SPRING SCHOOL “HERITAGE HORIZONS 2025"

The political borders of nation-states often do not perfectly align with the distribution of ethnic and religious groups. In Europe, known for its rich tapestry of ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity, and where borders have frequently shifted over the past century, such mismatches are particularly common. But what happens to the cultural heritage of communities excluded by redrawn national borders? Or in more complex scenarios, where multiple groups with competing claims share a space that has experienced shifting balances of power?
Cultural heritage often predates political borders, reflecting the shared history of communities that coexisted in the same space. Changes in politics, society, and culture can significantly affect the preservation and reinterpretation of such heritage. While some regions eventually achieve cooperation despite divisions, this process requires time, effort, and mutual understanding, with success never being guaranteed. The past century demonstrates that the fate of shared or "left-behind" cultural heritage is shaped by unique circumstances, often driven by internal community conflicts and external political pressures.

The Spring School “Heritage Horizons 2025”, organised by the European University Viadrina (Germany), the University of Belgrade (Serbia), the Polytechnic University of Timișoara (Romania), the University of Opole (Poland), and the University of Szeged (Hungary), will address these important issues. This eight-day program aims to examine the challenges involved in managing, interpreting, and preserving shared cultural heritage. Through a series of lectures and field trips, participants will explore the historical and cultural complexities of the Banat region and its neighbouring cities, Subotica (Serbia) and Szeged (Hungary). The Banat region, historically one of Europe’s most ethnically and religiously diverse areas, is divided among Romania, Serbia, and Hungary. Its rich cultural heritage reflects the intertwined histories of Serbian, Romanian, Hungarian, German, Jewish, and other communities.

The program is designed to deepen participants' understanding of shared cultural heritage through an analytical and hands-on approach. Visiting sites that showcase its historical complexity and significance, students will explore how this cultural legacy is managed, perceived, and reinterpreted. These sites include fortified citadels, medieval towers, examples of Romanesque church architecture, Orthodox and Catholic Baroque cathedrals, and fin-de-siècle synagogues.
Under the guidance of academic experts and local heritage professionals, participants will engage with the tangible manifestations of collective memory and identity in this dynamic region. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange, the Spring School “Heritage Horizons 2025” aims to bridge the past and present, ultimately promoting an inclusive and harmonious future for the region.

• LOCATIONS: Belgrade, Timișoara and Szeged; one-day trips to Vršac, Subotica and the Arača archaeological site
• DATES: May 19–26, 2025
• ELIGIBILITY: Open to BA, MA and PhD students from partner universities: University of Belgrade (Serbia), University of Szeged (Hungary), Polytechnic University of Timișoara (Romania), University of Opole (Poland) and European University Viadrina (Germany)
• CREDITS: 3 ECTS
• LANGUAGE: English (minimum proficiency level: B2; a language certificate is not required)
• COSTS: Travel and accommodation expenses are covered by the Erasmus+ BIP/Pannonia programs
• APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 23rd, 2025

Apply now! For more information, please write to seke@europa-uni.de