Intensification of the cultural Activity of the Lusatian Sorbs in 1820 – 1840

Author(s): Eugen Bevziuk / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2015

The paper is devoted to the research of the phenomenon of the Lusatian Sorbs cultural revival. The intensification process of cultural and national movement of the Lusatian Sorbs, that took place under the influence of the Age of Enlightenment at the turn of the 18th –19th centuries, has been considered. Changes that took place in the political and social life of the German states, led to the formation of a new layer – ethnic intelligentsia, who became a leader of the Sorbian revival. Despite the general laws, the Sorbian revival turned to be different from the similar processes of other Slavic peoples. For the Sorbs the main issue of the ethnic revival programme was not politicizing their movement, but preserving their own culture and its renaissance. Consequently, it is argued that the Lusatian ethnic community could not have transformed into a nation because of various objective reasons. However, as the Sorbs developed within the mainstream of the formation of European nations, in particular German, their cultural and ethnic revival was a part of the establishment of new European nations.

Rethinking Intellectual History in East-Central Europe

Author(s): Matej Ivančík / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2023

This overview provides insights into the articles featured in the thematic issue, accompanied by additional elaboration on the theme of rethinking intellectual history in the East-Central Europe region. The period covered stretches from the first half of the nineteenth century to the history of post-communist transformation and within that time span, an extended conversation with global history, philosophy, sociology and other fields runs through the phenomena scrutinized here. The articles presented in this issue aim to both enrich and contribute to the intellectual history tradition of the region. Simultaneously, they actively participate in ongoing debates on de-canonizing political thought, traditionally more inclined towards the examination of great philosophical and scholarly traditions. While such endeavours are not unprecedented, the current issue seeks to communicate new perspectives, introduce lesser-known actors and concepts, and position them within the current and developing activities that have recently emerged in the field of intellectual history in East-Central Europe.

THE MAMO WEBINAR CYCLE: PROGRAMME AND ABSTRACTS

Author(s): Federica Pompejano / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2021

The webinar cycle Materializing-Modernity: Landscape, Architecture and Anthropology Intersections in 20th Century Rurality1 was organized and implemented from April 12, 2021, to May 6, 2021. It has been realized and implemented within the framework of the EU-funded project Materializing Modernity – Socialist and Post-socialist Rural Legacy in Contemporary Albania (MaMo), by Federica Pompejano (MSCA-IF Researcher, Academy of Albanian Studies), the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Art Studies (IAKSA), the Department of Cultural Heritage and Environment and the Laboratory of Ethnomusicology and Visual Anthropology (LEAV) of the University of Milan (UNIMI), Milan, Italy. The MaMo Webinar Cycle was part of a project that received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 896925. The following pages contain the programme of the MaMo Webinar Cycle and the abstracts (in English and Albanian languages) of each oral presentation in order to give a more complete and a better understanding of the topics covered during the implementation of the webinar.

Sprawozdanie z Międzynarodowej Konferencji Naukowej pt. „Klimat religijny w Diecezji Pomezańskiej około 1400 na tle europejskim” (21-22 czerwca 2024, Kwidzyn)

Author(s): Piotr Towarek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 25/2024

The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Development of Bulgarian Studies in a Historical Perspective (1869–1992)

Author(s): Iliyana Marcheva / Language(s): English Issue: 3-4/2024

The study aims to highlight the role of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in the development of the Bulgarian Studies scientific filed in the different periods and historical contexts from the late 19th century to the early 1990s. The emphasis is placed on Bulgarian Studies perceived as knowledge in view of the Academy’s structures (commissions, institutes, centers) and the opportunities before their scientific production and its distribution in the international academic space. In this perspective, the author seeks the relationship with the cultural and foreign policy propaganda, especially during the decades of the Communist regime when that propaganda was highly centralized. Therefore, the analysis is based on recent research on the history of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the development of Bulgarian Studies abroad, as well as on archival materials available at the Central State Archives and the Academy’s Scientific Archives, which reflect the policies of the higher party organs and institutions such as the Center for Bulgarian Studies, published laws and statutes of the Academy, and Internet resources. The author’s conclusion is that the role of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in the development of Bulgarian Studies within the country and abroad depends on the status and tasks that the Academy sets for itself in its legal documents (statute and decisions), the tasks that the political power sets for it (in programs, laws and decrees), as well as on the extent to which the state supports its activities.

A Monograph on Domestic Slavery and Slaveholding in Ottoman Rumelia

Author(s): Stefka Parveva / Language(s): English Issue: 3-4/2024

Review of:TODOROVA, O., 2021. Domestic Slavery and Slaveholding in Ottoman Rumelia. Sofia: Gutenberg Publishing House. 444 pp. ISBN 978-619-176-195-1 [In Bulgarian].

Contribution to the Study of the History of Religions and Secularism in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe

Author(s): Nadya Filipova / Language(s): English Issue: 3-4/2024

Review of: EVSTATIEV, S., D. F. EICKELMAN, (eds.), 2022. Islam, Christianity, and Secularism in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe. The Last Half Century. Leiden and Boston: Brill. 304 pp. ISBN: 978-90-04-51155-2; E-Book ISBN: 978-90-04-51156-9.

Średniowieczny dokument jako znak i przedmiot oglądu w przestrzeni publicznej. Garść uwag o semiotyce dyplomatycznej, percepcji wizualnej i granicach nauk pomocniczych historii

Author(s): Anna Adamska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 20/2024

The article analyzes the functioning of a document as an object (artefact) in medieval Europe, against the broad background of changes in the paradigm of research on medieval writing culture, which assumes a multitude of forms of contact with writing, including its perception as a system of signs that could be viewed rather than “read” in the modern sense.The physical aspects of the document, including its writing material, text layout on the page, graphic symbols and objects attached to the document, constitute an issue that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional diplomatics. It encourages researchers to engage in a more intensive dialogue with experts in other auxiliary sciences, primarily with experts in epigraphy, because a large number of documents were produced on hard material, and also in sphragistics, due to the close interaction between the document and the seal in the process of communicating by sight and touch. The article discusses the occasional presence of a document in public space – as an element of the rituals of power, shown at the request of its issuer or recipient, or as an object of viewing in the practice of examining its authenticity – as well as its permanent presence in the form of a text “exposed” in a stone or as a fresco (charta lapidaria). In all situations in question, the specialized or very general knowledge of viewers determined whether and to what an extent they were able to “read” the information encoded in the format and material of the document, in graphic signs, illuminations, and seals.

Шведската историческа школа – дългият път от изживяването на националния романтизъм към интегрирането в европейската научна мисъл

Author(s): Katina Yoneva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

Considering that the historical periodization of Scandinavia is not yet conventionally set, the earliest human occupation of Northern Europe is also uncertain and has been the subject of intense debate for a long time. The Norse were the first to reach the region; however, the Viking sagas were recognized as poorly documentary sources beyond their role in providing information about their cultural and societal models. The number of Scandinavian written documents is rather limited especially before the fourteenth century. After the twelfth century, a substantial number of works appeared mainly as a result of European influence due to the process of Christianization and the new dynasty system. Nevertheless, the blooming of such historical writings in Sweden began in the first half of the eighteenth century. Тhey presented the product of the efforts of remarkably distinguished array of scientists, who established fruitful scientific relationships with the academies of the prominent European countries. Olof von Dalin popularized the ideas of the Enlightenment, which he expressed in his easily readable works, rising to popularity among the modern Swedish society. Even though historical texts revealed a lot of interesting information about the major events of the past, these writings were often distorted by the personal opinions and perspectives of the authors. Such books (like Rudbeck’s “Atlantica”) boosted the patriotic theory that Sweden is indeed the cradle of civilization. Correspondingly, this study looks not only at the classic historical works of undoubted scholarship, but also at the contemporary criticism towards different scientific dogmas of previous times.

Любен Каравелов и неговите книги

Author(s): Nikolay Chernokozhev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 49/2024

Научна конференция „Разказващият човек и светът на фолклора“

Author(s): Aneliya Manova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 49/2024

In memoriam Дан Замфиреску

Author(s): Vasilka Aleksova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 49/2024

In memoriam Албена Хранова

Author(s): Nikolay Aretov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 49/2024

Учебно дело на евреите в България от Освобождението до съвременността

Author(s): Simona Samuilova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

The study examines the factors that influenced the development of the educational activities of the Jews minority in Bulgaria. Among the external factors it should point out the role of international Jewry in the establishment of modern secular Jewish education after the Liberation and in the revival of the Jewish education after 1989. The significance of the Jewish community in no less important, since from the beginning of the 20th century made its main task the provision of quality education for its members. This explains the upward development of educational work in periods when it was not hindered and restricted by the Bulgarian state.

Catalogul documentelor domniei lui Mihai Suțu aflate în patrimoniul Muzeului Municipiului București (1783-1786)

Author(s): Grina-Mihaela Rafailă / Language(s): Romanian Issue: XLII/2024

In the collections of the Museum of the Municipality of Bucharest there are 52 documents from the first reign of the first ruler of Wallachia coming from the Suțu family, issued from July 6, 1783 until around March 26, 1786. Soon afterwards, although he was on good terms with the Sublime Porte, Mihai Suțu was replaced by Nicolae Petru Mavrogheni (1786-1790), son of Petru Mavrogheni, consul of Austria in Mykonos.Of the 52 documents, 36 are originals, written on paper, accompanied by later, 19th century, Romanian or modern copies. The other documents were preserved in different manuscripts, such as “The comprehensive cartulary of all old and new estates of Agești and Dărmănești ...”, “Cartulary of special royal deeds and books that were made in the treasuries of your great treasurer Ianache Văcărescu ...” and “Cartulary of records regarding the Sinești estates, ..., houses, places and shops in Bucharest and Târgoviște, mills, gypsies owned by the family of doctor Constantin Darvari, between the years 1699-1841”.Among these documents, are noteworthy the orders given by the ruler of Wallachia to the great boyars to investigate the border disputes between different owners. One document refers to the lord's son, Grigore (Grigorașco, Grigorie) beizadea, married to Sevastia Dudescu, “one of the noble daughters of the land”, who was exempted from paying some taxes. The contribution to the improvement of the city's water supply system, for the “use, satisfaction and adornment of the police and all the public”, was rewarded by the ruler by granting “two measures of water” to Scarlat Greceanu great chancellor.The catalogue also comprises documents issued by the great boyars, following complaints related to various issues, lists of various assets, as well as a document sanctioned “with a fearful curse and terrible expletive” by archbishop Grigorie II, the Metropolitan of Wallachia.

Recenzii și notițe bibliografice

Author(s): Mariana Lazăr,Marian Coman,Mihai Mîrza,Andrei Pippidi,Dorel Țuinea,Mircea-Cristian Ghenghea,Snezhana Rakova,Dragoș Lucian Țigău,Alexandru-Florin Platon / Language(s): Romanian,French Issue: XLII/2024

Book reviews. This article contains reviews of several books. The reviewed books focus on history and religion.

Magic and Ritual in the Roman Amphitheatre of Beit Guvrin, Israel

Author(s): Noy Shemesh / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2020

The amphitheatre of Beit Guvrin, Israel, was built in the 2nd century AD and held gladiatorial games and wild beast hunts for c. 150 years. The excavations of this spectacle building unearthed a cultic room (sacellum) and hundreds of cultic artefacts, including two votive altars, hundreds of ritualistic oil lamps and four curse tablets that attest to the use of magic and rituals in the context of gladiatorial games. These artefacts were likely used prior to the spectacles in order to gain divine assistance and enhance the winning chances of the gladiators and venatores who participated in the bloody spectacles that took place at the arena. The sacellum and the cultic artefacts found in the amphitheatre were only briefly mentioned in the published preliminary report on the amphitheatre, but no attempt has been made until now to investigate the cultic and magical rituals that took place in this spectacle building. This article, which is based on the original excavation diaries, thus provides a unique perspective on the importance of magic and ritual within the gladiatorial games at the amphitheatre of Beit Guvrin, offering an insight into the cultic beliefs and practices of the gladiators and functionaries who occupied this spectacle building. The amphitheatre of Beit Guvrin, Israel, was built in the 2nd century AD and held gladiatorial games and wild beast hunts for c. 150 years. The excavations of this spectacle building unearthed a cultic room (sacellum) and hundreds of cultic artefacts, including two votive altars, hundreds of ritualistic oil lamps and four curse tablets that attest to the use of magic and ritu als in the context of gladiatorial games. These artefacts were likely used prior to the spectacles in order to gain divine assistance and enhance the winning chances of the gladiators and venatores who participated in the bloody spectacles that took place at the arena. The sacellum and the cultic artefacts found in the amphitheatre were only briefly mentioned in the published preliminary report on the amphitheatre, but no attempt has been made until now to investigate the cultic and magical ritu als that took place in this spectacle building. This article, which is based on the original excavation diaries, thus provides a unique perspective on the importance of magic and ritual within the gladiatorial games at the amphitheatre of Beit Guvrin, offering an insight into the cultic beliefs and practices of the gladiators and functionaries who occupied this spectacle building.

Принос към изучаване на дарителството в българските земи

Author(s): Antoaneta Kirilova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 2/2025

Review of: Philanthropy and Charity in Bulgaria – Traditions and Modernity. Proceedings. Haskovo, 2024

Memoria traumatică în cazul deportărilor din RSS Moldovenească sau cum am ajuns să validăm memorii

Author(s): Zinaida Bolea / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 23/2024

This article explores the deportations from the Moldavian SSR (1940-1941 and 1944-1953) during Joseph Stalin’s rule. These policies were part of a program to eliminate social groups considered dangerous, which was implemented between 1920 and 1959. A specific feature of the deportations from the Moldavian SSR was the inability of deportees to publicly share their experiences of repression. Because of this taboo, scientific studies on deportations were possible only after the 1990s. Currently there are complex representations of these events: scientific, civic, and cultural accounts marked by individual and collective remembrance that reveal both resistance and ambivalence. The article addresses, from psychoanalytic and psychosocial perspectives, the impact of this official silence upon the deportees from the Moldavian SSR. It analyzes the patterns of communication at family and community level on the subject of deportations as well as the forms and meanings of silence. At the same time, theoretical and empirical arguments are used to clarify individual and community resistance to the validation of the memory of deportees from the Moldavian SSR.

Dinamica identitară în Găgăuzia: relaţia dintre memorie, politică şi simboluri culturale

Author(s): Nicolae Tibrigan / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 23/2024

This article examines the complex process of identity construction and reconstruction among the Găgăuz, an ethnic Turkic community living in the autonomous region of Găgăuzia, in southern Moldova. Based on field research conducted in Comrat, the capital of Găgăuzia, the study explores how memory, political context, and cultural symbols shape the collective identity of this community. The concept of “symbol managers” is introduced to describe the local actors who strategically manage and promote cultural symbols, such as monuments, flags, and architecture, to reinforce a distinct Găgăuz identity. The selective nature of collective memory plays a crucial role in this process, especially concerning the community's ambivalent relationship with its Soviet past and the interwar Romanian experience. The study highlights how political tensions between Găgăuzia and the central authorities in Chişinău, coupled with external influences from Russia and Turkey, contribute to a fluid identity. As Găgăuzia navigates the challenges of globalization and modernization, its cultural landscape becomes a battleground where identity is continuously negotiated. This article contributes to the broader discourse on how marginalized ethnic communities use memory and cultural symbols to sustain and redefine their identity in a changing political environment.