Publikation

Consider the following: ‘dealing’ with the past can be utterly confounding and complex. Yet, what makes  dealing with the past such a delicate and challenging process? To be sure, there is no dearth of elucidations  and topics. At present, though, three major challenges come to mind.  The first concerns the context in which the past is explored. Discussions about the past inevitably awaken  in both the individual and the collective a deep sense of the ‘private’ versus the ‘public self’. There are  definite views about what should be reserved for the private domain and what is appropriate for public  consumption. The sanctity and dignity of the private space as opposed to the open, transparent, public  space is very compelling, particularly in societies with tragic pasts where, at times, a ‘culture of silence’  may become a means to preserve and protect. (…)

In 2008, forumZFD Kosovo embarked on an initiative called Thinkers’ Forum as part of an on-going process of Dealing with the Past (DwP) in Kosovo  The Thinkers’ Forum was initially convened to focus on loss as a collective experience, consequent societal needs and, the individual significance of ‘victimhood’ and suffering. With these experiences in mind, forumZFD and the Thinkers’ Forum began using the concept of ’social wounds‘ to identify, frame, and acknowledge the consequences of the omnipresent grief still felt in contemporary Kosovo society. After exploring and analysing a variety of themes for over one year, seven members of the Thinkers’ Forum expressed a willingness to write about ‘dealing with the past’ through the lenses of their fields of interest and experience. 

Arbër Salihu: Dealing with the past and history teaching
Ballsor Hoxha: Why I can’t write
Ferid N. Agani: The silent burden of the past
Jeton Neziraj: Theatre in Kosovo: Challenges in a young country
Petrit Çarkaxhiu: Dealing with the past and identity
Sali Shoshi: Fragile recovery of cultural heritage in Kosovo
Valon Gërmizaj: Memorials and dealing with the past