The start of something special. By Đejmi Tulić
For a long time something in life was missing. I could never quite put my finger on it, I had a loving family, ultra fun friends, good job to go to but then soon realised it was that feeling of belonging to the community that was missing. Sharing knowledge, experiences and retelling key facts we have learnt along the way was my way of returning to people what others had taught me. Since my 1st trip to Croatia in early 2000’s, I knew I had a deep love for a country that was my parent’s birth place. Although I had not been born there myself I had always felt like it was home. Having been raised in a Dalmatian household I very much felt every part Croatian, as much so as if I had been born and raised there. Having visited Korčula many years in a row now, I developed a keen interest and want to learn more about our heritage, the island’s culture and the country’s culture and history as a whole. In 2004 the idea of Ružo HR was manifested.
It eventually came to life in 2018 during a further trip to the homeland, where I got to travel through beautiful Zagreb, Vukovar and various parts of Slavonija. Where I got to see and hear about the Glagoljica throughout Zagreb, Osijek and Đakovo. This experience was very much life changing for me.
Ružo HR to me meant “ the heart of Croatia”. I quickly realised through my travels and conversations with beautiful Croatians in the community that my same interests and love were shared by many. And just as many had forgotten or never known about our rich history such as that of the Glagolijica, I too had much to learn. Upon leaving Croatia last year my deep connection drove me to bring to life my original idea of Ružo HR. To teach others the knowledge I had through travel and reading and meeting unique people. To educate others about our beautiful ancient script and forgotten traditions and materials that Croatia had to offer. And so Ružo HR had it’s flame reignited and my “Capture Croatia” passion began.