Can your heart truly find a new home in a city other than the one where you grew up? Consider the Mostarac who feels forever tethered to Mostar, regardless of where life takes him, versus Alisa, a Bosnian diaspora member, who straddles the emotional divide between her Swiss upbringing and her deep-rooted connection to Bosnia. This article unravels whether the city of our origins holds an exclusive claim on our affections or if our hearts are capable of forming equally profound bonds ith new places and cultures."

The question of whether it’s possible to love another city more than the one we grew up in is both intriguing and complex. To delve into this, we’ll consider two perspectives: the wisdom encapsulated in the Mostarac’s quote, “A Mostarac can leave Mostar, but Mostar can’t leave him,” and the personal experience of Alisa, a member of the Bosnian diaspora, who was born in Switzerland but remains profoundly connected to her Bosnian heritage.

Emotional attachment

The quote from the Mostarac emphasizes a profound and enduring connection to one’s hometown. It suggests that while one can physically leave their city, the essence and influence of that place remain deeply embedded within them. This sentiment reflects the idea that our hometown is an integral part of our identity, shaping who we are in significant ways.

The notion that “Mostar can’t leave him” highlights a universal truth about emotional attachment. No matter where we go or how far we travel, the city of our origins retains a special place in our hearts. This enduring bond is rooted in the experiences, memories, and values associated with our hometown, which continue to influence us long after we’ve physically left.

Personal experience: Alisa’s perspective from the Bosnian diaspora

Adding another layer to this discussion is Alisa, who was born in Switzerland but comes from the Bosnian diaspora. For Alisa, her connection to Bosnia is deeply rooted in the broader Bosnian culture that she inherited from her family. Growing up in Switzerland, Alisa was exposed to a different environment, yet her Bosnian heritage remains a cornerstone of her identity. This duality illustrates that cultural attachment can be as significant as, or even more impactful than, the place of upbringing.

Alisa’s experience underscores that being part of the diaspora means living between worlds—one’s place of birth and the cultural roots inherited from previous generations. Her strong attachment to Bosnian culture, its traditions, and values continues to shape her sense of self, even though her everyday life is in Switzerland. This perspective highlights that cultural connections can be a powerful force, enabling one to form deep emotional bonds with places and cultures beyond their birthplace.

The Mostarac’s view and Alisa’s experience offer distinct perspectives on emotional attachment. The Mostarac believes that the bond to one’s hometown is unique and central to personal identity, suggesting that such attachments are irreplaceable and deeply entrenched. According to this view, the emotional connection to one’s original city or cultural heritage is so profound that it might overshadow or limit the capacity to form equally significant attachments elsewhere.

In contrast, Alisa’s experience as part of the Bosnian diaspora presents a different perspective. Her journey demonstrates that while one’s original city or cultural background remains a fundamental part of one’s identity, it does not preclude the possibility of developing strong, meaningful connections with new places and cultures. Alisa’s story highlights that our capacity for love and attachment is not confined to our origins but can expand to embrace multiple sources of joy and fulfillment.

 Thus, while the Mostarac underscores the primacy of the original emotional attachment, Alisa’s experience reflects the potential for a broader, more inclusive emotional landscape, where connections to new places and experiences can coexist with, and even enhance, our ties to our roots.

Ultimately, while our hometowns and cultural roots shape us in profound ways, our hearts are capable of embracing and cherishing multiple cities and cultures. The essence of our original city or culture remains with us, but it is entirely possible to forge new and equally meaningful connections elsewhere. Our journey through life is enriched by the diverse places and cultures we encounter, reflecting the expansive nature of our emotional bonds. 

Alisa, Margaux and Aleksej

P.S. You can watch the video on our official instagram page here

This project is supported by Movetia - National Agency for Youth Exchange and Mobility from Switzerland.