Kenan Kajan, Zalik, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Past, Present, and Future
Author: Kenan Kajan
My personal connection to Zalik traces back twenty-eight years, transporting me to my childhood days. For a decade, I resided in Zalik alongside my parents, brother, and older sister in the aftermath of the war that occurred from 1992 to 1995. While my recollections of that period are limited, relying solely on a single photograph, it proves difficult to paint a vivid picture of life in Zalik from such a distant perspective. However, I do recall that opportunities for socializing and fostering a sense of unity were scarce.
Zalik served as a temporary solution and neighbourhood for my family, and in April 2005, we moved to another part of the city. However, through a series of events, I found myself returning to Zalik after an eleven-year gap when I got married. Once again, Zalik became my place of residence. Despite my husband not being originally from Zalik, many of his acquaintances and relatives were part of this charming neighbourhood. It was this connection that influenced our decision to become proud residents of Zalik ourselves. We embarked on a journey of building a home and creating a shared life together. Two years later, we welcomed a new addition, and my husband and I became parents to a baby girl.
Over the years, Zalik has undergone significant transformations. It experienced a period of stagnation following the war, followed by a phase of reconstruction and growth. During a certain period, there was a notable presence of students residing in the neighbourhood. However, presently, Zalik is thriving with a vibrant community of young couples with children who have chosen to make this neighbourhood their home, coming from various parts of the city and even the country. It is evident that some students have also decided to settle down and start families in this area. As time has passed, I have personally changed, my perspective on life has evolved, and my memories of the neighbourhood have faded. With the desire to integrate myself into this familiar yet new community, I am determined to establish new connections and extend a warm welcome to the new members of our community who arrive daily from different parts of our country, as we say in Bosnia and Herzegovina, by “opening the doors of my home.”
To me, family is the fundamental building block of personal growth, providing invaluable support, motivation, and constructive feedback. Similarly, I hold the belief that the neighbourhood we reside in has the power to shape us as individuals. Zalik exemplifies that family doesn’t solely comprise spouses and immediate relatives. It serves as a model for other communities, showcasing how a society of individuals can and should function harmoniously. Presently, Zalik holds the distinction of being one of the most appealing neighbourhoods in Mostar, renowned for its desirability as a place to live.
Within Zalik, I have cultivated a sense of security and belonging. I enjoy the freedom to explore the local park and playground, actively engage in community life, expand my social network, and work towards establishing meaningful friendships. By demonstrating good manners and fostering neighbourly relationships, we have the opportunity to set an example for our children and others on how to foster a positive community spirit. Along the way, I have encountered numerous young couples in Zalik who have chosen to start their families here, finding a sense of safety and warmth, regardless of their backgrounds. The genuine warmth and daily pleasant interactions among the residents make us feel like one big family. In today’s world, I consider this to be an exceptional privilege.
Since the beginning of this short story until its conclusion, numerous changes have taken place, perhaps even an overwhelming amount. As the title suggests, Zalik, my cherished place of residence, is gradually becoming a part of the past once again. I will observe it from a new standpoint, from a considerable distance, and perhaps one day find inspiration to write stories about it once more. In a few months’ time, I will bid farewell to my homeland and my beloved neighbourhood. My thoughts and emotions are a mixture of conflicting and indistinct feelings, making it challenging to accurately describe them. Do I feel fear, or is it merely uncertainty? Could my four-year-old child have formed lasting memories of our neighbourhood, the daily strolls, visits to the park, and interactions with other children? Will she long for all of those experiences? Unlike my own childhood, there are now memories, photographs, videos, and various mementos. Might these somehow shape her future development? One thing is certain: I will deeply miss my neighbourhood, and it will forever remain a symbol of security within my memories.