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Town of Trogir: Italian Roots Filled with Balkan History

A few weeks ago, a friend, who happens to be Canadian came back from a European backpacking trip. During our conversation and review of the trip, the town of Trogir came up. I’ve never been myself, but my parents have visited in their younger days and even they claim that it’s one of the most unique towns in all of the Balkans. Despite that much beauty exists in other Balkan countries such as Bosnia, Slovenia, Macedonia and Serbia, Croatia easily beats every other Balkan country in terms of tourism year in-year out.

There’s no question that Croatia is beautiful, especially it’s coast, so without a doubt I’d have to say that Westerners are more inclined to go to Trogir and other parts of Croatia than any other Balkan country.

Trogir lies 27 kilometers west of Split, and has a very small population of just under 11,000 residents. What makes Trogir unique is how well preserved/restored it is for a medieval city, especially for a medieval city on the water. Trogir’s prime location made self-governance difficult. Greece, Rome, Venice and Austria-Hungary occupied the island at different points in history.  But the Italian influence seems the most prominent. In terms of food, the island offers amazing pasta dishes, and Italian is freely spoken around the island. 

My friend said that Trogir was breath taking – a picturesque town designed for wandering, taking photos and enjoying some very yummy ice cream while at it. Trogir may have Italian roots, but it also has Balkan hospitality. Throughout the island, restaurants offer homemade wine and rakija. Trogir is popular for its architecture and natural beauty, but its Balkan hospitality is its true charm. I suppose what makes Trogir unique is that it’s not a posh island by any stretch of the imagination – but not overrun by tourist even at peak summer times.

Image Source (wikimedia, croatie) 

SUNDAY HUMOUR: Miami Heat Fan Staying Classy!

For decades now, fans have mistreated athletes in numerous ways. Every incident is shameful, but some are outright funny and shameful at the same time. Most fans get caught up in the hype and forget that athletes are like any other hardworking person…except they get paid millions more. A few weeks ago we got to see how classy the city of Miami truly is after Joakim Noah was making his way off the court after being ejected in in Game 2. The blonde Miami Heat fan flashed him the middle finger while screaming in Noah’s face. But the kicker was the security guard who stood inches away and watched the whole thing unfold.

The brightest spot out of this whole incident was that for this fan’s sake it wasn’t Ron Artest, who would have decked her as she leaned over with the middle finger.

Okay….yes, we are a day late with Sunday Humour, but give us a break…we’re still recovering from the Halid Beslic Concert in Toronto :)

Here We Go…….Halid Beslic Concert Toronto & Photography by Za Vas!!

For this feature Friday we continue the hype about the legend from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The same legend that has been providing us with hits since the late 70′s and the one that you have seen live many times where ever he has performed. The same legend that you your parents continue to verse his songs anytime a sjelo happens. Yes, again we are talking about Halid Beslic Concert in Toronto. 

Most of us grew up with Halid Beslic and his music, but some of us may not know that Halid Beslic started his singing career in the Knežina village of the Bosnian town Sokolac. Like most young men growing up in ex-YU, Halid had to serve in the National Yugoslav Army. After his army tenure he moved to Sarajevo – the same city he’s called home for over 30 years. Sarajevo gave Halid a stage to perform as he went on to start performing at local restaurants and bars. Soon the demand grew around the region and over time he went on to become what he is today – a legend in the folk and sevdah music. He went on to record 8 singles between the 1979 and 1982. His first studio album was titled ‘Sijedi Starac” (The Old Man) was was released in 1981.

Through out next few years Halid Beslic went on to gain a lot of buzz and popularity throughout Yugoslavia with his biggest hits being  “Neću, neću dijamante” (I Don’t Want, I Don’t Want Diamonds) and “Budi budi uvijek srećna” (Always, Always Be a Happy Woman), both which were largely welcomed over Yugoslavia. During the 80′s he went on to release 8 more albums with many hits that went on define his illustrious career.

When the 90s came around and the break up of Yugoslavia began, Halid staged more than 500 humanitarian concerts around Europe to raise money for the people suffering in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In total Halid Beslic recorded a staggering 17 albums, which included endless hits that will never be forgotten. 

From his singing and different business achievement’s, Halid Beslic has had great financial success. But most importantly he has continued to bring us joy with his voice and great music that will serve today’s generation and generations to come.

Concert Announcement

We are proud to announce that in partnership with Gremy Concerts and KH Photography, ZA VAS will provide full photography for the Halid Beslic concert. We hope to see you around at tonight’s concert in full spirit with your smiley’s on! Enjoy the mix below and hope it hypes you up for the concert!! See y’all tonight!!