is a podcast exploring the academic landscape of Southeastern Europe.
Through instructive interviews with specialists from the region, it provides compelling insights, making new research accessible to a broad (also non-academic) audience. Regular listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of this very interesting part of Europe.
After nearly a year of interviewing various scholars from the region, we are excited to present a new episode featuring two heritage scholars: Lea Horvat and Aleksandar Ranković. Last year, they published a very intriguing and engaging article titled: “Galeb i golub. Heritage Scholars, Power and Knowledge Production in (Post-)Yugoslav Studies”. The article provided an opportunity to engage in a conversation with two authors. While they critically examined the imbalances in power, representation, and collaboration in (Post-)Yugoslav Studies, they also reflected on academic tradition, current state, and potential future developments of the area studies in German-speaking academia. The article introduces the concept of “heritage scholars”, which, in a very broad sense, refers to individuals with a personal connection to a region (e.g., the post-Yugoslav space) who also academically study it.
Interview by Katalin Kósza.
Our personal Podcast-Recommandation: Ep. 00 -BallaBalla-Balkan https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ghveNIj7aanG7YVNtcFkv?si=KwUHoh32QNioNP8gc9oJuw
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Tune into #BalkansCalling for the first episode of the semester, completely in Albanian! Ledio Hala, Lektor für die Albanische Sprache an der Universität Regensburg, und Elena Gashi, BWL-Studentin mit albanischer Herkunft, sprechen über die Lehre der albanischen Sprache für HerkunftssprecherInnen an der Universität Regensburg. Wie sieht sowohl der Standard-Einfluss auf den Unterricht und die Verständnisse sowie Missverständnisse zwischen Dialekt SprecherInnen im Unterricht als auch wie Albanisch im Alltag einer Herkunftssprecherin in Deutschland aus?. Zudem erfahren wir, welche albanischen Kurse im neuen Semester an der Uni Regensburg angeboten werden!
Interview geführt von Iman Serjani.
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This month, our guest is Silvana Farruku, a seeFField predoctoral fellow from April to September 2023. Her project topic deals with the relationship between Muslim and Albanian Identities in contemporary Albania and Kosovo from a broad interdisciplinary perspective. Silvana, who is trained in linguistics, analyses public discourses from a perspective of linguistically oriented discourse analysis.
The episode offers new insights into this topic and Silvana as a young and socially and politically engaged person from the region. Silvana talks about her broad scientific and research interests, especially about ‘Albanian Studies’, which she believes are isolated. At the same time, she pleads for openness in research and science and hopes to give new insights and a new perspective on the topic she deals with.
An interview by Katalin Kósza.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Techniques for synthesizing your research into a compelling narrative, by Dissertation in 90 Days, a podcast by Dr Anthony Robinson
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We live in a world of many societal conflicts, contested states, and ongoing wars. How can academics approach these issues and contribute to a better understanding of them? Can researchers offer solutions for conflict resolution and predict future developments based on their insights?
We discussed these topics with Sophie Gueudet, a historian of war and conflict currently serving as PeaceRep Ukraine’s Research Officer. Her expertise encompasses separatism and secession, contested states and unresolved territorial conflicts, as well as civil-military relations in intra-state wars in Southeastern and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Since January 2023, she has been researching the effects of the war against Ukraine on Russia’s constellation of client de facto states. Sophie defended her PhD in January 2020 with a dissertation titled “Bridges over the Drina: History, Modality, and Outcomes of the Bilateral Cooperation between Serbia and Republika Srpska (1995-2016).”
In this episode, we focused on her research on the relations between Serbia and Republika Srpska, which sheds light on actors and developments from below.
An interview by Ger Duijzings.
Our podcast recommendation this month: NIOD Rewind Episode 37 – Navigating field research in conflict-affected societies by the Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies in the Netherlands
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Whether you hold strong religious convictions, are fascinated by the different ways people practice faith or perceive religion as an obstacle to interpersonal interactions, particularly in multicultural societies, this episode will inspire you to think further about the role of religion in post-conflict contexts. Our guest was Jelena Jorgačević Kisić, a long- time religion journalist from the Belgrade weekly Vreme and a PhD student at the University Regensburg. Last year, she published the book titled “Једни смо другима на добро дати – девет разговора о себи и свима нама” (We give each other good – Nine conversations about ourselves and all of us, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, 2023). The book comprises interviews with nine religious leaders from various religious communities in the former Yugoslavia. The interviewees share insights into their lives and discuss the foundations of their faith, sources of inspiration, and sources of pain, as well as the formation of their relationships with others and with God. Additionally, they reflect on how they navigated loss and adversity, their perspectives on war, the significance of reconciliation, and offer practical advice and guidance. An interview by Klaus Buchenau.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Wir wollen keine Helden sein – Nadezhda Beliakova über politischen und religiösen Widerstand in der UDSSR und Russland by Erleuchtung Garantiert, a podcast from the Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion at University of Zurich.
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In this episode, join us for an intriguing book review that explores the intricate web of corruption and power struggles in interwar Yugoslavia. In an interview with the author, Klaus Buchenau, a professor of History of Southeastern Europe at the University Regensburg and a member of the seeFField Steering Board, we discuss his latest publication, “From Grand Estates to Grand Corruption: The Battle over the Possessions of Prince Albert of Thurn and Taxis in Interwar Yugoslavia”. The essence of the book lies in its exploration of how the German aristocratic family Thurn and Taxis, Yugoslav officials, and national and international companies used various means to struggle for their interests, from lawsuits to international arbitrage and political lobbyism. The book ends with a “grammar of bribery” in the wood business of interwar Yugoslavia.
An interview by Jelena Jorgačević Kisić, a journalist from the Belgrade weekly Vreme.
Our podcast recommendation this month: KickBack – The Global Anticorruption Podcast by the Interdisciplinary Corruption Research Network (ICRN)
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Annemarie Sorescu-Marinković (Institute for Balkan Studies, Serbian Academy for Sciences and Arts) takes us on a journey through her research into the linguistic vitality of the Vlach, Boyash and Roma communities and the most pressing issues they face, including societal stigmatisation and the intellectual minefield of language standardisation. Along the way, we pause and examine the Linguistic Landscape – the language(s) visible in the public space – and the thorny issues of recognition and prestige which abound there. Finally, we touch on how Serbian society views multilingualism more broadly. Come along and explore multilingualism from this fresh and exciting angle!
An interview by Jack Broughton.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Minority Languages and their Reception in Germany from the Centre for Minorities Research Podcast
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Dive into this captivating episode featuring Daniela Koleva, professor of oral history and memory culture at the Department of History and Theory of Culture at Sofia University. She elaborates on the power and relevance of oral history as a data collection method, and the crucial role played by biographical interviews in the popularisation of public history, particularly relevant in the aftermath of Bulgaria’s transition away from Communism in 1990. Daniela also shares her insights into Bulgaria’s demographic transformation and the challenges posed to this young democracy by an aging society. Tune in and take a journey through her fascinating approaches to memory culture!
An interview by Ger Duijzings.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Demographic Decline: The Pitfalls of Aging Societies from Global Get Down – A Global Affairs Podcast by IRSA
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In dieser Episode geht es um die Perspektive postmigrantischer Menschen aus Südosteuropa auf ihr Herkunftsland und Fragen der Identität, Zugehörigkeit, und Heimat. Wir sprechen über Migration, Sommerurlaub im Herkunftsland und darüber, ob eine Rückkehr dorthin vorstellbar wäre. Als Gästinnen teilen Dimitra und Gresa ihre Erfahrungen.
Ein Interview von Katalin Kósza.
Unsere Podcastempfehlung diesen Monat: Brain Drain und Brain Gain: MIGRATIONSFORSCHUNG mit Dr. Kathleen Beger von Gasthörer – der Wissenschaftspodcast der Uni Regensburg
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In this episode, join us for a compelling discussion with Katarina Damčević, an expert in linguistics and semiotics. We explore the power of language in shaping perceptions, delve into the role of signs and symbols in communication—particularly in combating hate speech—and examine Croatia’s memory culture. Katarina also provides valuable advice for young scholars navigating the world of academic writing. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of language, symbols, and cultural memory.
An interview by Aleksandra Salamurović.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Ep. #214 – Govor mržnje from Bliski susreti jezične vrste
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Ready to go on a journey from art and hiking to monument and memory culture research? Curious about the “cultural turn” in history, “slow memory,” and “dark tourism”? Tune into our podcast for an insightful discussion on these topics with Professor Vjeran Pavlaković from the University of Rijeka!
An interview by Ger Duijzings.
Our podcast recommendation this month: On memory and monuments with guest speaker Prof. Patrizia Violi from The Connecting Memories Podcast by Paul Leworthy
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In our inaugural episode, we set the stage for an exploration like no other, delving into the untold stories and unique perspectives that define the Balkans. From the Adriatic to the Black Sea, “Balkans Calling” serves as a sonic bridge, connecting you with the voices that shape the region’s history, politics, arts, and everyday life. Expect compelling interviews with thought leaders, artists, historians, and everyday people who call the Balkans home. We’ll delve into topics ranging from cultural heritage and socio-political dynamics to the region’s contemporary arts scene. As we navigate this fascinating landscape, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complexities that make the Balkans a mosaic of identities and narratives.
Tune in every last Friday of the month and become part of the conversation. “Balkans Calling” is more than a podcast; it’s a cultural odyssey that beckons you to explore the depth and diversity of the Balkan experience.
Hören auf:
We live in a world of many societal conflicts, contested states, and ongoing wars. How can academics approach these issues and contribute to a better understanding of them? Can researchers offer solutions for conflict resolution and predict future developments based on their insights?
We discussed these topics with Sophie Gueudet, a historian of war and conflict currently serving as PeaceRep Ukraine’s Research Officer. Her expertise encompasses separatism and secession, contested states and unresolved territorial conflicts, as well as civil-military relations in intra-state wars in Southeastern and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Since January 2023, she has been researching the effects of the war against Ukraine on Russia’s constellation of client de facto states. Sophie defended her PhD in January 2020 with a dissertation titled “Bridges over the Drina: History, Modality, and Outcomes of the Bilateral Cooperation between Serbia and Republika Srpska (1995-2016).”
In this episode, we focused on her research on the relations between Serbia and Republika Srpska, which sheds light on actors and developments from below.
An interview by Ger Duijzings.
Our podcast recommendation this month: NIOD Rewind Episode 37 – Navigating field research in conflict-affected societies by the Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies in the Netherlands: https://soundcloud.com/niod_rewind_podcast/niod-rewind-episode-37-navigating-field-research-in-conflict-effected-societies
Hören auf:
Whether you hold strong religious convictions, are fascinated by the different ways people practice faith or perceive religion as an obstacle to interpersonal interactions, particularly in multicultural societies, this episode will inspire you to think further about the role of religion in post-conflict contexts. Our guest was Jelena Jorgačević Kisić, a long- time religion journalist from the Belgrade weekly Vreme and a PhD student at the University Regensburg. Last year, she published the book titled “Једни смо другима на добро дати – девет разговора о себи и свима нама” (We give each other good – Nine conversations about ourselves and all of us, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, 2023). The book comprises interviews with nine religious leaders from various religious communities in the former Yugoslavia. The interviewees share insights into their lives and discuss the foundations of their faith, sources of inspiration, and sources of pain, as well as the formation of their relationships with others and with God. Additionally, they reflect on how they navigated loss and adversity, their perspectives on war, the significance of reconciliation, and offer practical advice and guidance. An interview by Klaus Buchenau.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Wir wollen keine Helden sein – Nadezhda Beliakova über politischen und religiösen Widerstand in der UDSSR und Russland (https://erleuchtung-garantiert.podige…, podcast run by the Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion at University of Zurich.
Hören auf:
In this episode, join us for an intriguing book review that explores the intricate web of corruption and power struggles in interwar Yugoslavia. In an interview with the author, Klaus Buchenau, a professor of History of Southeastern Europe at the University Regensburg and a member of the seeFField Steering Board, we discuss his latest publication, “From Grand Estates to Grand Corruption: The Battle over the Possessions of Prince Albert of Thurn and Taxis in Interwar Yugoslavia”. The essence of the book lies in its exploration of how the German aristocratic family Thurn and Taxis, Yugoslav officials, and national and international companies used various means to struggle for their interests, from lawsuits to international arbitrage and political lobbyism. The book ends with a “grammar of bribery” in the wood business of interwar Yugoslavia.
An interview by Jelena Jorgačević Kisić, a journalist from the Belgrade weekly Vreme.
Our podcast recommendation this month: KickBack – The Global Anticorruption Podcast by the Interdisciplinary Corruption Research Network (ICRN)
Hören auf:
Annemarie Sorescu-Marinković (Institute for Balkan Studies, Serbian Academy for Sciences and Arts) takes us on a journey through her research into the linguistic vitality of the Vlach, Boyash and Roma communities and the most pressing issues they face, including societal stigmatisation and the intellectual minefield of language standardisation. Along the way, we pause and examine the Linguistic Landscape – the language(s) visible in the public space – and the thorny issues of recognition and prestige which abound there. Finally, we touch on how Serbian society views multilingualism more broadly. Come along and explore multilingualism from this fresh and exciting angle!
An interview by Jack Broughton.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Minority Languages and their Reception in Germany from the Centre for Minorities Research Podcast
Hören auf:
Dive into this captivating episode featuring Daniela Koleva, professor of oral history and memory culture at the Department of History and Theory of Culture at Sofia University. She elaborates on the power and relevance of oral history as a data collection method, and the crucial role played by biographical interviews in the popularisation of public history, particularly relevant in the aftermath of Bulgaria’s transition away from Communism in 1990. Daniela also shares her insights into Bulgaria’s demographic transformation and the challenges posed to this young democracy by an aging society. Tune in and take a journey through her fascinating approaches to memory culture!
An interview by Ger Duijzings.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Demographic Decline: The Pitfalls of Aging Societies from Global Get Down – A Global Affairs Podcast by IRSA
Hören auf:
In dieser Episode geht es um die Perspektive postmigrantischer Menschen aus Südosteuropa auf ihr Herkunftsland und Fragen der Identität, Zugehörigkeit, und Heimat. Wir sprechen über Migration, Sommerurlaub im Herkunftsland und darüber, ob eine Rückkehr dorthin vorstellbar wäre. Als Gästinnen teilen Dimitra und Gresa ihre Erfahrungen.
Ein Interview von Katalin Kósza.
Unsere Podcastempfehlung diesen Monat: Brain Drain und Brain Gain: MIGRATIONSFORSCHUNG mit Dr. Kathleen Beger von Gasthörer – der Wissenschaftspodcast der Uni Regensburg
Hören auf:
In this episode, join us for a compelling discussion with Katarina Damčević, an expert in linguistics and semiotics. We explore the power of language in shaping perceptions, delve into the role of signs and symbols in communication—particularly in combating hate speech—and examine Croatia’s memory culture. Katarina also provides valuable advice for young scholars navigating the world of academic writing. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of language, symbols, and cultural memory.
An interview by Aleksandra Salamurović.
Our podcast recommendation this month: Ep. #214 – Govor mržnje from Bliski susreti jezične vrste
Hören auf:
Ready to go on a journey from art and hiking to monument and memory culture research? Curious about the “cultural turn” in history, “slow memory,” and “dark tourism”? Tune into our podcast for an insightful discussion on these topics with Professor Vjeran Pavlaković from the University of Rijeka!
An interview by Ger Duijzings.
Our podcast recommendation this month: On memory and monuments with guest speaker Prof. Patrizia Violi from The Connecting Memories Podcast by Paul Leworthy
Hören auf:
In our inaugural episode, we set the stage for an exploration like no other, delving into the untold stories and unique perspectives that define the Balkans. From the Adriatic to the Black Sea, “Balkans Calling” serves as a sonic bridge, connecting you with the voices that shape the region’s history, politics, arts, and everyday life. Expect compelling interviews with thought leaders, artists, historians, and everyday people who call the Balkans home. We’ll delve into topics ranging from cultural heritage and socio-political dynamics to the region’s contemporary arts scene. As we navigate this fascinating landscape, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complexities that make the Balkans a mosaic of identities and narratives.
Tune in every last Friday of the month and become part of the conversation. “Balkans Calling” is more than a podcast; it’s a cultural odyssey that beckons you to explore the depth and diversity of the Balkan experience.
Hören auf:
