It’s a big deal, when you think about it, who the author of the most popular German-language blog about the Balkans is. Christoph Baumgarten has been running Balkan Stories for over 10 years, shaping how the region and its people are seen. His voice influences not only which stories are told but also how they are shared with the world.
“I was always more interested in everyday stories,” he said, “in the background stories, rather than the big political ones—I kind of ignored them. There was something more fascinating to me about the combination of familiarity and universality in people’s situations, with a certain degree of strangeness, as this is obviously not my country or my culture. Discovering something unfamiliar in these stories, even if they are banal, helps me see their universality in a different way.”
You can immediately see this approach on the homepage of Balkan Stories, with its vibrant range of stories and photos. From the daily life and story of an Albanian rapper to coverage of the Hercegnovski strip festival, or even a kitten who found a home after living in Galerija Boris Smoje—Christoph captures life’s essence. His work is not just about documenting; it’s about connecting.
Christoph has been to the region more than 20 times, getting to know people in a way that goes far beyond the relationship between photojournalism and subjects. He connects to people like a person, sometimes over the course of years and many visits. It’s a method that not only leads to a sense of trust, but also an intimacy that you don’t usually see in photo reportage.
His first exhibition, “Lice Bosna,” held at Galerija Boris Smoje on May 24, 2024, showcased these deep connections, with each portrait accompanied by a glimpse into the lives of his subjects. Curated by Nardina Zubanović, the exhibit featured both locals and the Bosnian diaspora in Vienna, Christoph’s home.
His stories are born from casual moments—sitting with a beer in Trg Bana Jelačića or observing life outside a betting shop. Either he meets someone and they drink a couple beers, or he shares his more introverted perceptions through his stories and photography.
Balkan Stories has always felt like that: the independent project of someone who is familiar with ordinary people and the natural pace of life. It also feels like the work of someone who genuinely loves what they do. Christoph’s blog is a mix of “business and pleasure,” and, as he says, “the stories often write themselves.”
His work has a broader cultural impact, helping break down stereotypes about the Balkans. By focusing on the universal aspects of everyday life, he connects not only with the locals and diaspora but also with international readers, prompting them to see the region differently. Christoph hopes to continue this journey, with plans for another exhibition next year and a desire to keep inspiring a genuine interest in the region for those who may have never had any ties to it before.
Supported by the Austrian Cultural Forum, his exhibition is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, showcasing how one person’s perspective can profoundly reshape our understanding of a region and its people.