Tożsamość białoruska: doświadczenia przeszłości i wyzwania teraźniejszości
Belarusian Identity: Past Experiences and Present Challenges
On the 30th Anniversary of the Restoration of Belarusian Independence
Contributor(s): Joanna Getka (Editor), Jerzy Grzybowski (Editor)
Subject(s): History, Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Belarus; Belarusian identity; Belarusian culture; history and present day of Belarus; Polish-Belarusian relations
Summary/Abstract: The presented collective monograph aims to introduce the readers to socio-political and cultural aspects of the formation of Belarusian national identity throughout the centuries. It shows the main problems faced by the Belarusians searching for their own path of civilizational development on the borderland between the cultures of the broadly understood East and West.
Series: Interkulturowość Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej
- E-ISBN-13: 978-83-235-5298-7
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-83-235-5290-1
- Page Count: 220
- Publication Year: 2021
- Language: Polish, Belarusian
Wpływ wyznań religijnych na kształtowanie się białoruskiej świadomości narodowej w XIX wieku
Wpływ wyznań religijnych na kształtowanie się białoruskiej świadomości narodowej w XIX wieku
(The influence of religious denominations on the formation of the Belarusian national consciousness in the 19th century)
- Author(s):Antoni Mironowicz
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:27-42
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Orthodox Church; Catholic Church; Belarus; national consciousness
- Summary/Abstract:In the late 19th century national movements prevailed in the Russian Empire, and nationality and religion converged. In 1897 Russian territories were dominated by the Orthodox population (75%), which inhabited mainly the European part of Russia and the Siberian regions colonized by the Russians. Orthodoxy was rather weak in the peripheral provinces of the Empire. The Congress Kingdom of Poland was dominated by Catholics, Finland, Estonia and Latvia featured mostly Protestants, while Muslims prevailed in Central Asia. In the 19th century no religion in Belarus was conducive to Belarusian national revival. It is a myth to point to the Uniate Church as a source of national revival. This rite, Latinized in the 18th century, became the object of rivalry between the two main Christian denominations: the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. The Russian Orthodox Church, which has been a strong Russification factor on the territory of Belarus, did not foster Belarusian national revival. Even though most of the pioneers of the revival belonged to it, the Catholic Church also did nothing to support the Belarusianization of religious life. Catholicism remained a Polish religion reluctant to Belarusian national ideas. We also have no evidence of any role of Protestant or non-Christian denominations in shaping the Belarusian national movement.
Францішак Багушэвіч – ідэолаг беларускай нацыянальнай ідэі?
Францішак Багушэвіч – ідэолаг беларускай нацыянальнай ідэі?
(Franciszek Bohuszewicz – an ideologist of the Belarusian national idea?)
- Author(s):Viachaslau Shved
- Language:Belarusian
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:43-55
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Belarusian national idea; Franciszek Bohuszewicz’s work; Belarusian language; “sad pipe”; censorship
- Summary/Abstract:The article is a polemic with Oleg Łatyszonek, a Belarusian historian from Białystok, over whether Franciszek Bohuszewicz can be considered an ideologist and a creator of the Belarusian national idea. Based on Bohuszewicz’s poems (published under pen name Maciej Buraczok), statements of the poet’s relatives and friends, obituaries, and material of 20th-century researchers, the author claims that, regardless of the persecution by the authorities and the censorship of his works, Bohuszewicz accomplished his mission: he showed the hard life of Belarusians in the times after the enfranchisement of peasants, he named those who were to blame for their situation and outlined ways to overcome it (through legal action, education and even death for freedom, like the Kościuszko Uprising fighters). Bohuszewicz was therefore an ideologist and a creator of the Belarusian national idea in the second half of the 19th century.
Адлюстраванне месца і ролі беларускай мовы ў сістэме адукацыі як фактару фарміравання нацыянальнай ідэнтычнасці ў публіцыстыцы газеты “Nasza Niwa” (“Наша Нива”) у 1906–1907 гадах
Адлюстраванне месца і ролі беларускай мовы ў сістэме адукацыі як фактару фарміравання нацыянальнай ідэнтычнасці ў публіцыстыцы газеты “Nasza Niwa” (“Наша Нива”) у 1906–1907 гадах
(The place and role of the Belarusian language in the education system as a factor in the formation of national identity as reflected in the 1906–1907 journalism of the newspaper “Nasza Niwa” (“Наша Нива”))
- Author(s):Viktar Korbut
- Language:Belarusian
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:56-74
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:Vilnius; Russia; Belarusians; Belarusian language; “Nasza Niwa”
- Summary/Abstract:The article considers the attempts to create a system of primary and higher education in the Belarusian language in 1906–1907, as reflected in the journalism of the newspaper “Nasza Niwa” (“Наша Нива”), published in the Belarusian language in Vilnius. The newspaper voiced the concerns of the Belarusian national movement about the opening of Belarusian-language schools and universities, which was complicated by the dominance of the Russian language in the education system as well as the low level of literacy of the population of Belarus. At the same time, the journalism of “Nasza Niwa” cited the examples of Poles, Lithuanians and Ukrainians as those who solved these problems more successfully and should become role models for Belarusians.
Фармаванне беларускага пантэона ў перыяд хрушчоўскай адлігі
Фармаванне беларускага пантэона ў перыяд хрушчоўскай адлігі
(Formation of the Belarusian pantheon in the period of Khrushchev’s “Thaw”)
- Author(s):Alexander Huzhalouski
- Language:Belarusian
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:75-91
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:pantheon; Thaw; national heroes; identity; commemoration; intellectuals; Communist Party and state officials
- Summary/Abstract:The article considers the specifics and mechanism of constructing the Belarusian national pantheon, which, to a large extent, formed the collective identity during Khrushchev’s “Thaw”. The socio-political context in the Soviet Union that caused the appearance of a pantheon of national heroes is analyzed, and options for their commemoration and presentation are revealed. The construction of the Belarusian pantheon at the time in question was the result of initiatives of the national intelligentsia, undertaken mostly on the eve of various anniversaries. Not all such initiatives met with the support of the Party leadership of the Republic, who used the lion’s share of their forces and funds on the memorialization of the events of World War II. The national pantheon formed in Soviet Belarus during Khrushchev’s “Thaw” was a bizarre hybrid of national cultural figures and war heroes who embodied Soviet internationalism.
Uwarunkowania społeczno-polityczne i kulturowe życia narodowego Białorusinów w Łatgalii podczas okupacji niemieckiej (1941–1944)
Uwarunkowania społeczno-polityczne i kulturowe życia narodowego Białorusinów w Łatgalii podczas okupacji niemieckiej (1941–1944)
(Socio-political and cultural conditions of the national life of Belarusians in Latgale during the German occupation (1941–1944))
- Author(s):Jerzy Grzybowski
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:92-124
- No. of Pages:33
- Keywords:World War II; German occupation; Latvia; Latgale; Belarusians
- Summary/Abstract:Belarusians were one of the largest ethnic groups in Latvia in the interwar period. The main clusters of the Belarusian population were located in the south-eastern part of the country – in Latgale (former Polish Livonia). In the summer of 1941, Latvia was seized by the Wehrmacht and the occupation regime was established. The German occupying authorities, using the principle of “divide et impera”, were willing to give the Belarusians a certain degree of cultural and educational autonomy. In 1941 the Belarusian National Committee (since the spring of 1942: the Belarusian Association) was established in Riga and Dyneburg. The organization of Belarusian education under the German occupation was its priority. In the school years 1941/42 and 1942/43 thirty-five primary schools, two high schools and one agricultural secondary school were opened. Moreover, attempts were made to stimulate artistic and publishing activities. The activities of Belarusians aroused antipathy among local Latvians, who were afraid of an increase in the Belarusian national consciousness in Latgale.
Дзейнасць Беларускага інстытуту навукі і мастацтва (Нью-Ёрк) па захаванні і пашырэнні беларускай нацыянальнай ідэнтычнасці
Дзейнасць Беларускага інстытуту навукі і мастацтва (Нью-Ёрк) па захаванні і пашырэнні беларускай нацыянальнай ідэнтычнасці
(Activities of the Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences (New York) to preserve and expand the Belarusian national identity)
- Author(s):Natallya Hardziyenka
- Language:Belarusian
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:127-137
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences; national identity; Belarusian emigration
- Summary/Abstract:After the Second World War, emigrants from Belarus who found themselves in the West had very different levels of national self-consciousness. United by a common origin and memory, they never theless faced a real threat of disappearing in the host societies without leaving a trace. However, representatives of the national intellectuals took care of preserving and expanding the Belarusian national identity among Belarusian emigrants. Founded in 1951 in New York, the Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences has become a flagship in this field. Over the decades, through its cultural, educational and publishing initiatives, it has been spreading information about Belarus, its history and culture to the masses of emigrants, contributing in many ways to the preservation and expansion of Belarusian identity not only among emigrants, but also in Belarus.
Беларуская культура як элемент беларускай ідэнтыфікацыі імігрантаў у Аргенціне
Беларуская культура як элемент беларускай ідэнтыфікацыі імігрантаў у Аргенціне
(Belarusian culture as an element of Belarusian identification among immigrants in Argentina)
- Author(s):Sergej Shabeltsev
- Language:Belarusian
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:138-156
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:Belarusian immigrants in Argentina; Belarusian diaspora; Belarusian identification; Belarusian culture; pro-Soviet organizations in Buenos Aires
- Summary/Abstract:This article is devoted to the Belarusian immigrants in Argentina and the study of their ethnic and national identification. Until 1991 Belarusians in Argentina were a numerically small ethnic group, which due to the absence of an independent Belarusian state was not noticeable to the Argentinians. The elements of Belarusian culture kept up by immigrants (such as language, traditions, songs, dances, cuisine and folk costumes) are highlighted and described. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the development of the Belarusian language among immigrants and their descendants. The cultural characteristics of immigrants from the Belarusian Polesie (Palesse) are also identified. The article summarizes the practical experience in the development of Belarusian culture in pro-Soviet organizations of immigrants, their use of both folklore and the work of Soviet cultural figures (writers, composers). The influence of the BSSR and its institutions on Belarusians in Argentina is discussed. The educational activities of the members of the Association of Belarusians in Argentina as well as the participation of the immigrants’ descendants in ethnic festivals in the states of Buenos Aires and Misiones are noted. The factors that currently allow for the preserving of Belarusian culture in the former clubs of Soviet citizens are pointed out. The author concludes that culture is an important element of the Belarusian identification of immigrants and their descendants in Argentina.
Język białoruski – stan obecny i perspektywy
Język białoruski – stan obecny i perspektywy
(The Belarusian language – current state and prospects)
- Author(s):Radosław Kaleta
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:157-177
- No. of Pages:21
- Keywords:Belarusian language; linguistic prestige; linguistic shame; stereotyping of language; language revival
- Summary/Abstract:The article examines the current state of the Belarusian language and the non-linguistic factors influencing its current situation, e.g. linguistic prestige, linguistic shame, stereotyping of the language. Also highlighted are subjective and emotional factors that influence negative or positive attitudes towards the Belarusian language depending on current social events.
Мы выйшлі на вуліцу знянацку так…
Мы выйшлі на вуліцу знянацку так…
(“We stepped outside so suddenly…”)
- Author(s):Joanna Getka
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:178-201
- No. of Pages:24
- Keywords:Belarus 2020 protests; Alaksandr Lukashenka; music; resistance society
- Summary/Abstract:Mass protests after the August 2020 presidential elections in Belarus laid bare all the weaknesses of the official propaganda machine and exposed not only the deficit of truth in relations between the authorities and society: they disavowed and ridiculed both the organizational efforts undertaken by the government and the narrative threads that set the long-term strategy of official propaganda – and in doing so, destroyed its foundations. The music of the protests played a significant role in this process. The article analyzes the texts as well as the visual aspect of the music videos, which, from a social perspective, contributed to the change of the political situation in Belarus. Alaksandr Lukashenka’s policy and himself as a guarantor of social peace and stability are discredited, and the image of a society rebellious against the pretence of values, perpetuated by the system of power built by Lukashenka, is the major theme. The music of the protests shapes the community and modern cultural identity of Belarusians around separate Belarusian cultural codes concerning language, traditions, history and heroes. Songs of resistance, most often written in response to current events, in their verbal layer carry authentic messages, alternative to the official “ideology of truth”. In this way, musical works become a tool for social controversy and fight against the system, i.e. an important part of the process of change and building a new national identity.
Elementy białoruskiej kultury muzycznej jako źródło wiedzy historycznej
Elementy białoruskiej kultury muzycznej jako źródło wiedzy historycznej
(Elements of Belarusian music culture as a source of historical knowledge)
- Author(s):Marianna Julia Koźmińska
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Security and defense, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:202-217
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Belarus; historical memory; music culture
- Summary/Abstract:For many years, historical science in Belarus has been in a difficult situation. The Belarusian authorities use it for their own purposes and manipulate historical facts. In order to maintain reliable knowledge and historical memory among Belarusian society, it is necessary to search for new, attractive means of independent historical communication. The aim of this article is to present how elements of Belarusian music culture can be used to popularize a patriotic and national historical narrative.
