New Belgrade

I first visited Serbia in 2007. Struck by its hospitable culture, delicious food and beautiful women I fell in love with a city its people and a girl. Fascinated by its complex and turbulent history I wanted to hear what this generation had to say about their past, future and their new identity.

Serbia has been a place of change and unrest for centuries. Its past has been punctuated with numerous conflicts, border changes, political upheaval and occupation. More recently it has struggled through the effects of communism and dictatorship. After the break up of Yugoslavia, boundary disputes resulted in war and civil conflict. The last military action, which took place in the capital, Belgrade, was in 1999. Ten years on, the children of that era have matured and grown into the students and young adults of today. They are detached from the past and want Serbia to move on into a modern western democracy. They have a desire to become part of the European Union which would bring with it freedom to travel and opportunities for them to experience more of the world.

The city is visibly changing. All around the city are expressions of energy and vibrancy and self-expression. The violent history whilst not being forgotten is disguised and converted. The ambience is of a new Belgrade and a new Serbia which, whilst not forgetting the past, is determined to look forward.