Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 16:00–18:15 and 18:30–20:00 CET
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.
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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 nongovernmental
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, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian and English with provided
simultaneous interpretation.
Information: Nina Happe, Department Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung,
E-Mail: [email protected], Telefon +49(0)30 285 34 – 384
Please use our calender page to register for the event.
Program
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
16:00 Welcome note Walter Kaufmann, Heinrich Böll Foundation Berlin, and Irina Scherbakowa, Memorial Moscow
16:30 Monuments and their functions in modern societies Interview with Aleida Assmann, Konstanz
17:00 The Legacy of Collapsed Empires: Commemoration practices and monuments in the past 30 years
What are the significant features of monuments in Eastern and Southeastern Europe? What do they tell
us about the dominant politics of history and values over the past 30 years?
How is the legacy of the Soviet and Yugoslav monuments handled? Could they be rendered “modern” again?
Which lines of division were established in 1990/91 in Eastern and Southeastern Europe? How did they develop after 1991?
Mischa Gabowitsch, Einstein Forum Potsdam
Iryna Kashtaljan, History Workshop Minsk
Ivo Goldstein, University of Zagreb
Chair: Nina Happe, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Berlin
18:15 Break
18:30 Alternative interpretations/Dealing with the existing monuments
Which monuments should be saved and restored – and which not?
How do political and historical myths work and find their embodiment in monuments?
What could be done to alleviate and defuse a war of monuments (Stalin in Georgia)?
Why are some monuments beloved and others the subject of jokes?
How should contemporary monuments look like?
Jelica Jovanovic, Grupa arhitekata
Elene Kekelia, Department of Sociology, University of Virginia
Denis Shabaev, Documental film director, “Mira”
Chair: Johannes Voswinkel, Heinrich Böll Foundation Moscow
