Purgeri - a Portrait of a True Zagrebian

I remember one day I was commenting how it's been quite a while since the last time I heard someone saying "serbus" to me. Strangely enough, that was the same day someone did just that. An old man wearing a quality scarf, coat and a gentleman's hat, after a brief chat in the tram, slightly bowed down in a controlled manner and said it. While fifty years ago that wouldn't be that big of a deal, nowadays it's so rare that it's almost extinct. While I'm not originally from Zagreb, I have been living here long enough to understand that hearing "serbus" SHOULD be something noteworthy and not because of the meaning of the word itself (it used to be a common greeting), but because it serves as a vibrant symbol of Zagreb's past. If, by chance, you use the expression "serbus" in your everyday communication, you're most likely a "Purger", meaning you're as true Zagrebian as they come. In case you have no idea what that's supposed to mean, here's a lesson about Purgers from a non-Purger.

Image credit: P. Macek, Zagreb Tourist Board

Now, "Purger" isn't an easy word to elaborate. Sure, it happens to serve as a nickname for all "true" Zagrebians, but it's a bit more complicated than that. Being called a "Purger" means having a whole history of specific culture, language, and manners. Nowadays, the word is commonly used to describe all Zagrebians. To call all Zagrebians "Purgers" would be easy. Too easy. Oh, and also, it would be wrong. Luckily, I don't like when things are wrong, so let's explore what the expression "Purger" really stands for.

Derived from the German word Bürger, meaning "citizen", "Purger" is just another expression for Zagrebians. That much is true. But, not all Zagrebians are "Purgers". It could be argued that I am a Zagrebian, not to mention a Purger, even though I've been living in Zagreb for years, now. According to the traditional annotation of the expression, a "Purger" is used to describe only those Zagrebians whose grandparents and parents were Zagrebians. In a sense, "Purger" is like a tag that proves just how "pure" of a Zagrebian you really are. Of course, due to strong migrations and urbanization that have been occurring in Zagreb in the last century, a "Purger" has become increasingly rare sight. Describing who a "Purger" is often proves to be problematic, not just because there are no strict rules on being able to call yourself a "Purger", but also because it means much more and requires much more than that.

First of all, the term "Purger" is closely related to a specific dialect that has been slowly fading away. This dialect is a mixture of traditional dialect, specific to this area with enormous influence from the German language. Secondly, it has been related to a specific, Zagrebian lifestyle. The beauty of it can be found in its very nature. As I have already mentioned, there are no formal rules when it comes to being a "Purger", but there is a wonderful sense of classical culture that is almost always tied to this expression. Depending on how elitist one tries to make this expression, the required number of your ancestors being born in Zagreb may vary. Some say it's enough just to live in Zagreb to be able to call yourself a "Purger", but what everyone will agree on is what being a "Purger" represents. It represents being proud of being Zagreb's citizen. It represents the utmost respect for its heritage and culture. It represents all the classical norms of politeness and manners. In an almost film-like manner, a true "Purger" possesses a classical sense of pride, intelligence, and behavior. 

Let's go back to the beginning of this text. Confused about the nature of this expression, I asked the gentleman, who, without a doubt, is a true "Purger", about what does it take for someone to become one. In a true "Purger" fashion, he smiled politely and told me "You just have to behave like one. Zagreb has always had its arms open for all those who are eager to learn and respect. To know your city and to respect it as well as its inhabitants are the first step towards becoming a "Purger". You might come to Zagreb from Alaska, but if you show appreciation for the city and good nature that is so characteristic for it, it speaks about you as a Zagrebian much more than your lineage does."

To be a "Purger" is to appreciate yourself and others. Serbus!

Image Credit: T. Šklopan, Zagreb Tourist Board

Header image credit: Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb Tourist Board

Author: Marko Pačar