Are Herzegovinians 'flooding' Zagreb? Discussion explores visibility and migration patterns

A Reddit discussion is examining the common perception that Zagreb is "flooded" with people from the Herzegovina region. One user initiated the conversation by noting they had encountered few Herzegovinians, questioning the origin and timing of their migration, and whether it was primarily due to work opportunities in the 1960s and 70s or displacement during the 1990s wars.

Some contributors suggest that while the number of Herzegovinians in Zagreb may not have drastically increased, their visibility is higher. This heightened visibility is attributed to individuals from Herzegovina occupying prominent leadership roles over the past 30 years, making them appear more prevalent than other migrant groups. The user who started the thread also observed that people from Dalmatia seem to be present in similar numbers.

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People of Herzegovinian origin lead the city. That's why they say it's full of Herzegovinians, because they were in leading positions, at least for 30 years, so they are more visible than others. It's not some philosophy.

Further discussion points to the diverse origins of Zagreb's population, noting that many residents, even those born in the city, have roots elsewhere in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina. One user shared that their high school class was composed of students with origins from Dalmatia, Herzegovina, Kvarner, and Slavonia, with very few native "purger" (old Zagreb) families. This suggests a broad demographic mix rather than a singular dominant group.

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I know several people who claim to be true Zagrebians, but when you scratch the surface a little, they are from Zagorje.

Historical context reveals that migration from Herzegovina to Zagreb occurred in waves. Some relatives moved for work in industrial plants during the mid-20th century, while others stayed after completing their studies. One individual noted having more relatives in Zagreb than in their native Herzegovina, a common occurrence for families from the region. These migrants have settled throughout Zagreb, from its central areas to its outskirts.

Another perspective suggests that the perception of Herzegovinians dominating Zagreb might be an exaggeration. While acknowledging their presence and influence, particularly in leadership positions, the consensus leans towards Zagreb being a melting pot of people from across Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussion concludes that while Herzegovinians are a noticeable part of the city's fabric, they are one among many groups contributing to Zagreb's diverse identity.

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Zagreb is full of people from all over Croatia and BiH. I know true purgers on the fingers of one hand.