Rethinking monuments in Eastern and Southeastern Europe: What have we seen in the past 30 years, and what do we want to see?

We are connected with our neighbors in Eastern, Central and Southeastern Europe by the three eventful and moving decades in which "the East", following the collapses of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, has repositioned itself – partially in an atmosphere of invigoration and downright freedom euphoria, but also in blood. How did the new (old) national states deal with the depictions of their respective histories? Which images were carved in stone, and which were attacked? Where is the imagery of heroism and victimization, respectively, to be found? Where has the heritage remained visible (and still remains so), and which remembrance layers have been placed on top of the old ones? What is the current state of the debates on monuments, and what do we want them to be like in the future?

Commemorative plaques, statues, triumphal arches, inscriptions: old hat? Why are these the subject of continued – perhaps even increased – arguments and debates?

This year’s History Forum – again taking place virtually due to the pandemic – provides a forum for reflection and discussion on cultures and policies of remembrance in the past 30 years in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, as well as the forms of their concrete manifestation in old and new monuments. In addition, we intend to examine whether an alternative way of handling disputed monuments can be possible and successful.

With:

• Aleida Assmann, University of Konstanz (em.)
• Iryna Kashtalian, History Workshop Leonid Lewin, Minsk
• Ivo Goldstein, University of Zagreb
• Elene Kekelia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA

and other participants.

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“European History Forum“, a joint initiative by the Heinrich Böll Foundation and its Russian partner, Scientific Research and Education Center Memorial, aims to provide exchange opportunities, primarily for younger historians, employees of museums, media and non-governmental organizations from Eastern, Southeastern and Western Europe. This, on the other hand, aims to promote a pan-European discourse on cultures of remembrance and politics of history. At the same time, the Forum addresses everybody who critically engages with 20th century history and its teaching – in a professional, honorary or private capacity.

The event will be held in German, Russian, English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian with provided simultaneous interpretation.

Please register for the event.

Information:
Katja Giebel
Department Eastern and Sutheastern Europe
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
E-Mail: giebel@boell.de
Telefon +49(0)30 285 34 - 388

Please register for the event.

The technical requirements for participating in the event are a computer, tablet or smartphone with a speaker, and depending on the event (with audience participation) optionally a camera or headset required. Online events will be held using the Zoom software, which will provide a link for participating. The access link will be provided a day prior and 2 hrs prior to the event. The event will be recorded.

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