The City as a Political Pawn: Urban Identities in Chisinau, Cernivci, Lviv and Wroclaw

This book explores how four cities - Chișinău, Černivci, Lviv, and Wrocław - were forcibly placed into new national contexts during World War II and the ways in which the present population handles the memories of the past for future development. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the built environment as a testament to past populations and national contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: DOM Publishers

This book explores the urban environments of four cities in Central and Eastern Europe before World War II, shedding light on how the present populations navigate and interpret the memories of the past in order to shape their future development. The cities of Chișinău, Černivci, Lviv, and Wrocław were forcibly placed into new national contexts during the war, leading to significant changes that included genocide and forced displacement. Despite these tragic events, the preserved built environment serves as a testament to the past populations and national contexts.

The book delves into the urban environments of these four cities before the outbreak of World War II, examining the social, cultural, and architectural characteristics that defined them. It explores the ways in which the cities' residents interacted with each other and their surroundings, and how these interactions shaped the cities' identities and legacies. The book also examines the impact of the war on the cities, including the destruction of buildings, the displacement of populations, and the emergence of new political and social systems.

One of the key themes of the book is the ways in which the present populations of these cities are grappling with the memories of the past. The war has left deep scars on the cities and their residents, and the memories of the past are often intertwined with the present-day challenges and struggles. The book explores the various ways in which the residents of these cities are attempting to heal these wounds, including through memorialization, education, and cultural preservation.

Another theme of the book is the role of the built environment in shaping the memories of the past. The cities' architecture, streetscapes, and public spaces serve as physical reminders of the past, and the ways in which these spaces are used and interpreted can have a significant impact on the way in which the past is remembered and interpreted. The book examines the ways in which the residents of these cities are using the built environment to commemorate the past, to celebrate the present, and to shape the future.

The book also explores the broader political and social context in which these cities operate. The war has left a lasting impact on the region, and the cities are located in countries that are still grappling with the consequences of the conflict. The book examines the ways in which the cities are responding to these challenges, including through economic development, social welfare, and political activism.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable insight into the urban environments of four cities in Central and Eastern Europe before World War II, and into the ways in which the present populations are navigating and interpreting the memories of the past in order to shape their future development. The book is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing Russian military aggression on the territory of Ukraine, as it sheds light on the ways in which the war has impacted the region's cities and their residents. The book is a valuable contribution to the field of urban history and urban studies, and will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers alike.

Weight: 1142g
Dimension: 233 x 213 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783869228228