About the book

The monograph Železniki skozi čas is an interesting account of the history of the author’s birth place. The commendable decision by Vida Košmelj to gather written material about the history of Železniki and its surroundings, save the oral tradition, that has been until recently preserved from generation to generation, from being lost and support it with her own experience and written records was responsible for this dense work. The current inhabitants of Železniki as well as researches of our local, social, cultural and political history, ethnology and other sciences will happily take this volume in their hands. Železniki boasts with a rich history. Besides the chapters dedicated to the former inhabitants, housing construction and economical circumstances, the book offers chapters on education, postal service, cultural activities, associations, cooperatives and legal norms. Vida Košmelj has succeeded in linking the various fragments of the local history and natural attributes, individual events and those involved in them into a variegated mosaic of place, time and circumstances in an unobtrusive manner with a feeling of belonging and love for her birth place. Her work is a vivid account of the history of Železniki that manifests itself in the present. Being familiar with the tradition is crucial for the understanding of the present and planning of the future. That is why the book Železniki skozi čas, distinguished by its readableness, is a valuable contribution to the study of our local history. Dr. Damir Globočnik ***Charitable action for Železniki!*** In the great floods of 18th September 2007, much of the cultural heritage was destroyed and will only stay alive through the book. With the purchase of Železniki skozi čas, you contribute to the voluntary fund for the renovation of Železniki and help to its victims. The amount will be transferred to the Municipality of Železniki. The letter by the Železniki mayor On 18th September 2007, Železniki and its surroundings witnessed a natural disaster that could be compared to the fire of the 18th century when the town burned to the ground. Today, the image is similar. Mud, water, washed up cars and rubbish everywhere. There is not a single house in the old part of Železniki that is not flooded. Scared and desperate faces all around, many considering moving away. Wounds that will take a lot of time to heal. In a place where everybody works hard for a living, many locals do not know if they will be able to restore the damage. Numerous workers that left for work in the morning will not be sleeping at home tonight because they simply cannot get to their houses. The Arts Center, the cemetery and the health center are unrecognizable. Bridges, roads, sidewalks and meadows are nonexistent. We hope and believe in the help from the country. We can already thank the Slovenian Armed Forces, the Civil Protection, the police and especially the self-sacrificing firemen. We believe that the help for the renovation of infrastructure will follow. And we also believe in the sympathetic hearts of the Slovenians. With your help, we will be able to gather the resources to renovate the homes and other buildings. We will not pay attention to the height of the amount – every contribution is welcome. Those in need will appreciate any kind of help, today from the armed forces and the firemen, tomorrow in the form of resources for renovation. In moments like this, we above all need to feel that we are not alone. Mihael PREVC, mayor