THE BALKANS > Today there are many different groups living in the area.

This causes many conflicts over religion, politics and territory

Ethnic majority groups in the Balkans

The Balkans was once part of the Roman Empire and many people there are still Christian (Catholic or Orthodox)

The Balkan region was once part of the Ottoman Empire/Turkey and many people are still Muslim

Because the Balkans sits at a cultural crossroads, there are many ethnic groups in the area. This has caused tension making the region a SHATTERBELT. (a culturally fragmented area)

2. Ethnic divisions
ETHNIC MAJORITY ETHNIC MINORITY WRITING SYSTEM
HISTORICAL ALLY

CROATIA

BOSNIA

SERBIA

KOSOVO

RELIGION

2. Ethnic divisions
ETHNIC MAJORITY ETHNIC MINORITY WRITING SYSTEM
HISTORICAL ALLY

CROATIA CROATS SERBS

LATIN/ROMAN

BOSNIA

SERBIA

KOSOVO

(You are using it

now)

AUSTRIA/ GERMANY
CHRISTIAN/ CATHOLIC

RELIGION

2. Ethnic divisions
ETHNIC MAJORITY ETHNIC MINORITY WRITING SYSTEM
HISTORICAL ALLY

CROATIA CROATS SERBS

LATIN/ROMAN

BOSNIA MUSLIMS CROATS/ SERBS LATIN/ ROMAN OTTOMAN TURKS ISLAM

SERBIA

KOSOVO

(You are using it

now)

AUSTRIA/ GERMANY
CHRISTIAN/ CATHOLIC

RELIGION

2. Ethnic divisions
ETHNIC MAJORITY ETHNIC MINORITY WRITING SYSTEM
HISTORICAL ALLY

CROATIA CROATS SERBS

LATIN/ROMAN

BOSNIA MUSLIMS CROATS/ SERBS LATIN/ ROMAN OTTOMAN TURKS ISLAM

SERBIA SERBS MUSLIMS/ CROATS CYRILLIC/ RUSSIAN RUSSIA

CHRISTIAN/ ORTHODOX

KOSOVO

(You are using it

now)

AUSTRIA/ GERMANY
CHRISTIAN/ CATHOLIC

RELIGION

2. Ethnic divisions
ETHNIC MAJORITY ETHNIC MINORITY WRITING SYSTEM

CROATIA CROATS SERBS

LATIN/ROMAN

BOSNIA MUSLIMS CROATS/ SERBS LATIN/ ROMAN

SERBIA SERBS MUSLIMS/ CROATS CYRILLIC/ RUSSIAN RUSSIAN

KOSOVO ALBANIAN SERBS LATIN/ ROMAN

ALBANIANS

(You are using it

now)

HISTORICAL ALLY

AUSTRIA/ GERMANY
CHRISTIAN/ CATHOLIC

OTTOMAN TURKS
ISLAM

RUSSIA
CHRISTIAN/ ORTHODOX

RELIGION

CHRISTIAN/ MUSLIM

*Modern problem > Ethnic Cleansing

Definition > A policy of having only one ethnic group live in an area. Primary associated with Serbs and forced removal of Bosnians, Croats, etc Is achieved by use of genocide, forced migration, etc The mosque was destroyed during an "ethnic cleansing" campaign to drive out Muslims during the 1992-1995 Bosnian war.)

Bombed out apt. building in Sarajevo, Bosnia

Many Serbs wanted to rid the region of Muslims and other groups and did so with violence

Mostar Bridge gone

Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia linking Muslim and Christian areas of town