The lecture series in the master’s degree programme “Management of Social Change” (which also serves as the East-West College during the summer semester) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will focus on the topic “The East-Central European Region: Old and New Borders (and Crossing Them).” As part of the program, Dr. Markus Bauer (Director of the Silesian Museum in Görlitz) opened the lecture series on March 22, 2018, with his presentation on “Borderland—Bridge Land: Borders in the History of Silesia and Upper Lusatia.”
In this first of a total of eight lectures in the series, approximately 40 participants embarked on a journey through time, exploring the history of borders and border crossings in Silesia and Upper Lusatia. Dr. Bauer’s historical overview began 1,000 years ago. It provided insight into the geographical and political changes and their associated consequences for the people living in these regions (Silesia and Upper Lusatia).
At that time, the border between Upper Lusatia and Silesia was not drawn as “sharply” as we know national borders to be today. The development of the region and the settlement processes began in the 12th century. So-called settlement cells—which emerged through the clearing of forest areas and the arrival of settlers—formed the boundaries of that era. Territorial and political shifts sometimes forced people to leave their homelands. The changing political landscape brought with it a wide variety of problems for the population.
One particular problem was the diversity of languages. The immigrants brought their own languages and cultures with them. In addition to the Slavic language, there were German, Polish, and the Czech-Moravian language (a term referring to the various Czech dialects). As a result, higher-level offices were filled only by people who were fluent in the dominant language of the region.
Among the consequences of the wars were not only resettlement but also the persecution of certain groups of people based on their religious affiliation. However, the borders did not prevent people from traveling. Travelers and merchants were referred to as “border crossers” in those days. Borders were important for the collection of customs duties and tax revenue within the respective territories. The trade routes of that era played a decisive role in the development of European culture. Migration processes were an integral part of the history of Upper Lusatia and Silesia over the centuries.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Bauer clearly emphasized that the history of Silesia and Upper Lusatia was strongly shaped by interculturalism due to these constant changes in the various borders. The subsequent discussion provided an opportunity to ask the speaker specific questions. Key questions focused on the irony of how interculturality is addressed today, despite the underlying history.
There was also strong interest in the perspectives of the people who were forced to leave their homes at that time. One participant, who had himself been displaced from his Silesian homeland due to the shifting borders, shared his story. He still identifies as a Silesian today and feels a strong connection to his cultural heritage. In the upcoming lectures of the series, speakers from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland will examine the borders between East and West from various perspectives. Social, cultural, and geographical perspectives will play a role in these discussions.
The next lecture will be given by Diplom-Paed. Jan Steffens from TU Dresden on April 5, 2018, on the topic “Intersubjectivity, Borders, and Alterity: Social Relationships in Interaction with Culture and Society.”
Text: Elén Klimmer and Elisabeth Linke
Photos: Cornelia Müller
Contact:
Cornelia Müller
Staff Member in the Master’s Degree Programme “Management of Social Change”
Phone: 03581/374-4274
Office: Building GI (Blue Box), Room 1.09
Mailing Address: Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
Brückenstraße 1, 02826 Görlitz