ULOG – A MAGICAL PLACE THAT IS DYING OUT

Ulog, a village in the Kalinovik municipality, is a magical landscape on the Neretva River that has not escaped the population drain. Just half a century ago, more than 5,000 people lived here, but today there are only 11, mostly elderly residents. The memories of a bustling town linger, filled with nostalgia whenever the few remaining residents gather to reminisce about better times.

PHOTO: Direkt portal

Until 1963, Ulog had the status of a municipality. In the 1960s and 70s, the town was vibrant with life, but industrialization and the pursuit of a better life left Ulog nearly deserted.

Nenad Tomović, a native of Ulog who now lives in East Sarajevo, frequently visits the village. Through a trembling voice, he recounts the golden days when Ulog had four stores, a bakery, a health center, a police station, a post office, a forestry office, and a municipality. Many people earned their livelihood here.

"I was born in Ulog, and now that I'm retired, I spend most of my days here. I love hunting and fishing, and Ulog and nature go hand in hand. We have water from the Neretva, which I drank as a boy, and still do now. Back then, we had a cinema that many envied, showing that we weren't behind in any aspect," said Tomović.

According to Tomović, Ulog was at its liveliest between 1970 and 1975, but after that, many began moving to larger centers, mainly Sarajevo.

"That's when the population exodus started. People had to leave because there were no factories here. Children went away for education, and the village began to die out," added Tomović.

The population drain has continued to this day, says Petko Višnjevac, who spends his retirement in Ulog. He recalls starting first grade in 1962 with 22 classmates, and at that time, there were over 700 students in the area.

"In the 60s and 70s, Ulog had more than 6,000 residents. Later, people started leaving for a better life. Life here was tough, and people worked just to survive," said Višnjevac.

Residents also criticize local authorities for neglecting this picturesque area. They point out that the main issue is the dirt roads leading to Ulog from all directions, which is not the only problem.

"We have no stores here, so we have to go to Kalinovik for basic necessities. We have two cafes in the village that operate in the summer, which is very important for us to gather and talk about everything," said Višnjevac.

Historically, Ulog residents were known for their sharp intellect. Many from this place became doctors of science and renowned experts in various fields worldwide. Those still living here showed in April that they wouldn't be taken lightly. During a protest against the construction of small hydroelectric plants on the Neretva, about 250 residents also voiced their grievances about poor roads and weak or non-existent mobile networks, along with other infrastructural problems.

"After the protest, trash containers were finally placed in Ulog after many decades because people need somewhere to dispose of waste. A repeater was installed, and local roads were somewhat repaired," said Boban Škrkar, who runs a café on the Neretva's bank, a gathering spot for laughter and fun, as the sense of humor and hospitality of the locals have never waned.

All residents hope that Upper Neretva will become a protected area, helping Ulog move forward. Mišo Milošević, a worker at the "Zelengora" Forestry Management, was one of the protest advocates and can’t imagine life without Ulog.

"We are demanding the renovation of the water supply and cleaning of the channels, as summer and severe droughts are approaching, but the municipality only makes promises. With the help of donations from people with roots here, we managed to replace the roof on the parish house. Our academic Dimitrije Ćeranić, who is originally from this area, helps us a lot. Unless we do something ourselves, no one else will," said Mišo, adding that the road has been slightly improved since the protest, but the bridge from the direction of Kalinovik remains in poor condition.

Ulog is a prime example of how local and regional government neglect can lead to decline. With its natural potential, this place could easily rival Austrian or German villages, and its tourist potential is undeniable. The presence of Orthodox and Catholic churches and a mosque testifies to the coexistence of different people. Everything comes alive in the summer, as this strategic place, a crossroads, and a paradise for adventurers, attracts visitors. One thing is certain and not a cliché: no one comes to Ulog just once or by accident; its beauty, peace, and the Neretva river compel you to return, even if just for a short visit.

Source: Direkt Portal