Changes in demographic structure of Zavoj, Velika and Mala Lukanja as result of flooding

Sofija, N, Kostić

Glasnik Antropološkog društva Srbije

43

51

55

1820-7936

https://scindeks.ceon.rs/article.aspx?query=ISSID%26and%266083&page=0&so...

2008-2021/11/01/12:51:03

Geologikal change in the terrain of the Pirot region of Zavoj occurred in 1963 due to land stides as result of climatic changes which themselves led to modified river flows. This was cause for new effect of water on stability of the inhabited terrain. Also, very fertile garden - type, arable and grazing land were endangered for good. This led to a new demographic situation. Villages were depopulated and the valley flooded and turned into a reservoir. Former inhabitants of the region moved away and changed their lifestyle and occupations. Natural and artificial changes of the terrain inhabited by the population of several villages, Zavoj, Velika and Mala Lukanja, resulted in important demographic changes that automatically involved changes in the field of economy and habitation, as well as in the sphere of spiritual culture. Particular customs, special family organization and all that made them specific disappeared. By migrating to urban environment, inhabitants of the region that had to be flooded became an integral part of some other living milieu, somewhat influencing their new environment which in turn affected them far more, since it slowly but surely assimilated them into its cliche. .