Cultural heritage discussions focus on Zadar toponyms and Ostros dry stone walls

In Zadar, Croatia, discussions have emerged regarding the preservation and renaming of historical toponyms. As the city's ancient walls approach a decade of UNESCO protection, questions arise about whether names of foreign origin, such as 'Muraj' (from the Italian 'muragli') or 'Bedemi' (from Turkish), should be replaced with native Croatian terms like 'Zidine'. However, some historical names, such as 'Punta Bajlo', are viewed as unique proper nouns that should remain unchanged.

In Ostros, a new photography book titled ‘Suvomeđe Ostrosa, Krajine i Šestana’ by Anto Baković and Zijo Madžurić was recently promoted at the ‘Đerđ Kastriot Skenderbeg’ elementary school. The book documents the region's dry stone walls, which are considered vital cultural heritage and a testament to ancestral survival in rocky landscapes. The authors emphasize that protecting these stone structures from erosion and overgrowth is essential for preserving traditional landscapes and could serve as a significant foundation for regional Mediterranean tourism.