My Ancestral Journey through Croatia

I always had a fascination with uncovering my ancestral roots, particularly those tracing back to Croatia. However, my family's history was sparse, with many details lost to the passing of time. Despite limited information from my grandparents, my research has led me on a fascinating journey through the diverse regions of Croatia. This article explores my findings and the rich tapestry of Croatian culture and heritage.

The Diverse Landscapes of Croatia

Croatia is a nation rich in history and cultural diversity, encompassing various regions each with its unique character, history, and traditions. From the peaceful and serene Istria with its Italian influence and stunning coastline to the vibrant and historic cities of Dalmatia, each corner of this country holds a special story.

For example, the region of Istria is renowned for its Italian heritage and picturesque coastlines. Meanwhile, the Dalmatia is famous for its breathtaking islands and historic cities, particularly the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik.

Unearthing My Own Ancestry

During my quest to uncover my ancestry, many pieces of the puzzle came together. My father's side originates from Crikvenica and the island of Krk. My mother's side, on the other hand, traces back to Krk Selce Crikvenica and the Prigorje region near Zagreb. Interestingly, my aunt even lived in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, which further connects my family to the country's urban centers.

Research revealed that my surname, Car, has its origins in Karlovac, a town near Duga Resa in the village of Carevo selo. This small clue narrowed down my ancestry to a specific region, but the story didn't end there.

My grandmother's maiden name, Justi, also originates from the island of Krk. However, I couldn't remember my mother's side, which added another layer of mystery to my ancestry.

Tracing the Roots of My Last Name

The surname Car is a common one in many parts of Croatia. According to reliable sources, the Car family has its roots in the area around Duga Resa, specifically in the village of Carovo selo, near Karlovac. The name is closely tied to this region and is well-documented in historical records. My other lead is my grandmother's maiden name, Justi, which also has ties to the island of Krk.

Embracing My Croatian Heritage

While my family has strong connections to the northern part of Croatia, particularly the region of Sibenik hinterlands Drniska zagora, my research has also uncovered the history of my father's side, which includes the Sunara family. According to records, the first mention of Sunara was a chief commander of a Venetian outpost in 1685-1711. The last name is believed to have originated from the Travnik and Fojnica regions of modern-day Bosnia and Herzegovina. Interestingly, all branches of the Sunara family in Croatia are traced back to the same village, with additional descendants scattered across Dalmatia, Zagreb, and Slavonia after 1945.

Meanwhile, my mother's side traces back to the Makarska hinterlands Imotska zagora from smaller villages around Zagvozd. This means that as a person born and raised in Splatera, I am decidedly Vlajk through and through.

Map of My Ancestral Milestones

The map above visualizes the ancestral journey of my family. Blue markers indicate my father's side, pink markers indicate my mother's side, and red markers show the origin of my last name, Car.

Conclusion

Through extensive research and family connections, I have pieced together a narrative that spans the diverse regions of Croatia. My journey has been an exploration of a shared history that connects me to the land, the people, and the culture of this beautiful country. Whether you are from Croatia or part of the Croatian diaspora, understanding your heritage is a journey that is both enriching and enlightening.