(Non)Commemoration of the Heritage in Eastern Europe

Kinga Anna Gajda (ed.)

(Non)Commemoration of the Heritage in Eastern Europe

Berlin - Bruxelles - Chennai - Lausanne - New York - Oxford

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The publication has been supported by a grant from the Faculty on International and Political Studies under the strategic Programme of Excellence Initiative at Jagiellonian University.

The cover image courtesy of Benjamin Ben Chaim.

ISSN 2196-0151

ISBN 978-3-631-91530-1 (Print)

E-ISBN 978-3-631-92242-2 (E-PDF)

E-ISBN 978-3-631-92560-7 (E-PUB)

DOI 10.3726/b22256

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About the editor

Kinga Anna Gajda is an Associate Professor and a head at the Institute of European Studies, Jagiellonian University. She is a professor of cultural studies, and holds a doctorate in literary studies. Her research interests include memory and heritage, with a particular focus on Eastern Europe in the post-communist era, including nuclear memory, and intercultural competencies.

About the book

Explore the intricate tapestry of memory and heritage in Eastern Europe with this compelling collection of scholarly articles. From the politicization of historical events in post-communist Hungary to the dynamics of urban cultural policy in Polish cities, these essays offer diverse perspectives on commemorating pivotal moments and figures. Delve into the complexities of memory politics, from the manipulation of historical narratives for political agendas to the challenges of maintaining national identity in diaspora communities. Gain valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of heritage and memory, and the importance of embracing complexity in understanding the history and politics of Eastern Europe. This book is essential reading for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural landscape of the region.

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Kinga Anna Gajda

Introduction

Commemorating events or figures that have positively influenced society, are worthy of emulation, changed the course of history, symbolize victories, revolutions, great achievements, or discoveries, is common practice. Conversely, negative events serve as cautionary tales, aiming to prevent their recurrence and honor the victims of genocide, ethnic cleansing, wars, or ecological disasters. However, uncomfortable facts, those not deemed proud or casting a negative light on the community, are often erased, intentionally forgotten, or omitted from collective memory. Collective entities, whether regional, national, or local, dictate which memories are revered and which fade into oblivion. Memory choices are influenced by politics, ideology, socialization, and identity-building processes at various levels of society.

Since memory is subject to contemporary interpretations and goals, it is dynamic, evolving alongside shifting societal objectives and the groups that define them. The past is interpreted differently, with some figures and events glorified while others remain obscured from public view. Monuments fall when deemed unnecessary or ineffective, making way for those better serving the perceived societal good or aligning with a vision of the present and future. Memory, thus perceived, becomes a tool for narrating the past in the present, shaping a specific vision of the future. It is unstable, variable, and subject to the whims of different groups and goals. Memory can vary among different groups, existing as overt official memory or covert memory cherished by a few, understood or remembered by a handful.

What is remembered and forgotten manifests daily and everywhere, shaping human understanding of the world. It permeates cities and rural areas, existing in places and non-places of memory – standing monuments, fallen monu- ments, complete monuments and their fragments, street names, associations, and groups. It resides in history textbooks, records, and memoirs, as well as in the politics of remembrance promoted by temporary governments, festivals, national and international holidays, and material and immaterial cultural artifacts. The list is endless. Describing the fluctuations on this list, indicating the grand machinery of remembering and forgetting, and comparing temporal landmarks allow for capturing the process of commemoration and forgetting.

The authors of this monograph are tasked with precisely this challenge – examining the fluctuating process of commemorating and forgetting the heritage of Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe is understood as the countries located west of Germany and east of Russia, marked by communism and capable of finding their way to freedom and democracy. As noted by Alexander van der Bellen (2024: 6), countries in Eastern Europe have wielded considerable influence in shaping this trajectory. Three and a half decades subsequent to the collapse of the Iron Curtain and two decades after the inception of the “Eastern enlargement” in 2004, Europe has not only expanded in geographical scope but has also emerged as a more robust, dynamic, and cohesive entity than in previous epochs. The ensuing decades are anticipated to ascertain the placement of Eastern Europe within the broader geopolitical framework. The categorical shifts include the fall of the Berlin Wall, border changes, statehood alterations, and regime shifts.

They remind us that the heritage of Eastern Europe is a tapestry woven with intricate threads of history, culture, and tradition, creating a rich and diverse mosaic that is both captivating and complex. Tangled within this tapestry are layers of influences from various civilizations, empires, and ideologies that have shaped the region’s identity over centuries.

At its core, Eastern European heritage reflects a blend of Slavic, Byzantine, Germanic, Turkic, and other cultural elements, each leaving its mark on the region’s languages, arts, religions, and customs. Eastern Europe’s heritage is not merely a static portrayal of the past; it is a dynamic and evolving narrative shaped by historical events and geopolitical shifts. The region’s tumultuous history, marked by wars, invasions, and revolutions, has left scars that continue to influence its cultural landscape. From the partitions of Poland to the fall of the Iron Curtain, Eastern Europe has been a battleground of competing interests, ideologies, and identities.

Moreover, Eastern European heritage is also tangled with the legacy of communism, which left a profound imprint on the social, economic, and political fabric of the region. The scars of totalitarian rule are still visible in the architecture of concrete housing blocks and the memories of oppression endured by millions.

Yet, amidst the complexities and contradictions, Eastern Europe’s heritage is imbued with resilience and creativity. It is a heritage of folk traditions, literature, music, and art that have persevered through centuries of adversity. Nowadays Eastern European heritage faces new challenges and opportunities as the region navigates the complexities of globalization, democratization, and European integration. The tangled web of Eastern European heritage serves as a reminder of the region’s rich and diverse tapestry, one that continues to captivate and intrigue the world.

The examination of historical and political themes within Central and Eastern Europe, as presented in the book, holds significant importance, particularly when explored and described by scholars originating from Eastern Europe who represent Eastern European perspectives. These scholars offer unique insights and perspectives shaped by their cultural, social, and historical backgrounds, which provide a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the region’s history and politics.

Therefore, articles authored by individuals from Eastern Europe present a wide range of memory-related issues, spanning the obvious to the less appa- rent, and encompassing perspectives from beyond Europe, as well as from Alpine regions. This diverse range of topics and perspectives contributes to a richer understanding of historical narratives and their impact on contemporary societal dynamics.

The critical examination of the erosion of democracy during the interwar period in countries such as Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia is particularly significant. By challenging idealized narratives and exploring the nuances of authoritarianism, these scholars offer insights that may be overlooked by those approaching the topic from a Western European or global perspective. Their firsthand experiences and intimate knowledge of the region provide valuable context for understanding the complexities of political transitions and the challenges faced by democratic systems.

Furthermore, the exploration of memory politics, the commemoration of historical events and figures, and the manipulation of historical narratives for contemporary political agendas shed light on the intricate interplay between history, politics, and collective memory. Scholars from Eastern Europe are uniquely positioned to offer insights into these dynamics, as they navigate the comple- xities of memory politics within their societies and grapple with the legacies of authoritarianism, communism, and nationalist ideologies.

Overall, the contributions of scholars from Eastern Europe to the analysis of historical and political themes in the region are invaluable. Their perspectives offer nuanced understandings of history and heritage, challenging dominant narratives and enriching scholarly discourse with diverse viewpoints. By foregrounding Eastern European perspectives, the book underscores the importance of embracing multiplicity and complexity in the study of Central and Eastern European history and politics.

Authors delve into the complex dynamics of heritage and commemoration in Eastern Europe, examining both positive heritage such as European values and democracy as well as negative legacies such as colonialism and oppression. Socialist heritage is scrutinized, demonstrating its influence on the collective memory and the shaping of remembrance practices. Furthermore, controversial heritage, including contentious heroes and their representation in television or educational materials, is critically analysed. The chapters explore characters from collective memory and their diverse interpretations, illustrating the complexities of tangled legacies and their commemoration through urban studies. Case studies, such as those focusing on Czechia and Latvia, provide insightful examples. The narrative progresses towards distant heritage and shared legacies, highlighting differences in the interpretation and commemoration of what is perceived as common European heritage between Eastern and Western Europe. Through this exploration, the chapters aim to illuminate the multifaceted nature of heritage and the varied ways it is remembered and interpreted across different contexts – within Europe and beyond.

The first chapter, authored by Mirosław Natanek, titled “European Values after 30 Years of Poland’s Membership to the Council of Europe: Protecting the Rights of National and ethnic minorities in Europe as an Example of Europe’s Common Heritage,” delves into the significance of upholding European Union (EU) values and principles, particularly in the context of aspiring member states. The chapter underscores the rigorous scrutiny faced by candidate countries in aligning with EU norms, particularly those related to democratic principles and the rule of law. Annual assessments evaluate their adherence to the EU acquis communautaire, ensuring alignment with treaties and case law. Conversely, the adherence of member states to EU standards is subject to evaluation by all EU institutions and fellow member states, thereby ensuring uniformity and consistency.

Moreover, the chapter highlights the collaborative relationship between the Council of Europe and the EU, especially in upholding fundamental rights and international agreements such as the Convention on Human Rights. It examines Poland’s compliance with two key Council of Europe conventions aimed at safeguarding the rights of national and ethnic minorities: the Framework Convention for the Protection of National and Ethnic Minorities (FCNM) and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML).

Despite Poland’s acknowledgment of various minority groups, including Lithuanians and Jews, ongoing challenges are evident, such as delays in submitting government reports and instances of discrimination against Roma communities. Recommendations put forth by the Advisory Committee and the Committee of Ministers underscore the pressing need to address issues such as hate speech, discrimination, and the enhancement of minority language education.

The evaluation of Poland’s compliance with the ECRML underscores the paramount importance of safeguarding the rights of ethnic and national minorities and preserving linguistic diversity. It calls upon Polish authorities to promptly address identified shortcomings and ensure the effective protection and promotion of minority languages, emphasizing the necessity for a broader cultural shift and unwavering commitment to European values and heritage.

In his text, “Instrumentalisation of Democracy in Central European Interwar Authoritarian Discourse: The Case of Czechoslovakia,” Jan Květina critically examines the notion of illiberal democracy in Central Europe, with a specific focus on Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The author engages in a nuanced exploration, challenging the Czech national narrative that idealizes interwar Czechoslovak democracy while concurrently portraying neighboring regimes in a negative light. The analysis probes the decline of Czechoslovak democracy during the interwar period, notably in 1938 when it underwent a transformation into the “Second Republic.” This article scrutinizes the often-celebrated Czech democratic tradition, shedding light on systemic shortcomings and the internal evolution of democracy into an authoritarian regime.