In the early part of the 20^th century, Veli Iz was the first island in the Zadar archipelago to get electricity in part due to the financial support of Izani who emigrated to other parts of the world. Electricity was need for the production of olive oil in the small factory located there.  Ten years later, the entire island had electricity.  This was again in advance of any of the other neighboring islands. 

As Veli Iz was advanced in the building of a village school, the increase in literary of the island population led to the idea of building a library/reading room. The first meeting regarding the creation of a "Citaonica" was held on December 1, 1918.  At the first planning meeting, there were 84 charter members who sought a room to use as a reading room.  They met in a room adjacent to the village promenade where they would conduct their meetings.  As the membership grew, they realized they needed a building to accommodate the growing membership. Construction on the present site was begun in 1923. On June 29, 1927, the building began to be occupied and was completely finished two years later. By 1931, the membership had grown to 342 members.  Since there was a tremendous will, but shortage of finances for the building project, the islanders contacted all Izani across the globe.  The majority of them were in North America but there were also Izani in South America.  They received enthusiastic support from Izani everywhere and financial assistance. On December 1, 1928, a fundraising banquet was held in New York City at the Bankroft Hotel. This was the biggest single fundraiser held with a goal to help finish the construction.

Hotel Bankroft Banquet 1928

During this time, the first doctors office with x-ray facilities was built. This again, was one of the first to be built along the Zadar coastline.

The government of Croatia recognizes the "Citaonica" as a cultural monument. It was one of only two such "cultural centers" on the Zadar Coast.  The "Citaonica" not only served as a library/reading room but also had a stage, which was home to live theater productions and tamburitza orchestra. This started a strong and still thriving musical tradition that is part of the island of Iz.  Four original plays were written by izani Dr. Sime Kulisic and performed on Iz and in other locations. The first president of the new cultural society was Ivan Pekic and the current president is Milivoj Skorlic. The "Citaonica" was always the center of the political and cultural life of the island we are proud to contribute to that tradition.

Early 1900s, the future site of the "Citaonica"

Citaonica when it was first constructed with surroundings in development. 

Phases of the Dom Kulture Renovation Project:

Phase I:          Completed in 2004

The first phase of the restoration of the Dom Kulture started with the replacement of all the windows, patching of the exterior and clean-up inside.  The locals held several bake sales in order to raise part of the funds to start the project.  The Croatian government contributed some funds after they saw the interest of the residents and importance that this landmark has to Croatia.

Phase II:         In-progress for 2005

The second phase has started with contacting local vendors to secure contracts to start the upgrading of electrical wiring and plumbing to meet the code requirements.  This phase is crucial since there is a lot of work required and the funds generated from the reunion and donations are essential to expediting the completion of this phase. This center can not be fully operational without electricity and functioning bathrooms.

Phase III:       Planning for future development pending procurement of funding and completion of phase II. 

The plan for the third phase of this project is to finish the exterior (repair railings and columns and paint) and refurbish the interior with hardwood floors, installation of bathrooms, paint and restoration of the art deco molding.