac and Faculty dean dr. Darko Tomašević.

Additionally, Holjevac was at the reception with Vrhbosanski's vice bishop Vinko Puljić.

„They talked about possible shared projects that would be adjusted to the tradition, culture and developing needs of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina“, informed Ivo pilar social research Institute.

Croatian Cultural Society Napredak (progress) also met with Holjevac. Napredak soon celebrates 120 years of work and was founded at the start of the 20th century when the famous Croatian social scientist Pilar was active in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Napredak plans various manifestations for their big anniversary, and dr. Holjevac discussed the possible cooperation in organizing an international scientific symposium regarding the identity of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ivo Pilar Institute working in full speed

This sort of cooperation in regards to researching the Croatian diaspora in the neighboring country where the Croatian historical role and present is significant is nothing new for the Ivo Pilar Social research Institute.

As TCN reported earlier in May, the Institute, along with scientific partners, organized a conference “Identity of Boka Kotorska Croatians“, and the three-day event gathered crucial scientific institutes in Croatia to the town of Tivat in the Bay of Croatian Saints in Montenegro.

Scientists from the Institute were also active this year as they participated at European Conference For Social Work Research (ECSWR), International Society for Ethnology and Folklore (SIEF) Conference, and also by presenting a book on Croatian Mountain Rescue Service in Gospić, or by presenting book Cultural Identity of Vukovar – Contribution to Investigating Heritage and Successors“ – to list some of the activities TCN reported on throughout 2021.

As 2021 marks the 30th year anniversary of the Ivo Pilar Institute, apart from the aforementioned actions (to which we can include nurturing relations with scientific colleagues in Slovakia or opening a new research office on Vis Island), several more goals were envisioned by the end of the year: to publish the first edition of critical translation for the book „South Slavic (Yugoslav) Question“ by Ivo Pilar from 1918, and to make and publish Pilar's Kaleidoskop of Croatian society.

With the active academic dynamic demonstrated by the Institute, there is no doubt there is enough quality and capacity to achieve these goals. It is only a matter of time in such a busy and productive schedule.

Learn more about Croatian Diaspora on our TC page.

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ZAGREB, 3 June 2021 - A call for applications for scholarships for young persecuted Christians from developing countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa advertised by Croatia's Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has attracted 5,500 candidates.

A total of HRK 1.5 million was set aside in the state budget for scholarships for undergraduate and graduate university study for young persons persecuted for their faith so that they would be able to study in Croatia, gain knowledge and then return to their home country, where they will help to build their communities and democratic and tolerant society. The money will be used for their study and accommodation during their studies in Croatia.

The ministries will analyze the applications for scholarships, evaluate them and then decide which candidates will be awarded a scholarship for the 2021/2022 academic year, in accordance with the available funds.

The money for the Croatian scholarships for young persecuted Christians was ensured in the state budget on the basis of an amendment to this year's state budget submitted by independent MP Marijana Petir and accepted in November 2020.

Marijana Petir told Hina that the number of candidates "exceeds all expectations".

According to Petir, data of organizations that follow trends in religious freedoms show that Christians are exposed to discrimination and persecution, so such a large number of applications for Croatian scholarships is not surprising.

She recalled that the pontifical foundation Aid to Church in Need had presented the 15th edition of the Religious Freedom in the World Report, for the 2018-2020 period, which had shown that out of the 196 countries analyzed, human freedoms were seriously violated in 62 of them. In 30 countries, people were killed for religious reasons.

"The report shows that the right to freedom of religion is being violated in one of three countries, and it is estimated that about 67% of the world population, or 5.2 billion people, live in countries where there are serious restrictions on religious freedom," Petir said.

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ZAGREB, 13 May, 2021 - President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Thursday issued separate messages offering their best wishes to Muslims on the occasion of the holiday of Ramadan Bayram.

Wishing all the best to the head of the Islamic Community in Croatia, Mufti Aziz Hasanović and the Muslim community, PM Plenković wished them an abundance of peace, hope and family unity.

Stressing the traditionally good relations between the government and the Islamic Community, Plenković expressed confidence that "our continual dialogue, mutual respect and understanding will contribute to an even better cooperation to the benefit of our society and community."

In his message to Muslims, President Milanović said that he wished the great holiday of sacrifice and self-restraint to serve as an encouragement in the promotion of mutual understanding, dialogue and tolerance to the benefit of Croatia.

"My sincere congratulations to fellow citizens of Muslim faith on the occasion of Ramadan Bayram. May this great holiday of sacrifice and self-restraint bring you peaceful and joyous moments of piety and family unity and serve as encouragement in the promotion of mutual understanding, dialogue and tolerance to the benefit of our homeland," Milanović said in his message.

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, too, today offered his best wishes to Muslims on the occasion of Ramadan Bayram.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

The ratification of the Istanbul Convention has aroused strong feelings and protests on both sides in recent weeks. Longterm expat resident of Split Tim Bourcier explains his views on what happened in Split last Friday in a guest blog.

Christianity is one of the foundations of Split, and its many churches can witness how faith was important in city's history. However, what to do if you are religious, but not Catholic? Or not a Christian? Where to worship? Here is the brief guide, in alphabetic order.

Adventist Church

One of the rare non-Catholic Christian denominations that managed to build their own faith center, on a very good and accessible location. Every Saturday there is a Bible studying at 10 am, and sermon on 11.15. Plus, every Wednesday at 6 pm, they have meetings of Bible Friends Club.

Baptist Church

Thanks to activities by pastor Dražen Radman, this small church community is very well present in local community. They have sermons every Sunday at 10 am, and prayer meetings on Wednesdays at 8 pm. For English speakers translation during sermon is provided.

Evangelical Lutheran Church Split

Officially, it's based in Split, but its site is actually in Šibenik. However, they have activities in Split. Since web site is in Croatian only, maybe it's the best to contact them to check, e-mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Evangelical Methodist Church

Another small religious community, with a praying site, you can find it here. For more info on activities, phone them on + 385 (0)21 569 766.

Islamic Community Majlis

Another big and important community in Split, and city's history and social life. Unfortunately, there is no mosque in Split, but to all faithfull a praying site, or mesjid, is available in the city's center. Beside all religious services, there you can also learn about where to buy, or where to eat by hallal principles. In Split, only Turkish restaurant Istah has this certificate.

Jewish Community

Jews left incredibly important mark in Split history, and some of the most important city landmarks are connected with their community, like 16th century synagogue, old Jewish cemetery, or Morpurgo bookstore, the third oldest in Europe. Unfortunately, Split doesn't have a rabbi, but it's possible to worship in the synagogue. Of course, Community's excellent web site will give you a detailed insight into a role Jews played and still play in Split.

Kailash Buddhist Center Split

This center is consisted of temple and a bookstore, and offers a place for meditation. Often are different events, like lectures about Buddhism foundations, and principles. As they say on their web site, it's open to anyone, you don't need to be a Buddhist to participate in Center's activities.

Serbian Orthodox Church

Recently, we wrote about unfinished Serbian Orthodox church of Saint Sava, but this community has a small place of worship, right next to this site. There they hold all services like in any Serbian Orthodox church, in spite of spatial problems. Serbs are the biggest ethnic minority in Croatia, and thus their national church plays an important role in their social life.

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