Kwestia upamiętnień władców Wielkiego Księstwa Litewskiego w polityce historycznej współczesnej Białorusi
Commemoration of the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the historically-oriented policy of contemporary Belarus

Summary/Abstract: Historically-oriented policy is a fairly important element of preserving national identity and building historical awareness. It is reflected, among other things, in the attitude towards monuments. In the past few years, Belarus has witnessed changes in the central authorities’ and the society’s respective perceptions. More and more frequently, discussions are held about the legacy of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and its role in forging Belarus’ statehood. Among the elements of the historically-oriented policy in Belarus are issues related to monuments to figures from the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The society’s opinions are extreme, both approving of the new developments and fiercely opposing them. The monument to the Lithuanian grand prince Algirdas in Vitebsk has been at the centre of this dispute, arousing the most intensive emotions. In the past years, efforts have been also made to commemorate prince Vytautas, king Mindaugas as well as Konstanty Ostrogski and Lew Sapieha.

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