The Great Bosnian Census Caper: How Many Bosnians Can One Windy City Hold?
Ah, Chicago. City of Broad Shoulders, Deep Dish Dreams, and...a surprisingly large Bosnian population? That's right, folks! Nestled between the bean and the lakefront, Chicago boasts one of the biggest Bosnian communities outside of Europe. But how big exactly? Buckle up, because this census caper is about to get wilder than a Yugoslavian wedding after the third round of slivovitz.
The Official Count: Taking Numbers with a Grain of Salt
The U.S. Census, bless its bureaucratic heart, tries its best to keep tabs on everyone. But let's be honest, sometimes counting people is like wrangling pigeons – they just won't sit still! In the 2010 census, the official number for Bosnian-Americans was around 125,000. Now, that's a respectable number, but the Bosnian community itself whispers of a different story.
Enter the Bosnian Whisper Network: It's Bigger Than You Think!
The Bosnian community is tight-knit, and news travels fast. Like, faster than a baklava recipe passed down through generations. Community leaders estimate the real number of Bosnians in Chicago and the surrounding areas to be closer to 70,000. That's right, folks, we're talking about enough Bosnians to fill Wrigley Field...several times over! Imagine the cheering for a home run – but instead of "Let's go Cubs!" it's a chorus of "Hajde Bosna!" (Go Bosnia!)
So, Why the Discrepancy? Spilling the Bosnian Beans
There are a few reasons why the official numbers might be a tad shy. First, some Bosnians might be hesitant to fill out government forms, especially after the events of the war. Second, the census might not perfectly capture the nuances of ethnicity. Bosnians can be Bosniak (Muslim), Croat (Catholic), or Serb (Orthodox), and some folks might identify as simply "Bosnian."
The Bosnian Boom: From War to Windy City
The majority of Bosnians in Chicago arrived during and after the Bosnian War in the 90s. Seeking a safe haven, they found a welcoming home in Chicago. The northern part of the city, between Lawrence and Howard Avenues, became known as "Little Bosnia," a vibrant hub of Bosnian culture, food, and, of course, strong coffee.
Looking for Bosnians in Chicago? Follow Your Nose (and Maybe the Sound of Sevdah)
If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Chicago and want to experience a taste of Bosnia, follow your nose! The aroma of freshly baked pita bread and cevapcici (grilled sausages) is a dead giveaway.
And if your ears pick up the melancholic strains of sevdah music, a traditional Bosnian genre, you've definitely stumbled into Bosnian territory.
The Bosnian Spirit: Strong, Resilient, and Ready to Share a Plate (and Maybe a Story)
So, there you have it, folks! The truth about the Bosnian population in Chicago is a little murky, but one thing's for sure: they're a strong, resilient community that has enriched the city with their culture, food, and of course, their legendary hospitality.
Next time you find yourself in Chicago, don't be shy! Strike up a conversation with a Bosnian local. You might just be invited to share a plate of delicious food and hear a story that will stay with you long after you leave the Windy City.
