The word "ovcara" is a Serbian term referring to a type of livestock pen. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first sound is "o", pronounced as "ɔ" in IPA. The "v" is pronounced as "v" in English, followed by "ts" as "ts" in "cats". The next syllable "a" is pronounced as "a" in "car", and finally, the last syllable "ra" is pronounced as "ra" in "far". Therefore, "ovcara" is pronounced as "ɔvtsara".
Ovcara is a noun and refers to a specific geographical location in the eastern part of Croatia, near the town of Vukovar. This place gained historical significance during the Croatian War of Independence, which took place between 1991 and 1995. Ovcara became infamous due to the tragic events that unfolded in the area during this period.
On November 20, 1991, after the fall of Vukovar, the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and Serbian paramilitary forces executed around 200 Croatian prisoners of war in the Ovcara farm complex. The victims were subjected to torture, abuse, and eventually killed, marking one of the most brutal war crimes committed during the conflict.
The term "ovcara" is predominantly used in this historical context to refer to the site of these atrocities. However, it can also be utilized to symbolize the broader themes of suffering, loss, and human rights violations that occurred during the Croatian War of Independence. Ovcara stands as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of justice and remembrance in post-conflict societies.
Overall, the noun "ovcara" represents a specific location associated with war crimes and captures the profound historical significance and emotional weight behind these events in Croatia's recent past.