After the Demolition of Vjesnik, Zagreb Residents Debate the Station's Name
Reddit suggestions range from nostalgic to practical, with one declared the 'only correct answer.'
Reddit suggestions range from nostalgic to practical, with one declared the 'only correct answer.'
The recent removal of the last remnants of the Vjesnik building on Savska Street has sparked a lively debate among Zagreb residents about the fate of the eponymous tram station. An interesting discussion developed on Reddit, where citizens were divided between those who want to keep the old name and those who believe it's time for a new one.
The debate was started by user PigletObvious9433 with the question: "Will the Vjesnik station remain Vjesnik? Would you like the name to be kept or do you have your own suggestion?" The post garnered numerous reactions within just a few hours, with some comments being humorous. One user suggested a name alluding to the iconic graffiti on a nearby wall, writing: "Kaj ti stara radi ZADAR."
Others are convinced that the old name will survive in everyday speech, regardless of the official decision. "In twenty years, everyone will still say 'at Vjesnik's,' even though the official name will be 'Cvjetno naselje,' just like with the Mosque," reads one comment.
A significant portion of commenters believe that the station's name must reflect the actual state of affairs. "In the past, station names were changed when street, square, or institution names changed, or when something new and more significant was built nearby, so I don't see the point in it still being called Vjesnik when/if something new is built or renovated there," argued one user.
Another user shared a similar opinion, drawing a parallel with other well-known locations in the city: "I wouldn't keep it as Vjesnik because it doesn't make sense; Vjesnik is no longer there. Just as the station at Franjo Tuđman Square is not called the French Republic Square, and Republic Square is no longer called Marshal Tito Square, the Vjesnik station won't be called Vjesnik either."
Some pointed out that the station's functionality is more important than its name. "It doesn't matter what it's called; what matters is that they finally make it operational (referring to the bus stop)," added one user.
Part of the discussion focused on finding a practical and useful name. "I'd rather it be renamed; I think it's more appropriate for tram stations to have utilitarian names rather than symbolic ones," was one suggestion. However, the most attention was drawn by a very specific proposal. "The station 'Kremenko 2' is the only correct answer," wrote a user, referring to a popular fast-food joint nearby.
An idea that follows Zagreb's existing practice of naming stations after traffic points also emerged. "Savska, Podvožnjak? Since we already have the Držićeva, Petlja station," suggested one user.
