PRESERVING THE TRADITION OF THE BILEĆA REGION

Just ten kilometers from the town of Bileća, in the picturesque village of Čepelica overlooking Lake Bileća, lives the Dželetović family—renowned for their dairy farming and the traditional production of Herzegovinian cheese and cream (kajmak).

PHOTO: Radio Bileća

Ilinka Dželetović, the heart of this household, learned the craft from an early age, growing up in a large family that was deeply rooted in the art of making cheese and kajmak. Today, she continues that legacy with her husband Luka, preserving a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations.

“Born in a village, married into a village. When everyone else was leaving the countryside, I stayed—and I wouldn’t change a thing,” says Ilinka. “I’ve modernized some parts of the process, but we’re still faithful to our roots. We have about fifteen cows, raise sheep and pigs—basically everything a proper rural household needs,” she told Radio Bileća.

She never once considered leaving her land or abandoning the family craft. On the contrary, energetic and passionate, Ilinka thrives in her rural lifestyle, far from urban noise and stress. Caring for the animals, managing the land, and making dairy products are all part of her daily routine—and she does it with pride.

“In our home, we make every dairy product imaginable—various types of cheese, kajmak... everything that can be made in our conditions, I make. Every day I prepare a fresh batch,” she explains.

For the Dželetović family, producing dairy goods is much more than a job—it’s a way of life. Using time-honored Herzegovinian recipes, Ilinka makes cheese and kajmak with care and love, resulting in flavors that keep customers coming back for more.

“You can make a decent living from this. The demand for traditional, homemade food is growing, and small-scale producers like us are finally getting the recognition we deserve,” Ilinka says.

Tourists are also beginning to discover this hidden gem of Herzegovina. The Dželetović household has welcomed guests from across the globe—curious travelers drawn by the charm of rural life and the unique taste of authentic local food.

“I had a woman from Bosnia visit recently who had never tasted cheese aged in a sheepskin sack—when she tried it, she was amazed. A satisfied customer is the best promotion. A few years ago, we hosted Italians, and this year we’ve had tourists from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK. I was truly surprised by how respectful they are—they even walk into the stables without hesitation, which I doubt many of our own people would do,” Ilinka recalls with a smile.

Encouraged by the growing interest, the Dželetović family plans to expand their business. With the unmistakable taste of traditional Herzegovinian kajmak and sack-aged cheese, they’ve proven that honoring your heritage can still be a recipe for success—and a good life.