Once Zloselo, Now Pirovac: Notes on the Origin of the Settlement and Its Names

Abstract

Until 1930, the present-day settlement of Pirovac was called Zlosela. Such a sudden toponymic change was possible in the language of administration, while the older toponym existed for decades at an informal linguistic level. Motivational starting points for both toponyms in the literature and oral tradition are interpreted differently, thus creating conditions for different (un) scientific views on the genesis of the settlement itself. After reviewing these opinions and interpretations, supported by quotations, the previously unpublished archival news is presented, which places the origin of Pirovac and Zlosela in the second quarter of the 15th century. Finally, the toponym Zlosela is considered in relation to similar historical and contemporary toponyms and in the context of historical-geographical circumstances. It became an inventory of archival sources.