Ian Bancroft

The Bosnian Straitjacket Buy The Bosnian Straitjacket by Bancroft, Ian (ISBN: 9798249938499) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

How is the situation in #Bosnia-#Herzegovina 30 years on from the war? This is the question at the heart of my new book, 'The Bosnian Straitjacket.' Many thanks to all those who contributed reflections. Pick up a copy today through the following link! www.amazon.co.uk/Bosnian-Stra...

Slavonia's winemaking renaissance Slavonia, in eastern Croatia, is experiencing a wine-making renaissance.

#Slavonia, in eastern #Croatia, is experiencing a winemaking renaissance. It is shedding the industrial reputation of its ubiquitous #Graševina to produce high-quality, terroir-driven whites, whilst Ilok continues to champion world-class #Traminac. autochthoinos.substack.com/p/slavonias-...

The final piece on Italian classics for Glug Magazine tells the story of #Arneis, the 'sacrificial rascal,' featuring quotes from Malvira Winery. #Italy #Wine

Tirana: the city of empty towers - Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa The landscape of Tirana is increasingly characterised by skyscrapers of all shapes and heights, designed by the most renowned European architects. But these new homes are unaffordable for residents an...

The landscape of #Tirana is increasingly characterised by skyscrapers of all shapes and heights, designed by the most renowned European architects. But these new homes are unaffordable for residents and remain largely empty. #Albania. www.balcanicaucaso.org/en/cp_articl...

I've also written about #Dolcetto for Glug Magazine, with wisdom and insights from Vietti Winery and Massolino Winery. #Italy #Wine

When in #Sarajevo, be sure to visit the War Childhood Museum to reflect upon artefacts of significance for children who lived through war. #Bosnia-#Herzegovina

The 19 most beautiful bridges in the world, ranked Made from rope, stone, steel, and even living tree roots

#Mostar's Stari Most named the world’s most beautiful bridge by TimeOut. If you're yet to see it in the flesh, include #Bosnia-#Herzegovina in your travel plans. www.timeout.com/travel/world...

I've also written about #Alba DOC for @GlugMag, with wonderful contributions from Marchesi di #Barolo, the oldest winery in Barolo, and Cantina Parusso. #Italy #Wine

Ukraine, a long winter of frost, bombs, and tensions - Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa The cold weather emergency is leaving Kiev and the rest of the country in darkness and freezing temperatures, while disagreements are emerging between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the capital's…

The cold weather emergency is leaving Kiev and the rest of the country in darkness and freezing temperatures, while disagreements are emerging between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the capital’s mayor, Vitaly Klychko. Meanwhile, Europe is struggling to find a unified response

I've also written about #Alba DOC for @GlugMag, with wonderful contributions from Marchesi di #Barolo, the oldest winery in Barolo, and Cantina Parusso. #Italy #Wine

A Grand Tasting in Belgrade By focusing on vertical tastings, archive vintages, and indigenous varieties, Grand Tasting 2026 reaffirmed its position not just as a quality wine fair, but as a serious institution for wine educatio...

By focusing on vertical tastings, archive vintages, and indigenous varieties, Grand Tasting 2026 reaffirmed its position not just as a quality wine fair, but as a serious institution for wine education and appreciation in the #Balkans. #Serbia #Wine. autochthoinos.substack.com/p/a-grand-ta...

An artist looks past the history books to uncover the hidden landscape of #Sicily's capital. #Italy. www.aramcoworld.com/articles/202...

#Belgrade rewards those willing to look beyond the bargain flights...the real draw is a city as intriguing and welcoming as it is complex. In a continent of over-touristed destinations, Belgrade still feels like a discovery. #Serbia. www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...

The childhoods lost to war A collection of mementoes and testimonies at the War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo is a timely reminder of the devastating effects of war on children

ICYMI, my piece about the #War Childhood Museum in #Sarajevo for @TheNewWorldmag. A unique collection that explores the devastating effects of war on children. #Bosnia-#Herzegovina. www.thenewworld.co.uk/ian-bancroft...

Ongoing cultural revival putting Manx dancing 'back on the map' A teacher says growth in Manx dancing reflects a growing appetite for reconnecting with traditions.

#Manx dancing has been enjoying a growing revival, with new classes attracting people of all ages. It was grown into a cultural movement on the Isle of Man, reflecting a wider appetite for reconnecting with Manx traditions. #IsleofMan. www.bbc.com/news/article...

Italian investigated over claims he paid to shoot people during siege of Sarajevo Former truck driver, now 80, allegedly one of many ‘sniper tourists’ who paid Bosnian Serb soldiers to be allowed fire on city

An elderly Italian man is under investigation as part of an investigation by prosecutors in Milan into individuals who allegedly paid members of the Bosnian Serb army for trips to #Sarajevo so they could kill citizens in the 1990s. #Bosnia-#Herzegovina. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...

Wine After War in Bosnia and Herzegovina Josip Brkić began building his family’s wine brand during the bloodshed of the Bosnian War; today he is prospering.

Josip Brkić began building his family’s wine brand during the bloodshed of the #Bosnian War; today he is prospering. This article, published by Wine Spectator back in 2021, tells his fascinating story. #Bosnia-#Herzegovina. autochthoinos.substack.com/p/wine-after...

The childhoods lost to war A collection of mementoes and testimonies at the War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo is a timely reminder of the devastating effects of war on children

Read about the incredible work of the War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo in my new piece for The New World mag. The Museum collects mementoes and testimonies that serve as a timely reminder of the devastating effects of war on children. #Bosnia-#Herzegovina. www.thenewworld.co.uk/ian-bancroft...

'Old man in a hat', by Oliver.

This is an incredible resource - over 300 stećak (unique medieval tombstones) sites mapped, primarily in #Bosnia-#Herzegovina, but also in #Serbia, #Montenegro, and #Croatia. stecakmap.info/karta/

When GOAT comparisons are made in twenty years time, #Djokovic's victory against #Alcaraz in the Olympics and at the #AustralianOpen2026 against #Sinner will be widely referenced. Two heroic performances. Unfortunately not enough left in the tank today.

This Belgrade cafe changes lives, one Serbian coffee at a time With Intrepid, sip Serbian coffee at an inclusive cafe in Belgrade, where staff with developmental disabilities build skills and community.

A lovely piece by @marynovakovich.bsky.social about Zvuci Srca in #Belgrade, a cafe where staff with 'developmental disabilities are finding creative outlets, new skills and a sense of community.' An inspiring place creating opportunities for all. #Serbia. www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/i...

The pub that changed me: ‘I saw an Isle of Man that had been largely unknown to me’ ‘The Woody’ was crammed and chaotic, and nobody could be rushed. There was always time for another pint and conversation

The Woodbourne hotel on the Isle of Man is my local when back home - a good account of the characters and atmosphere you'll find there. #IsleofMan. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Statement by the EUSR for the Belgrade Pristina Dialogue on the occasion of the first trilateral meeting of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons On 22 January, the Chief Negotiators of Kosovo and Serbia, together with the EUSR, convened, for the first time in a trilateral format, the Joint Commission on Missing Persons. The establishment of th...

Some rare positive news from the #Belgrade-#Pristina dialogue - the Joint Commission on Missing Persons convened in a trilateral format for the first time. Let's hope this helps shed light on the fate of the remaining missing persons. #Serbia #Kosovo. www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/stateme...

Public media and AI: the Western Balkans between light and shadow - Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa Are public services in the Western Balkans ready for the challenges of artificial intelligence? Research highlights the creation of basic institutional and ethical frameworks, but digital transition a...

An intriguing question - 'Are public services in the Western Balkans ready for the challenges of AI? Research highlights the creation of basic institutional and ethical frameworks, but digital transition and AI management remain insufficient.' www.balcanicaucaso.org/en/cp_articl...

Bosnia’s Quiet Rearmament: How a Small Defense Industry Is Becoming Europe’s Hidden Supplier Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defense industry, rooted in its Yugoslav legacy, is quietly reemerging as a key player in Europe’s

'#Bosnia and #Herzegovina’s defense industry, rooted in its Yugoslav legacy, is quietly reemerging as a key player in Europe’s security landscape. Specializing in NATO-standard and Soviet-caliber munitions, it serves diverse global markets...' www.fairobserver.com/business/bos...

The latest post on the @autochthoinos substack is about how a group of young people, @mladi_sa_rajackih_pivnica, are safeguarding #Rajac's #wine heritage. #Serbia

Going beyond the surface in the Karst plateau: exploring the new cross-border geopark in Italy and Slovenia GeoKarst is a new EU-funded project highlighting a unique landscape of caves, gorges and medieval villages near Trieste

To showcase its shared history, nature and culture, the #Karst region has established a new #EU-funded cross-border geopark, known as GeoKarst, and is hoping to secure Unesco designation. #Slovenia #Italy. www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/...

Out of the ruins: will Aleppo ever be rebuilt? The long read: Years of civil war have turned whole areas of the city into rows of empty husks. But after the fall of Assad, Syrians have returned to their old homes determined to rebuild

Years of civil war have turned whole areas of #Aleppo into rows of empty husks. But after the fall of #Assad, Syrians have returned to their old homes determined to rebuild. #Syria. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...

Serbia, Safeguarding Rajac’s wine heritage In Rajac, close to Negotin in eastern Serbia, a new Association, Mladi sa Rajačkih pivnica (which translates as ‘Young People for Rajac’s Pivnicas’), is striving to safeguard the traditional wine cell...

In Rajac, in eastern #Serbia, a new Association, Mladi sa Rajačkih pivnica (‘Young People for Rajac’s Pivnicas’), is striving to safeguard the traditional wine cellars that are integral to local wine culture and heritage. On @Autochthoinos substack. autochthoinos.substack.com/p/serbia-saf...