evidence: A brief history of Vukovar [...] After the Ottoman dominion (in the 16th and the 17th century), a significant part of the Vukovar area was purchased by the German Counts of Eltz, who will have a significant influence on the economy and culture of Vukovar during the following two centuries. German, Hungarian, Jewish, Rusyn, Slovak and Ukrainian immigrants also moved to the area at the time. Thus, the area became multi-national and in 1745 Vukovar became the centre of the vast Syrmia Country. [...] Vukovar is a symbol of resistance, invincibility and persistence. Vukovar is also a symbol of peace in which courage, self-sacrifice and the greatness of its defenders give it an exalted place in the creation of an independent Republic of Croatia.