Balkan Lectures

The Balkans is far more than stunning landscapes, lakes, mountains and ancient towns. It is a fascinating mosaic of peoples, cultures, religions, languages and history that together shaped one of Europe's most interesting and complex regions.

In our lectures we take the audience on a journey between the past and present of the Balkan countries, with an emphasis on Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia — the shared history alongside their differences, the local culture, way of life, cuisine, customs and the unique character of each country.

We explore the Yugoslav era, life in the multi-national state that lasted for decades, and the dramatic changes that followed its break-up. Part of the lecture is devoted to the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s — in particular the events that escalated from 1992, the national and ethnic tensions, the wars in Bosnia and Croatia, and their deep impact on the region and its people to this day.

But above all we try to understand the Balkans of today: how the countries have changed since, what connects and what still divides them, how they see Europe and themselves, and how history keeps weaving into everyday life.

The lectures are delivered in a light, engaging and accessible way, weaving in stories, photographs, experiences and a real acquaintance with local life — not only as a tourist sees it, but through the people who live in the Balkans.

We tailor the lectures to a range of settings: private events, company and team-building evenings, organizations and workplaces, clubs, traveler groups and tourism enthusiasts, cultural meet-ups, and talks in preparation for a trip to the Balkans.