Ika's story

Ika has spent her working life in a successful textile company. The factory opened in 1948 in nearby Ivanjica and many other outlets were established in the surrounding villages. I discovered this small factory in the village of Bratljevo, Serbia, with approximately 80 families. Making shirts and other garments brought the prosperity and the employment to the area. The factory in Bratljevo was closed in the 90s’ as a result of the economic hardship during the war in the Balkans. Since then, the site was never utilized again, and the roof collapsed recently during the heavy snowfall. The closure of the factory has changed the life in the village, and many families have moved to the nearby town looking for a better life. I revisited this abandoned ghost site through Ika’s memories. She told me that the overgrown courtyard was full of flowers and the place was a pleasure to work in.