Abstract
The article’s objective is to examine the role of sports in rethinking regional identity using the example of FC Hajduk Split. The theoretical framework includes input from studies in sports history, geography of sports, geography of belonging, and identity studies. The methodology includes a survey of the impact of football on identity formation with the example of Hajduk fans and sympathisers; an interview conducted among experts who qualitatively interpret the studied phenomenon; the method of field indicators that refers to the analysis of tangible and observable elements in the field, such as fan murals, banners, and symbols, which serve as markers of identity and belonging. This includes discourse analysis of fan murals to explore the identity content and their role in symbolizing space. Due to the lack of a single Dalmatian administrative-territorial unit within the county system of Croatia, Hajduk symbolises the guardian and creator of modern Dalmatianism. Going beyond the region, football cheering enhances the regional identity with value elements. These values gain priority over territorial identification, imposing a sense of connection through an invisible geography of belonging. Therefore, the research confirmed that cheering for Hajduk enhances the Dalmatian regional identity, with value elements gaining priority over traditional territorial identification.
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Authors Affiliations
Jurica Botić* (1), Daniel Brown (1), Gokhan Savas (2)
(1) American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait
(2) American University of Sharjah (AUS), United Arab Emirates
* Corresponding author
Email: jurica.botic@aum.edu.kw
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