“Mówią Wieki” on the January Uprising in Polish and Lithuanian

150th anniversary of the January Uprising commemoration was prolonged by the presentation of “Mówią Wieki” [“Centuries Speak”] historical magazine special edition in the seat of the Republic of Poland Embassy in Vilnius.

This is an exceptional edition because it was prepared by scholars from Poland and Lithuania and the articles it contains were published both in Polish and Lithuanian. The meeting was attended by the authors of historical publications: Wojciech Kalwat, editor-in-chief of “Mówią Wieki” magazine; Lithuanian historians, Darius Staliūnas and Ieva Šenavičienė.

– Today is the anniversary of the uprising commencement in the territory of Lithuania—pointed out the Ambassador to the RP in Vilnius, Janusz Skolimowski, while opening the meeting. – Both in Poland and Lithuania the whole year 2013 will be marked by memories of common battles for independence, integrity and the right to sovereignty under the standards of the White Eagle and the Pahonia… I would like to express the hope that the monthly’s special edition will meet the interests of not only scholars, but also youth and teachers. I believe that this will contribute to better understanding of common history and one another.

The special issue of “Mówią Wieki” historical magazine comprises the publications of historians from Poland and Lithuania on the January Uprising. One can find there the articles of Andrzej Szwarc, Ieva Šenavičienė, Jerzy Zdrada, Wojciech Kalwat, Darius Staliūnas et alia. It begins with a foreword by the Ambassador to the RP in Vilnius, Janusz Skolimowski.

On the presentation of the new special supplement of “Mówią Wieki” magazine, the editor, Wojciech Kalwat, said:

– Exactly 55 years ago was published an issue the cover of which looked alike—featuring Grottger’s graphics. On the insurgent subject matter we have come full circle… Our magazine is intended for all who love history, schoolchildren, teachers. We present history in a reliable, objective and interesting way. We found it reasonable to publish our work in two languages. Let this special issue, dedicated to the January Uprising, work as a contribution to reach Polish-Lithuanian understanding.

Darius Staliūnas, a fellow of the History of Lithuania Institute, the author of the publication “The Uprising 1863-1864 in Lithuania” paid attention to the dissimilar names of the bid for independence in Poland and Lithuania: if in Poland it is called “the January Uprising,” then in Lithuania—“1863 sukilimas.” He also presented a different point of view relating to the interpretation of the uprising:

“At the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th centuries Lithuanians viewed this uprising as being none of their concern. At the time of shaping the Lithuanian identity Poland and Poles were considered to be the main enemy”—stated Darius Staliūnas.

The editor of “Mówią Wieki” magazine, Michał Kopczyński, revealed that the editorial team intends to publish another 4 special issues concerning the common history of Poland and Lithuania.

The Minister of Education and Science in Lithuania, Dainius Pavalkis, who participated in the presentation, advised seeking things that unite rather than divide.

– We have to look for things which are common and may lay the foundations for cooperation. We may spare a glance backwards; however, we have to look forward, into the future.

Source: http://kurierwilenski.lt/2013/03/18/mowia-wieki-po-polski-i-litewsku-o-powstaniu-styczniowym/

Tłumaczenie Hanna Hołub w ramach praktyk w Europejskiej Fundacji Praw Człowieka, www.efhr.eu. Translated by Hanna Hołub within the framework of a traineeship programme of the European Foundation of Human Rights, www.efhr.eu.