The Complex Identity of Croats and Serbs in Historical Context

Introduction

The relationship between Croats and Serbs has always been complex, with identity often being intertwined with religious and cultural affiliations. This article explores how these identities evolved over time, particularly in the context of religious differences.

Distinct National Identities

While some Croats and Serbs have always identified with shared national or cultural identities, there has also been a divide based on religious affiliations. Historically, Croats identified themselves as exclusively Croat, whereas Serbs took a more inclusive approach. The term 'Croatian' was often used to describe individuals or groups of Slavic origin who spoke the Croatian language and were predominantly Catholic, while 'Serb' was used for those who were primarily Orthodox.

Orthodox Croats vs. Catholic Serbs

The identification of Orthodox Croats and Catholic Serbs with their religious denominations was not always aligned with national identity. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some Catholic Serbs in regions around Dubrovnik identified as Catholic Serbs, but it is important to note that this was often a constructed national identity—and many of these individuals eventually abandoned their Serbian identification altogether.

Hostile Identification

Some individuals who identified themselves as Serbs in Catholic areas were vocal in their anti-Croatian sentiments. It is crucial to recognize that while a minority of Catholic Serbs held these views, they did not represent the majority. Similarly, many Orthodox Croats also identified with a predominantly Croatian national identity during the same period.

Traditional Slavic Orthodox Serbia

Beyond the Catholic regions, in Slavic-speaking Orthodox communities, there was often a split between religious adherence and national identity. Many Orthodox Croats referred to themselves as Croats, despite being Orthodox, often due to their residence in Croatia. This did not necessarily indicate a strong national identity but rather a cultural and linguistic heritage.

Data and Census Insights

According to census data from 1890, even among Slavic-speaking Orthodox Croats, there was a distinct linguistic and possibly cultural identification with Croatia. This is evidenced by the fact that among both Orthodox and Catholic populations, those speaking Serbian were predominantly from the Serbian region of Srem (now in Vojvodina-Serbia), while those speaking Croatian were predominantly Catholics.

Implications for Modern Identity

The persistence of Croatian identification among Orthodox Croats, even in the late 19th century, highlights the complexity of cultural and national identities. The disappearance of this identification in the 20th century might be attributed to political and social changes, but the roots of this phenomenon lie deeply in historical religious and cultural affiliations.

Conclusion

The historical development of identity among Croats and Serbs is a testament to the multifaceted nature of national and religious identities. While religious affiliations played a significant role, national identity was also constructed and redefined over time. Understanding these historical contexts is crucial for comprehending the complex interplay of cultural and religious identities in the region.