KRABAT World

Good lives forever

KRABATWorld Št. 01 / 04 / 2018, Price: 8,90 €

THE LEGEND OF KRABAT Between truth and myth THE LAND OF USKOKS THE MILITARY FRONTIER OF THE HABSBURG MONARCHY From White Carniola, Lower Carniola to the Žumberak mountains

Janko Šajatović and his journey

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KRABATWorld 4 | A word from the editor Branko Strahinić

26 | Krabat philanthropy and the Pronk family

PRESENTING

BUSINESS TALENTS AND INNOVATION

Social responsibility

5 | Uskok Cuisine From the Balkans, across the Mediterranean and to the Alps 6 | Pillars of the past, accounts of great individuals Interesting fact from the Gradac castle.

Who are the Uskoks?

The Metlika Castle.

8 | Interview Doris Bracika presents Von Schadowitz travel agency, ltd.

13 | Pillars Of past and future Sights CREATIVITY AND SYNERGY

22 | Cravat Land of Uskoks, birthplace of the cravat 24 | Synergy of place and people Photograph by Jan Willem Renier Pronk

28 | Active Chair Designed for your health 30 | Team building Innovative approach to photography

Uskok at the source of Krupa river, between the towns Semic and Gradac near Metlika.

C ON T E N T

| Museum of White Carniola “The key of the Land of Uskoks project is the innovation and the story that is based on actual the events of the past.”

Andreja Brancelj-Bednaršek, director of the Museum of White Carniola 7

14 | From past to present “I am enchanted by the rich history of the Uskoks.”

Joerg Tausch 16 | Myth of Krabat “In the footsteps of Janko Šajatović " Monika Bračika

Editor:: Branko Strahinić Director: Barbara Kolmaniè Design: Artkontakt, institute for innovation and digital media Associates Doris Bračika, Monika Bračika, Mateja Vrščaj, Rene Pronk, Hans-Juergen Schröter Photography: Rene Pronk, Stane Jeršič, Barbara Jakše, Von Schadowitz archive Language editor: Artkontakt, office for innovation and digital media Publisher: Von Schadowitz ltd. © 2018, KRABAT Svet published by Von Schadowitz d.o.o.. All rights reserved. You are not permitted to reprint articles and photographs published in this magazine in any way. We do not return unordered manuscripts and photographs. KRABAT Svet is a protected trademark of Von Schadowitz ltd. company.

CULINARY AND WINES

32 | Wine The nectar of gods 33 | Story of wines Pečarič family, Čurile 34 | Healthy and natural Pecaric Oil farm, Drašiči 36 | Flavours of the region Kapušin Restaurant House of good bread 40 | Aristocratic cuisine 1612 recipe with a modern twist

ON THE COVER:

Author of the portrait, Joerg Tausch

Letters to the editorial board Website: www.krabat.si E-mail: info@vonschadowitz.com Tel.: +386 41 990 200

facebook.com/duskokov facebook.com/dezelakrabatov twitter @dezelauskokov instagram krabatslo

Orders, sales, complaints Contact person: Sladjana Stamenkovski Tel.: +386 41 990 200 E-ordering: prodaja@vonschadowitz.com Address: Naselje Borisa Kidriča 8, 8330 Metlika KRABAT World is published in 4 languages across the globe.

Circulation: Digital publication

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BR A NKO ST R A H INIĆ

Art picture: Joerg Tausch, the Kolpa valley, White Carniola

A word from the editor You are looking at the first issue of the magazine Krabat Svet, published by Von Schadowitz travel agency. Travel agency is a part of the project: White Carniola and Lower Carniola – The Land of Uskoks. The project is co-financed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology and the European Regional Development Fund. The price for a copy is 8,90 €. Annual subscription is: 30.- € . You can buy it in the webshop on our website: www.krabat.si or on our partners’ web portals. This first issue of the magazine is complimentary. We would like you to assure yourself of its quality. In it we unveil valuable research by a project team and its 4

business partners.

The annual subscription for the next three issues in 2018 is only 20.- €, Krabat club members can buy it with an additional three percent discount. For more information about the membership in Krabat club see www.krabat.si. The magazine will be available in four languages: in Slovene, Croatian, English and German. Every issue will cover the newest developments in the Land of Uskoks. The magazine will be a narrator of everything Lower Carniola, White Carniola and other places around the world with significance to Uskoks have to offer. We will take you through history, to wonderful locations and we will get you in

Hans-Jürgen Schröter next to the commemorative plaque of Johann von Schadowitz, Wittichenau, Saxony

touch with the visions for future by successful individuals of today. What does the Land of Uskoks stand for? To us it is the former Military frontier, which was the defensive frontier of the Habsburg monarchy. We will combine fascinating events of the 16., 17. and 18. centuries with the best the present day has to offer. We will emphasize the importance of the distant past and rather have a look into the future than into the recent 20. century.

We are inspired by the Uskok Johann von Schadowitz, aristocratic and Uskok cuisine, Austro-Hungarian architecture and the general splendour of the Middle Ages and the present day. For you we will open a door to culture, fashion, high art and technology.

We will occasionally dabble in the world of literature and write about myths and legends that can still be found in the shadows of our life’s imagination to this day. Johann von Schadowitz alias Krabat is man, myth and trademark - a synonym for something good. Therefore our motto is: Live well, live forever! Krabat still lives to this day, 314 years after his death. Who is Krabat? Enjoy reading our magazines and you will discover everything about him and his incredible international story, which has had such a positive influence on the today’s Land of Uskoks.

Branko Strahinić 5

The Metlika Castle The Metlika Castle, home to the Museum of White Carniola, connects three town squares in the heart of Metlika. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1456.

During Turkish invasions in the 15. and 16. century the castle played a crucial defensive role. For a period of time it was owned by the Frankopan family and later by the cathedral chapter of Zagreb. In the 18. century its ownership changed several times and it was also set in flames twice.

After the fire it was thoroughly renovated by an innkeeper from Ljubljana named Jožef Savinšek. It has been home to the Museum of White Carniola since 1951.

The museum is a particularly interesting destination for a landscape that stretches from Kolpa river to the Uskoks hills and is geographically, scientifically, ethnically and culturologically so special. This land has been marked by various historical events.

The Museum of White Carniola is one of the most important partners in the Land of Uskoks project, therefore we are including it in our first issue of the Krabat Svet magazine. The Von Schadowitz project team has coordinated a remarkable exhibition and included the Museum of White Carniola in the museum project with various exhibits.

Among the most noticeable are definitely the female national costumes from Žumberak.

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Project partners

The Museum Of White Carniola The Museum Of White Carniola preserves an invaluable mobile cultural heritage and displays the following permanent exhibitions: — Metlika Museum, which portrays the life of the local population from its arrival in prehistoric times to the middle of the 20. century; — Commemorative collection of Oton Župancic in Vinica; — Local museum collection in Semic, where the museum is closed until 31. 12.

2019 due to renovation; — Kambič gallery.

In September 2017 we have carried out our first international project hand in hand. For the first time in history, Krabat was presented as Janko Šajatovic or Johann von Schadowitz, a real person, a myth and a trademark.

The organiser of the temporary exhibition is the Sorbian Museum in the German town of Bautzen.

THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN until 15. 04. 2018, when the 17. traditional Krabatfest takes place. The exhibition is not only supported by the Museum of White Carniola, but also by the State art collection in Dresden, the Sorbian Institute, our mutual partner, genealogist Hans-Jürgen Schröter and many others. The sponsor of the exhibition is the honorary consul of Croatia, Dr Peter Neumann.

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Interview with Doris Bračika

A descendant of Uskoks Origins of the name and what does it mean?

We have dedicated the name of our agency to Johann von Schadowitz. A person of remarkable character. We were completely overcome by his life story. He was born in 1624 in Sichelberg in the Uskok hills in Lower Carniola, in the defensive frontier of the Habsburg monarchy. He became a cavalryman and a counsellor to four German counts. Because of his extraordinary achievements, talent and resourcefulness he was thought to have supernatural powers. He was charismatic, able, inventive and a lot more. He was also a tall and very handsome man. Even today, 314 years after his death, he is celebrated in Germany, where he is a synonym for progress and everlasting kindness. He never returned home. Therefore we are returning him now, to bring progress to our region and so that his kindness will live forever.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tourism and why?

The travel agency was founded by Barbara Kolmanic in Ljubljana. She heard about the story of Johann von Schadowitz, who was affectionately called Krabat in Germany, and recognized its potential immediately.

Krabat is a very well known and protected European trademark. I got personally involved in the story only after Barbara took her maternity leave and moved her

agency to Metlika to make the office more accessible for tourists in the Land of Uskoks.

My mother has been studying Uskoks for years. In 2014 she revealed the fact that we are long-distance descendants of Johann von Schadowitz. We were completely unaware of this and we were pleasantly surprised when we heard that in Germany they have developed a tourist region named Krabat Region.

This is the region he lived in. When I later heard that someone dedicated a travel agency to him and that they are employing people here in Metlika I submitted my application and became deputy director. I know a lot about Uskoks, I speak several languages and I am very glad to have been given this opportunity.

What makes you better than others in your opinion?

I believe that we are better than others because we have a team of top experts on our side. One of them is HansJürgen Schröter who discovered that Johann von Schadowitz originates from these parts. His first book „Krabat“ is being published this year. We found the best tourist service providers in the region as well as experts from the fields of marketing, design, IT services and others. Every single one of them

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Interview with Doris BraÄ?ika

is thrilled about our goals and they are ready to contribute not only with their expertise, but also with their hearts. We find that crucial. We have young enthusiastic people with ideas and older people with plenty of experience in our ranks. Our story is based on collaboration and integration and is international. Many of our partners speak more than one foreign language.

The energy that drives us is incredible. I know that we will achieve the set goals and hopefully even surpass them.

Spain, others to France or even America and Sweden, whereas others, among them Johann von Schadowitz, rode away as cavalrymen across Hungary, Austria and Poland to Germany.

What do you offer?

What are your target groups?

Our offer is targeted toward different target groups. We have something for all generations, we also have wonderful team building programmes for businessmen, which also include certain educational segments. The only unitary thing is the fact that all of our programmes are based on Uskok tradition. There are no programmes like these anywhere else. We are the only ones.

Our target groups are all those interested in true Uskok stories, their customs and habits, their culinary heritage and the legend of Krabat. In the first phase we will especially market the programmes for active tourists who are hedonists and like to see, taste and experience. The Land of Uskoks through the lens, workshops and fieldwork. The Land of Uskoks is a great region for all those who know how to enjoy things. Our marketing will be mostly online. We have developed our own booking system.

What is your distinct advantage compared to other providers?

We brought the story to White Carniola, we know it best and many can identify themselves with it. There are a lot of Uskok descendants in these parts. Uskoks have left a mark on White Carniola and Lower Carniola. We also offer In the footsteps of Uskoks programmes. We know that Uskoks came to the military frontier of the Habsburg monarchy from many southern regions and countries. Some took ships to 10

The potential is enormous. From the central home area we can take tourists along the footsteps of Uskoks to the most beautiful capital cities of Europe and to wonderful mountainous and coastal landscapes.

How will you attract visitors?

With digitalised offers, social networks and via B2B events of our partners abroad.

There are KRABAT festivals, concerts, artist get-togethers etc.

What are the biggest advantages of the region you represent, are there also any

disadvantages?

The region is authentic and almost untouched.

It offers the most beautiful vistas, quality cuisine and spirited people. Everyone knows it after the Kolpa river, but there is so much more to it.

The region is mystical in a way, but bright and full of positive energy. I can not think of any real disadvantages, actually. We have what we have and we don’t have what we don’t have which makes us what we are. Trust me, we’re great.

Who do you work with, do you associate with others?

We associate with different societies, artists and tourist service providers. What is worth highlighting is our cooperation with the Krabat society in Žumberak, which provides us with a way to connect with the Uskoks from Senj and Klis and helps us with our Uskok games development. Games such as the Battle for Klis or Sinjska Alka can develop in our parts as well. We already know how the Krabats in our area were dressed. Our German partners from the Krabat region Lausitz helped us with our research. They possess the largest amount of original descriptions and they have been through all the archives from Ljubljana, Zagreb, Vienna and Budapest to Dresden and Berlin.

guiding. I am thinking about additional programmes that will be based on a healthy diet and a healthy way of life. Maybe I will decide to upgrade my knowledge and get further education in this field to offer my own specialised programmes. Uskoks used herbs and knew many secret recipes.

Whenever I discover something like that, I get deeply immersed in nutrition. I am also attracted to foreign countries. It is possible that in future I will support the Von Schadowitz agency from abroad. Regular movement and travelling are in my genes, apparently.

Interview conducted by: Barbara Jakše

How do you see yourself in the future?

Right now we have to develop good programmes, I will make my decision after that.

I am not particularly tempted by sales or tour 11

Good lives forever

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Pillars of the past, accounts of eternity

Pusti Gradec Castle

New information about the old Pusti Gradec Castle between Èrnomelj and Vinica,today`s border to Croatia, directly at the river Kolpa, which was declared to be Europeans Destination of Excellent 2010.

On 15.3.1660 the first 53 cavalrymen for the defensive frontier of the Habsburg monarchy are recruited in the town of Prina, Saxony, near the Polish border. They arrived to serve as the personal guard to the Elector of Dresden Johann Georg II and were named "Churfürstliche sächsische Leibgarde Croaten zu Ross". The entire list of cavalrymen was discovered and analysed by Hans-Jürgen Schröter, a genealogist and a cavalry researcher. They took 87 horses with them. It took them full 5 weeks to ride from the Land of Uskoks to the town of Pirna.

A twenty-year period of serving the Electors of Saxony marked the arrival of more than 200 horsemen from the Land of Uskoks. Some of them have served for only a short period of time, whereas others stayed until the end of their days.

hills in the Land of Uskoks). The commander of the company (Croatorum capitaneus) was Georg Silly, landlord of Pusi Gradac. Unlike the fact that the Uskok captain and general Ivan Lenkovic died in Metlika in 1569 and that he was buried in the Franciscan Church in Novo Mesto, it was not known until recently that the commander Georg Silly was responsible for Castle Pusti Gradec near Vinica and was buried in the Bautzen Cathedral in 1661. There is an attestation describing the funeral of Georg Silly, with Johann von Schadowitz also in attendance.

Among the first cavalrymen were 29 noblemen, 10 of them from old aristocratic families (over 100 years old) and 19 who received their title by merit. One of them was Johann von Schadowitz.

He is attested as Jankho Schajatowitsch from Süchelberg ( = Janko Šajatovic from the Uskok

In spite of being a frequent Uskok ritual, it was one of the most spectacular funerals the town of Bautzen has ever seen. It is interesting that even in foreign countries Uskok greats are buried in churches.

A cavalryman of the Krabat regiment rode a well-trained horse into the cathedral and, while leaping off from the horse, broke a lance with his knee, which he then laid into the tomb of his commander.

„Maccabees risen from the dead."

"The only fortress in the country."

Pope Gregory XII.

Rudolf II.

„Bora blows, when the Uskoks want it to. They simply start a fire somewhere and bora is created.“ Josip Rabatta

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From p ast to pres ent

JOERG TAUSCH Joerg Tausch is an artist from the German part of Lusatia who put a face to the name von Schadowitz.

Based on the findings of the professional researcher, author and genealogist Hans-Jürgen Schröter and on various photographs of the still living members of the Šajatovic family he reconstructed his portrait. It made its first public appearance in 2016. The response was phenomenal.

Krabat was a very tall and handsome man.

He had long, slightly wavy hair and blue eyes.

Ladies of the court, especially the countesses of Dresden, liked to mention and describe him. We found plenty of records. Many of them say that he was an exotic, attractive man. Our Krabat was without a doubt a 14

handsome and popular „ladies’ man“. Hundreds of women admired him in writing. A couple of very concrete written records were found, but it is very unlikely that they ever reached him. Women did write to him, but they could seemingly not get access to his heart.

The portrait from the German artist Tausch was the basis for the digitalised logo of the Von Schadowitz agency. The face is composed from just a few simple lines and is due to its simplicity suitable for printing on fabric and ceramics as well as useful for different social networks.

In addition to the portrait, Joerg Tausch also created a large quantity of black and white pencil drawings and colour oil paintings for the

Von Schadowitz agency. They will decorate the agency’s sales catalogue for the German market, where Joerg Tausch is a very well known artist.

The paintings represent Uskoks and are set in the Land of Uskoks area. These are the very first paintings where we can see the Uskok uniforms in their true 16., 17., and 18. century form.

The setting of Uskoks in Joerg Tausch’s drawings is the source of Krupa river near Semic, Kolpa river, Trdina peak, the front of Metlika Castle in similar locations in White Carniola, Lower Carniola or the Žumberak mountains. Velimir Vukšic, a renowned military

historian who published a large number of books on Uskoks and hussars, helped us with our clothing research along with Hans-Jürgen Schröter. Until recently he did not know about Krabat and Janko Šajatovic so he was thrilled to help Hans-Jürgen Schröter research the last remaining details.

The portrait from Joerg Tausch, the figure of Krabat on a horse, in original scale and in a uniform that was specially sewn according to instructions obtained with research, as well as various other Uskok war replicas from Velimir Vukšic are currently on display at the temporary museum exhibition of the Sorbian Museum in Bautzen (until 15. 04. 2018).

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The main story with Monika Bračika

The myth of Krabat Myths offer unique insight into the human character and serve as a source of imagination or comfort, when human beings are faced with obvious contradictions.

The myth of Krabat is a captivating tale set in the mountain range of Gorjanci or Žumberak and on the banks of Kolpa or Kupa river. The myth was introduced to our region by Monika Bracika, nee Šajatović.

The legend, especially the popular book about Krabat, is very well known in Europe.

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KRABATS The title ‘Krabats’ was worn by the solders of the regiment, who fought as cavalrymen for Christianity and the protection of the Habsburg monarchy; ‘Krabat’ in singular stands for Janko Šajatovic or von Schadowitz as well as the character from the novel.

THE NOVEL KRABAT Krabat is a synonym for something special and good; even though the story is interlaced with dark magic, creepy birds and evil millers, the message is that good always conquers evil.

THE NAME KRABAT means Croat, but we must take into account that all Uskoks from the area of today’s Slovenia (Lower Carniola and especially White Carniola) were also called Krabats. We are not talking exclusively of Croats, but rather of a military regiment of the Military frontier that was referred to by the Germans as „Krabats“. The best description of the name would be "southerners".

MYTH The legend, the myth and the popular book Krabat are well known across Europe. In Slovenia it was unknown until recently that the myth of Krabat is a legacy of a true person, who had done so much good that people started to attribute him with supernatural powers.

THE NOVEL KRABAT IN SLOVENE The publishing house Mladinska knjiga published a translation of the Otfried Preussler’s novel in 1979. Despite favourable reviews the novel remained largely unknown. People were unaware of the fact that it was about a real person who spent his youth in our lands and wandered around the towns of Crnomelj, Vinica, Otocec and Ljubljana.

The main story with Monika Bračika

In the footsteps of Janko Šajatović We know Krabat as a real person and as a character from the legend. Can you tell us what Janko Šajatovic or Johann von Schadowitz was like in real life?

Krabat’s real name was Janko Šajatovic.

He was born in 1624 in the village of Jezernice, the same village my father Pero Šajatovic was born in. That is also how I found out about him. Krabat was born into an aristocratic Uskok family. He went to a Jesuit secondary school and then received further education in the prestigious Austrian city of Graz. He was fluent in six languages and extremely talented in all aspects. Researchers are still looking into it, but it appears that he also studied in Vienna. My good friend, a professional researcher of Krabats and a genealogist Hans-Jürgen Schröter, claims that one of Krabat’s classmates was none other than the Croatian Ban Petar Zrinski. Ban Petar Zrinski was personally appointed by the Emperor in Vienna as the supervisor of all the Uskoks of the Military frontier. Hence the Uskoks, led by Ban Zrinski, served the Emperor directly. No other king, count or feudal lord had power over the Uskoks.

To be an Uskok was a position of great responsibility and honour. I am not sure that people are aware of that today.

In 1660 the Elector of Dresden Johann Georg II urged Zrinski to send him sixty of his elite soldiers. The prerequisite was that they have an aristocratic title or other

merits, are at least 1,75 m tall and educated.

Krabat ticked all the boxes. He was 180 cm tall, he most likely fought the protestant invaders in the area of today’s Czech Republic and Poland alongside his father in the Thirty Years’ War and he was a decorated veteran of many battles, both at home and as far away as Slunj in Croatia. This is evident from several original documents found in national archives of different countries. The Von Schadowitz agency brought together project partners, who browsed through archives in Budapest, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Vienna, Tübingen and Dresden, and acquired a summary of certain very important sources for the development of its own innovative tourist products, based on true facts about Uskoks and the myth of Krabat.

Fact: Johann Georg II managed to procure excellent soldiers and an extraordinary man to his court. Many feudal lords were envious of him.

Elegantly dressed, tall and refined Krabats were the pride of their overlords, true images of an elite master.

In 1691 Krabat also fought in Tübingen alongside Johann Georg III against the French and continued to train the cavalrymen of Lusatia in years to come.

He saved lives of two German princes .

The main story with Monika Bračika

He rescued one of them from imprisonment, after he was captured by the Turks and taken to a Turkish camp.

The prince rewarded him greatly for this feat and trusted him with his land in the German part of Lusatia. Krabat ruled over this vast land for many years. Today this land has become what is known as the Krabat tourist region, its size is almost equal to that of entire Lower Carniola. The region quickly became of the most important ones in this part of Europe and Janko Šajatovic became the Prince’s chief counsellor. Several historical sources attest to the fact, that the Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong, became the elected King of Poland precisely because he listened to his advice.

In the 17. and 18. centuries people rarely lived more than 45 years. Especially if they spent half of their life on deadly battlefields, which claimed countless victims. Janko Šajatovic lived for 80 full years. He was in service of the Electors of Saxony practically until the end of his life. He served under four Electors, under Johann Georg II, Johann Georg III, Johann Georg IV and under the grandson of Augustus the Strong. After the death of Elector Johann Georg III in 1691 in the Battle of Tübingen he asked to be retired, but he was soon after reinstated to his former position, because his successor was significantly less competent. He destroyed more than 18

he built and he was not supported by his people. Krabat, Janko Šajatovic or Johann von Schadowitz served faithfully, working together with his people, until the end of his days. He was allowed to retire almost at the age of 78, only two years prior to his death.

We can now understand, why there is so much talk about his heroic deeds.

Can you tell us something about his personality?

He was brave. After he was done fighting the Ottomans he moved on to Protestants, which were no less dangerous. I personally consider him to be a hero, because he found the way to transform himself from a fearsome warrior into a kind person that is celebrated to this day. Despite his initial struggles he went on to become a folk hero among Protestants and Catholics alike. He refused to live in an opulent mansion of the Electors of Dresden and instead resided in a modest house in the countryside. He advised the great and wealthy town rulers and helped the poor village folk in the countryside.

He shared his earnings with the poor.

He was a mentor to talented young people, he renovated churches, built houses and created workplaces. He would be giving out loans with a low interest rate to craftsmen and wealthy farmers so that they could invest and

The main story with Monika Bračika

develop. There is plenty of evidence to this. He stayed faithful to his homeland.

He remained a Krabat of the Military frontier, a true Uskok and a cavalryman of Petar Zrinski. He shared his potential and went down in history books as the most prominent Uskok of all times.

With kindness and knowledge! Is this the reason people liked him so much?

Lusatian Sorbs, the local minority, proclaimed him as the protector of their nation.

With kindness and knowledge! Is this the reason people liked him so much?

Lusatian Sorbs, the local minority, proclaimed him as the protector of their nation.

Yes, it was definitely the national minority of Lusatian Sorbs that felt his resourcefulness and kindness the most.

They were not accepted by the Germans, even though they have lived for centuries in the area under Dresden rule, near the Polish-Czech border. Lusatian Sorbs are Protestants and Catholics.

They have their own language that is similar to Polish with a hint of Slovak and German accents. As Slavs, they have their unique way of celebrating religious and other holidays. They were also distinguishable by their clothing and customs.

Germans did not always appreciate that.

The pressure from all sides hindered

their progress, they were instead driven into growing poverty, disarray and hatred. Many moved away, while others germanized their last names in order to be left in peace. Their situation can be compared to Greek Catholics in Žumberak. They are Uskoks who celebrate holidays according to the Julian calendar like Orthodox Christians and are in consequence not accepted by many Catholics. Ignorance regarding Uniats or Greek Catholics is the sole cause for all speculation about who they are, what they are and where they come from. Ignorance is the humanity’s biggest flaw.

Janko Šajatovic, Johann von Schadowitz or Krabat, as he was affectionately called, did the most for Lusatian Sorbs. He understood their problems and their language, so he functioned as a bridge between them and the Germans. He won over the Lusatian Protestants and Catholics to his side. The Elector knew how to appreciate this. He became more generous and started offering privileges.

As Krabat achieved progress and excellent results, the questions about his origin and religion were no longer asked.

He helped everyone, his people and his overlords, and everyone embraced him as one of their own. Lusatian Sorbs refer to him to this day as the protector of the Sorbian nation and the king of Lusatian hearts.

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The main story with Monika Bračika

Tell us a few words about Krabat as the popular literary hero.

to serve the miller until the end of her days.

The author of the popular book is Otfried Preussler. The book was the basis for a film, shot by the 20th Century Fox film studio in Hollywood.

The novel Krabat has been a part of the required reading list in almost all German schools for decades. You would be hard pushed to find a German child who does not know about the legend of the Lusatian wizard Krabat.

The black miller laughed loudly and pointed to a tree with many ravens.

With derision he said: “If you can guess, which one of these birds is your Krabat, I will give you your son back.”

The mother watched carefully and saw one of the birds fold its wings and point its beak to its heart. She knew at once that it was a sign and pointed her finger at it. She yelled: “That’s him!

The protagonist of the novel is a boy who fled from enemy forces with his mother and took refuge in Lusatia.

Driven by insufferable poverty and hunger he went to serve an evil black miller, who dabbled in magic. As exceptionally honest as he was, the young Krabat started to develop a feeling of guilt when he discovered how evil the miller really was, and refused to help him. The miller punished him by transforming him into a black raven.

He crossed his wings and showed that he wants to hug me. He pointed his beak at his heart, because he wants to say that he loves me.” Sunlight appeared all of a sudden around the bird, it began to transform back into a boy, but before he was fully transformed he grabbed the magic book “Koraktor” mid-flight and threw it into a lake. Thus the black miller lost all of his powers.

Krabat secretly sat in his bird form by the window, as the miller would read spells from his magic book the „Koraktor“. He sought to find a way to stop the horrifying miller and take his powers. When his mother learned that her son was transformed into a raven, she begged the miller to transform him back into a boy and in turn promised

The moral of the novel is that good always conquers evil. Magical things happen, when your heart is filled with love for your fellow man.

Interview conducted by: Barbara Jakše

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Cravat The cravat is a fashion accessory that spread throughout Europe in the 17. century. It was always seen as a symbol of elegance and sophistication, as our business partners from the Academia Cravatica Institution in Zagreb would say.

A cavalry regiment from the Military frontier of the Habsburg monarchy took part in the German Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648).

Johann von Schadowitz was one of the chosen sixty Krabats from the Land of Uskoks and its surrounding areas, who rode to Saxony, Germany, in 1660.

They were recognisable by the bands they wore around their necks. This neckband later developed into a tie as it is known today. In France they called them ‘Royal Cravates’.

Based on our research we can claim that the Land of Uskoks is the birthplace of a necktie.

This is corroborated by Encyclopædia Britannica, which states that the cravat emerged in 1656 and that it originates from Crabate (Krabats).

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DINAMIKA

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Sy ne rg y of pl ac e and p e opl e

PHOTOGRAPHY PRONK We are introducing you to René and Helga Pronk and their wonderful story. They lived in different places all around the world. Six years ago they decided to move to Croatia, where they fell in love with the beauty of the ŽumberakSamobor Hills nature park.

René and Helga run two holiday cottages. One is located near Samobor and the other is in the small village 24

of Gorniki Vivodinski. They are both very passionate about natural and selfsufficient lifestyle and they want to share this with their guests.

René is a photographer and a recipient of several awards. He recently held two exhibitions in Zagreb.

If you decide to book our phototour offer, he will guide you through beautiful places of the Land of Uskoks with magnificent panoramas that are

difficult to find by yourself. René and Helga Pronk also run their own tourist programmes, which they love to share with people that are passionate about nature. Žumberak (the Croatian side of the beautiful Gorjanci hills) is a yet undiscovered oasis of peace. The hills are notable for their vast forests, tranquil villages, waterfalls and streams, vineyards and stunning vistas.

the authenticity of life, which has almost disappeared in other parts of Europe.

The Uskoks mountains of Žumberak are unique. René and Helga: “We are glad to be international partners of the Von Schadowitz travel agency, which develops innovative tourist programmes.”

It is a combination of nature and tiny villages that allows you to experience 25

Krabat philanthropy and the Pronk family

Social responsibility Humanitarian trips into the forgotten heart of Croatia with the Pronk family

WITNESS AND EXPERIENCE scenes that you can not find in any tourist brochure. A couple of times a month the Pronk family takes a trip to abandoned hamlets, which are only accessible by off-road vehicles. There they visit lonely or elderly people in need of help.

A WEEK OF RETREAT

HERB STORE

"A week of retreat" from everyday life. This programme is tailored for those who are suffering from stress or overload and wish to regenerate in peace and quiet and contemplate their lives.

Visit to a photo gallery in the border village of Pribanjci, where you can attend different workshops. Helga is an expert in herbs. She offers various organic products, such as skin cremes, teas and dried berries from the protected nature park. You can either buy them in the Pronk family store in Pribanjci or make your own under her guidance and supervision. Helga is fluent in English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Russian, French and Croatian.

LODGING From autumn 2018, holiday cottage in the old hamlet of Gorniki Vivodinski, surrounded by forests and vineyards, near Kolpa river, on the Slovene border.

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Visits

To hidden villages Trips you will never forget. Although the scenes are melancholic and painful, the presence of these tiny villages fills your heart and soul. It is an incredible experience to see grateful and happy faces of people, who are barely looked after and are completely cut off from the rest of the beautiful Croatia.

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Designed for your health

Active chair According to the genetic code the people of the 21. century are still built the same way they were centuries ago, when Johann von Schadowitz was riding across Europe. The human body was created for diverse movement and not for long periods of sitting, because we can only achieve self-realization with movement, which is after all the driving force of life.

Did you know that on average we spend more than 1/3 of our life sitting?

Almost everyone has experienced occasional or chronic lower back pain, tension in the shoulders and the neck, aching legs, tiredness or a lack of concentration.

Unfortunately even intensive movement after a several-hour period of working while seated can not undo all the negative consequences that accompany the sedentary lifestyle. Harmful continuous and incorrect sitting in 28

Johann von Schadowitz rode to strengthen his mind, balance and back muscles. You can now strengthen them with the most mobile chair in the world - for all generations. Just like the remarkable von Schadowitz changed the way of life in the German Krabat region, we believe we can change the way people sit around the world.

chairs, which enables your muscles to fall asleep, can cause unpleasant health consequences that were not discovered until recently. We have all heard the wise old saying: ÂťYou are as old as your spine.ÂŤ

Designed for your health

Active chair

The freedom of a raven’s movement is hidden in primal motion, covered in black elegance. An ergonomic office chair that is tailor-made for you for more comfort.

We have prepared a SPECIAL OFFER for the readers of the KRABAT World magazine.

Visit www.activechair.eu/krabat Together with their team they designed an elaborate and flexible 3D chair, the only one in the world that enables primal body movement even while sitting. A patented concept with a special mechanism and a carefully selected fulcrum location allows natural body posture, strengthens

back muscles, improves circulation and enhances work productivity and at the same time prevents harmful continuous sitting.

We started off with a line for children named Active Chair KIDS, since we believe that preventive steps have to be made at an early age. It is the only chair for active sitting for children from the age of 18 months. The response was fantastic, therefore we have now designed the long-awaited line for adults - Active Chair PRO.

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Team building with Barbara JakĹĄe

Innovation Digital media Where did the idea of a photo team building come from? Demand or luxury?

Photography has become an integral part of everyday life, like the use of words, and in the business sense a very potent expressive method of communication and is thus absolutely crucial. Idea?

The desire to connect and bring together people who are interested in development, progress and innovative use of modern media.

Who is this photo team building meant for?

Everyone, but especially for those who are open to changes that come with the rapidly-developing society. The business public is definitely one that constantly faces challenges, team building is also intended for small groups that wish to exceed the existing framework.

What knowledge is key in photo team building? Do you capture the inside of a person or merely the correct facial expression?

The key elements are connecting, inspiration and creativity. Photography as a medium offers all that and more ... Relaxation. A well-known Chinese proverb says that an image says more than a thousand words, a photograph as an image is therefore a reflection of the 30

entire universe. How would we be able to understand what goes on in our galaxy or in our body were it not for super powerful lenses and cameras, which capture all the beauty that is beyond the reach of our eyes?

How does the segment of tourism match the team building? Where are the contact points?

Great. Untouched nature of Lower Carniolan hills, slender White Carniolan birches and the mystique of Žumberak have an appeal of their own. The allure of a unique landscape, natural and cultural heritage and fantastic people helping you to uncover the past, unveil the future and perfect the present.

Which do you enjoy more, fieldwork photography or working in a closed space?

Both, the charm lies in the mystery, the discovering and in the understanding of life.

Is photo team building a form of art or a business training?

Team building is a way to peoples’ hearts, it can be art or training but it is definitely an enjoyable experience to perceive and reflect the world and connect people no matter their status, beliefs or ideas ...

Team building with Barbara Jakše

Where can interested or potential buyers see your photographs?

In different public and private collections, from the National Library of France in Paris to the photograph collection in the Museum of Modern Art in Ljubljana. They have also been represented in international technical publications such as Graphis and in less technical publications such as the American magazine Reader’s Digest.

How long have you been a photographer?

If I disclose that information I would also be telling you how old I am, so let’s keep this a secret. But definitely long enough that I can feel photography in my fingertips.

instagram.com/mayalavieestbelle

What does the future hold for photography? Will it replace the word?

artkontakt.si kwin.si

That is a good question, it’s unlikely, but nothing is impossible.

Is digital photography already a part of our everyday life? How do you see its future?

A photograph or a video, an image, in a nutshell, will always be a contact with reality, be it real or illusory. The fascination of mankind with the visible is limitless and that is why the future of the image is so very promising.

Interview conducted by: Monika Bračika 31

Wine, the nectar of gods

The sun and the grapevine MINI MERLOT

Untik grapes

Wines and spirits played an important role in Uskok history. They were a source of strength. Uskoks from coastal towns brought some of their grape varieties to the area of the Land of Uskoks. During our research among the owners of the oldest vineyards in the region we discovered that the most common grape variety was Untik or Untika. Some Uskoks that we interviewed also called it the miniature Merlot.

FROM GRANDFATHERS TO GRANDSONS

Wine, a rich source of iron

Even after the Second World War the vintners would be selling it to the Novo Mesto General Hospital. One of them was Ilija Strahinic we talked to his grandson Branko: „This wine variety was considered a very rich source of iron.

It was given to patients after surgery or to young mothers after labour. My grandfather could not produce enough of it, such was the demand.“

Modern grape varieties have almost completely pushed out Untika. Untika has very small berries, which are very difficult to produce and harvest. In addition it leaves colour like a blueberry. „People used to get blue teeth drinking it. I suppose this is

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the main reason local vintners have replaced it with Frankish.

It is a shame that today’s vintners know very little or nothing about Untika. It would be ideal for the production of Metliška crnina wine, because we add Dornfelder to it to lift its colour.”

OLD VINE Branko Strahinić managed to save a couple of vines that belonged to his greatgrandfather and has been multiplying the old vines at his hobby-vineyard, located not far from one of the vineyards that belong to the Pečarič family from Čurile.

Pe훾ari훾 Wine House

Pe훾ari훾 wines DIVERSITY

The power of sun and soil A total of 18.000 vines, which belong to the Pecaric family, grows in the most scenic locations of this beautiful landscape and demonstrates the power of soil and sun.

Diversity in the vineyard and expertise in the cellar allow them to produce still and sparkling wines as well as dry and dessert wines.

WINE STORY

From the most beautiful hills In a cosy room, which can accommodate up to 60 people, they will present to you their wine story. With select words and poems they introduce you to their wines, prepare cold cuts with home-made dried meat, home-made cheese and Pogaca bread.

Their vineyards are locked between the refreshing Kolpa River and the hikerfriendly Gorjanci hills, where the sight of white birches in wood pastures slows down our step so that we can see the life around us. A glass of wine among the vines is an adventure that brings people together and creates moments we all like to revisit.

The Von Schadowitz team strongly recommends the Pecaric Wine House. They will spoil their guests and business partners with their wines at different tourist or business occasions.

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Healthy and natural

Pečarič oil mill

We would like to highlight our organically produced oils, which are also the most represented ones on our menu.

DRAŠIČI

Domestic

THE OIL FARM IS A FAMILY COMPANY with a long tradition since 1937, which means that there is a lot of experience and knowledge involved. They offer high-quality cold pressed unrefined and unfiltered oils. The story of the oil farm dates back before the First World War when grandfather Niko and his brothers were producing walnut oil, which was used for lighting back then.

22 types of cold pressed oils

Hospitality

In 1990 they planted 350 walnut trees and more than 300 hazels.

With state of the art technology they nowadays produce 22 different types of cold pressed oils. The entire family takes part in every single process of the oil production, from picking fruits and cleaning the plantations to drying the cores and extracting the oil.

The Pecaric family offers farm tours for large and small groups, where they familiarize the visitors with the nature of their work.

They also offer a unique oil tasting, which would not feel complete without the White Carniolan Pogaca bread. You can try as many as 20 different oils.

The Pecaric farm is only 6 km from Metlika in a neat little village of Drašici, no more than a couple of meters from the Church of St. Peter. That is where you are warmly welcomed by the members of the Pecaric family in front of a beautiful wooden White Carniolan cottage.

Throughout the years they have complemented their offer with seeds and cores and tasty chocolates with added oils.

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Flavours of the region

Kapušin Restaurant CUISINE

A feast for the senses

This top restaurant is renowned for its hospitable owners, great chefs and friendly staff, which is well-versed in culinary knowledge, service and many other things.

Only spirited people with a sense of aesthetics and a good understanding of their guests can run such a restaurant. At the Kapušin restaurant you will experience all of that. It really is a pride of the entire region.

HARMONY

A mixture of the very best The Kapušin Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best in the Land of Uskoks. Dishes are prepared with love and served by sommeliers in an ambient that is a synthesis of White Carniolan heritage, which ensures that every guest will find something to his taste.

The best known White Carniolan wine is definitely Metliška crnina. I presume that it will be the drink of choice, especially in combination with dishes recommended by the sommelier. Blaufränkisch is better as a tasting wine.

Belokranjec has a certain freshness and fruitiness to it as 36

well as gentle bitterness that surely works up the appetite and clears the tongue. We have many more excellent wines, which reflect the White Carniolan character and image, such as Sauvignon, Yellow Muscat, Blauer Portugieser ...

— Dr. Jurij Nemanič

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Flavours of the region

Houses of delicacies

The 184. quotation from the book titled: Illyrians and Dalmatians by French authors Hacquet, Fortis and Cassas which is based on the writings of Breton from 1816, says: „They are insatiable and terrifying, happy to lay their hands on any food ... „ Uskoks would eat everything they could get their hands on, but only when they were fighting in the battlefields or fleeing from the Turks with their families – as migrants. Most of them migrated to the Land of Uskoks from the former state of Raška, which is first mentioned in the Byzantine transcripts from the 13. century. The state of Raška was located in the area of today’s southwestern Serbia and a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro. Eventually it expanded to the south of today’s Macedonia and engulfed a part of Albania, Greece and Bulgaria.

Its people were mostly stock breeders. Their herds would usually be 200 Pramenka sheep strong. They had enough meat, wool and milk but some things were left to be acquired separately. In this struggle for survival they were forced to pillage.

There is no doubt about that.

IN THE LAND OF USKOKS OF THE VON SCHADOWITZ TRAVEL AGENCY YOU WILL BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE ALL SORTS OF CUISINES.

At the Žumberak Krabat Society Picnic Spot you can make your own meal in a ceramic oven, covered with coals and ashes, while being surrounded by horses in idyllic nature.

In the house of Home-Made Delicacies Mojca or at the Culig tourist farm you will be served dishes from the bread oven.

In The House Of White Carniola, Veselic restaurant, you will be able to choose from a rich selection of

home-made local dishes.

The fine Kapušin restaurant offers the seven footsteps menu after the recipes of aristocratic Uskoks.

Villa Castanea in Lower Carniola organises exceptional cooking workshops.

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Aristocratic cuisine

From the land of Uskoks

A VELVETY OPENER AND A NOBLE MAIN COURSE The aristocratic Uskok menu is a seven-course meal.

It has been like this since the time of Johann von Schadowitz (1624-1704). Some Uskoks were starving to death while others lived in splendour, depending on the location and the military function.Taste the aristocratic Uskok cuisine in the Land of Uskoks. With the Uskok story we are not only restoring the their bread, lamb, coastal wines and dried fish and meat, but also the The Zrinski family had a strong influence on the Uskok diet. Count Petar Zrinski was the leader of all Uskoks and therefore in regular contact with the Uskok noblemen. As early as in the 17. century they amassed a magnificent collection of the best European dishes.

Wherever they travelled, the great gourmands of the Zrinski family would meticulously gather recipes and study the ingredients. Boats filled with fruit, spices and other goods would regularly berth in their ports.

The Zrinskis were one of the first to use knives, forks and spoons. Their cutlery was a true work of art. The handles were often adorned with corals or precious stones.They saw cuisine as a way of demonstrating their power, stature and wealth, so it was no wonder that Istrian truffles, Italian prosciutto, Spanish fruits or French wines all found their way to their table. We have prepared a menu even Johann von Schadowitz would recognise. The main course recipe stems from the noble Zrinski family and dates back to 1612. Johann von Schadowitz was Petar Zrinski’s schoolmate for many years and was often seen in his company and at his table.

Source: Recipe/4473563 from the book „Kuharica Obitelj Zrinski“ Starter: 1. Dried fruit, various cheeses and an aperitif (fruit brandy or wine) 2. Beet salad with apple vinegar, grated apple and a slice

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of cumin bread 3. Soup from nettle/chard or other herbs, decorated with seasonal leaves or flowers, with a spelt flour dumpling and ground chunks of bacon 4. Main course: Venison in black soup with bread dumplings, chicken with parsley root sauce and kasha.

5. Štruklji and a glass of honey beer or dessert wine Bermet 6. Slice of bread and cheese spread with parsley 7. Baked apple or pear MAIN COURSE RECIPE Ingredients: 800 g of venison shanks, cut into medallions 1 apple ½ of an onion 3 tablespoons of honey 300 ml of red wine (Blaufränkisch) grated ginger salt, pepper (a pinch of saffron) 50 g of almonds A fistful of raisins Breadcrumbs from the bread oven to thicken the sauce Preparation: Roast the venison medallions on some fat, add red wine and grate apple and onion over it. Let it braise for a while and add honey, ginger, a pinch of saffron as well as ground almonds and raisins. Cook for additional 10 minutes on medium heat and thicken with breadcrumbs.

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