Home is where the Herz is

'Fatteh' comes from the Arabic language meaning crumble or lay bread over something.

Mouddar Khouja first came to Europe in 1981. In 1985, he moved to Vienna, where he has been helping the Austrian-Syrian business community thrive.

Centuries of Levantine hospitality have evolved into countless varieties of shawarma, falafel and kebab ... and much more.

We take you on an enchanting journey to a city as it was before the war - bridging history and civilizations for more than 5,000 years.

With all their good intentions, the integration courses of the ÖIF are a blunt instrument, lectures when they should be discussions and often counterproductive.

They have braved many challenges and left their country behind to build a new life. Here’s their story.

Community lead Majd Nassan introduces Vienna's Syrians, the focus of this month's 'Home Is Where the Herz Is' issue.

Arabic is today spoken by over 310 million people as their first language; another 270 speak it as their second language. In Vienna alone, over 40,000 people (or 2% of the population) are estimated to speak Arabic.

The Syrian-born poet Hamed Abboud deals with the experiences from war, flight and new beginnings with poetry and a dialogue with his readers

'Fatteh' comes from the Arabic language meaning crumble or lay bread over something.

The city has seen it all, yet it remains as charming as ever. It’s small alleyways tell the stories of past generations and its mosques and churches speak of prophets

The designer shakes up Vienna’s fashion world with flowing lines, style and ruffles.

Now in her 60s, the native Bulgarian had spent most of her life in Sofia, until unimaginable circumstances brought her to Vienna to transform the lives of others.

It was for a place in the company of the Wiener Volksoper that Petar Naydenov came to Vienna from a theatre in Bavaria eight years ago.

Bulgaria is home to legends and myths, stories of centuries past, monuments of battles lost and won which all shape the landscape.

The two friends decided to join forces. And in 2016, they set up the non-profit organization Austria for Beginners.

But if you plan to cook Bulgarian dishes at home, you will definitely need a good Bulgarian shop to buy some typical products: On Pilgramgasse you will find a Bulgarian shop.

How a Bulgarian living in Vienna is building brides between countries and people ― figuratively and literally. Aneta Bulant-Kamenovа

Raised bilingually in Sofia, and re-established in Vienna, artist Borjana Ventzislavova is a woman of many worlds.

When national governments closed borders and asked people to stay put at the beginning of 2020, Ivan Krastev and his family decided to go back to Bulgaria.

Moving to a new country brings many challenges. Here’s how community advice and music help Bulgarians settle in.

Vienna’s Wittgenstein house has become a focal point of Bulgarian culture and arts – and much more.

For those moving west from Bulgaria, Vienna has become a favorite destination - a "Bulgarian village" in its own right.

They say geography is destiny – the defining coastlines of cultures and languages. But when you get right down to it, what really matters is the food!

“Nothing is impossible for those you love”

Language is our wealth, our tradition – and a tool to understand the world.

"How would a landscape with dinosaurs sound?"

For Bojidar Kassabov, everything began in October 1999. An agreement between Austrian and Bulgarian universities gave him the chance to study medicine in Vienna.

The Bulgarian law graduate works for the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) and gives free consultations on labor and social security law in her mother tongue.

Here is a list of notable Bulgarians that you may have heard of.

The affair between Bulgaria and Austria can be described in many ways. And Vienna is almost always at its center.

Community Lead Pavel Naydenov introduces Vienna's Bulgarian community, the focus of this month's Home Is Where the Herz Is issue.

Germany and Austria share many of the same values, and much culture and history. Yet, in spite (or possibly because) of that, the little brother staunchly holds on to a distinct cultural identity – most notably in language, which can sometimes make communication difficult.

On March 16, 2020, European politicians closed internal EU borders to stop the spread of the coronavirus. It was more than a formality: this massive restriction on interpersonal relationships did not go over easily.

He’s weird, he’s scandalous, and he’s influencing the German language like no Austrian rapper before. May we present the phenomenon that is Money Boy.

Why Austria is considered to be the capital of "feel bad cinema."

From 'Butterbretzn' to 'Fischbrötchen' - Here are the spots serving traditional German cuisine in the city.

When I make the case for 'Mett' to my Austrian friends, I’m usually met with raised eyebrows and disgruntled faces. While they seem to question my mental health, I promise 'Mett' is worth a try. Thus, I ventured fourth on a quest for 'Mett' in Vienna.

What does it mean to be German in Austria? A satirist, a local activist, a musician, a community manager, and a TV and radio star share their experiences.

Kraus sets her sights on educating audiences and widening the platform for women in the Austrian art world. In some ways, being German helped.

As a German, life in the city is not always easy. For those who get to know the city better, there’s plenty of wonders in store.

A fixture in the traditional 'Kaffeehaus' – the creation of German master joiner Michael Thonet became a legend of 19th-century design.

From football to Franz Ferdinand, Germans and Austrians always find plenty to (dis)agree upon.

Community Lead Vera Gasber introduces Vienna's German community, the largest immigrant group in the city, and the star of this month's 'Home is Where the Herz Is' issue.

A “boy throwing an eye on a girl,” or someone “cutting his ears to patch his ass” these are very common expressions in Serbian. In these illustrations, you can see the literal meaning of some of the most popular phrases in Serbian.

Appetizers Duvan čvarci (tobacco pork cracklings) Typical Serbian Dish from the West, these pork cracklings are special for two reasons: They cont...

Home to 23 national minorities, 4 official languages and three religions, this ancient Habsburg city on the Danube is the 2021 European Capital of Culture.

From the Vienna Boys Choir to the University of Music and Performing Arts, Serbian musicians bring a unique soulfulness to the Austrian musical tradition.

Actor Aleksandar Saša Petrović feels indestructible when he thinks in Serbian. A talk about movies, life and what it means to be Viennese.

You lose track of time at the family-run restaurant, in the 16th district, famous for its excellent food, authentic decor and positive vibes.

The Misaljević family combines love, family, chocolate and business – “the most important things in life” at one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Austrian capital.

From health and security providers to scientists and civil servants, these Serbians have become a key part of Austrian society.

A story of two couples and their children through the generations, with different histories and reasons for moving to and staying in Vienna.

Here are some of the most important Serbs that spent time in Austria.

In the 1600s, Vienna was a cultural center for the Serbian people. Today, the glorious past of the intellectual elite is coming back in large strides.

Publication Lead Alexandra-Anna Panić introduces Vienna's Serbian community, the focus of this month's Home Is Where the Herz Is issue.

Today, Poles abroad are in a very different situation than in 2004. Their average salary is increasing – and in Austria, it’s the highest of anywhere in the EU. Austrian Poles are also sending more money home than Poles living elsewhere in Europe, as trade increases bring the two countries economically closer

From the medieval central square and St. Mary’s basilica, wander the parks and gardens of one of Central Europe’s best-preserved cities, where the food always takes center stage.

Culture, attitudes and habits of thought are shaped by our mother tongue: Polish, a Slavic language, thrives in Vienna with the help of several institutions.

Polish artists bring Vienna’s streets, stages and dance floors to life

While, for many, the easiest way to the heart is through the stomach, with Poles, it’s through their native language. They don’t expect anybody to speak it, so just sprinkle in a Polish word here and there and you’ll win them over in no time.

So nice to meet you! You must come over for dinner so we can eat and drink properly, and start our friendship off on the right foot.

The vibrant Polish community boasts many savvy entrepreneurs. Metropole's Polish team chose three innovative ideas - in gastronomy, fitnesss and fashion - to illustrate the diversity of the scene.

From community organizing and trekking through the Alps to conducting top-notch research, these Poles enrich our city every day.

Our ongoing project “Home Is Where the Herz Is” was awarded the 2020 Jean Monnet Prize for European Integration for “celebrating diversity” and “giving a voice to Vienna’s immigrant communities.”

From first coming to Austria as a child to being elected to Parliament, Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic has always been a fighter.

Far from cliché of being cleaning ladies, over 20,000 these women start businesses, organize protests and defend minorities – making the city their home abroad.

Why do Poles come here and why do they stay? An exploration in five parts.

From the outlook on Kahlenberg, most people look down over the Vienna skyline, picking out buildings they recognize and admiring the majestic view. Poles do that as well, but they see more.

Lángos, csárdás, Puszta – Viennese have surely come across these words that found their way from Hungarian into the Austrian vocabulary. Remember them for the next time you want to impress your favorite Magyar.

It’s Friday afternoon at Praterstern. Eight strangers pile into a small van that commutes between Vienna and Budapest at least twice a day ‐ even during COVID, when regulations allow. It’s much more than hitching a ride.

Founded in 1741, the Burgtheater always had a strong link between language and national identity, but today it stages an international ensemble of artists. Just like the Volkstheater, Vienna’s stages are opening up to Europe and beyond.

Since the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungarian musicians have adored Vienna’s art scene. The tradition of displaying their talents in Vienna continues to this day.

The university's move from Budapest to Vienna last year meant not only re-establishing itself in a new host city, but also moving hundreds of Budapest-based staff here. Three Hungarian faculty members tell us what it has been like to be “replanted” to Vienna.

Here are the Viennese food spots that make the Hungarian community feel at home.

More than 25,000 Hungarians live in Vienna. We talked to some of them to learn why they moved here and what makes them feel at home.

The story of a man who extends boundaries, in more than one way.

Since the launch of the Hungarian-German bilingual elementary school in 2019, Viennese parents can give their children an authentic 'magyar' learning experience.

Everything in Vienna is connected to Hungary – or written record in the Salzburg diocese of 881 so Hungarians would have you believe. The first mentions “Wenia” falling to Hungarian nomads. Here is a short walking tour of the city’s Hungarian landmarks.

Check out the best of Hungarian fashion and culture in Vienna.

Austria and Hungary share a long and turbulent history. And so do their people.

Vienna has been the closest and most accessible heaven on earth for Hungarians for centuries.

When you wander the streets of Vienna, you'll hear a multitude of languages. Over 30 percent of us moved here from abroad, spicing up the local lingo with our accents and dialects. Here's a short primer for how to sound Romanian.

With a total area of over 100,000 km2, modern day Transylvania is the largest region of Romania, and, by itself, larger than Austria.

Throughout the ages, Vienna was a nexus for the literary, artistic, scientific and cultural creativity of many Romanians.

Romanians’ entrepreneurial spirit, long suppressed under the communist regime, is experiencing a renaissance – it can be felt even in Vienna.

Sometimes it is the taste of home that really makes us feel belong, wherever we are.

To make it on the boards that mean the world, you need talent, passion and grit. Even more so, when you start out from a modest background.

You cannot escape old age. An estimated 456,000 people in Austria depend on care services and the numbers continue to rise. Many prefer 24-hour care at home. In 2018, this meant around 65,000 caregivers worked.

Since the “kilometer 0 of democracy” in 1990, Romanians in Vienna, as elsewhere, followed the political changes at home, holding out hope for the democratic movement.

We kick off our new reportage series “Home is where the Herz is” with a heartfelt essay about Romanian Vienna.