An identity question: us, the Balkans, Balkanism

Abstract

The studies that made this research possible and that have provided the perspective for us are the comparative literature and cultural studies of Mircea Muthu, The Romanian Literature and the South-East European spirit, and Maria Todorova’s volume , Imagining the Balkans, an American researcher of Bulgarian origins who analyzes the evolution of the Balkans and their image in relationship with the West and with itself, from a historical point of view. Despite the fact that the Balkans continue to be considered the “powder barrel” of Europe, their historical and cultural significance is not to be neglected, especially in connection with the European spirit. Considering the harsh conditions in which the East-European intellectual was obliged to face and to create, his works have become nonetheless, a reconfirmed way for the power of man to overcome his limitations. More than any other European, the East European has met the worst invention that has ever been invented to oppress the human mind: the communist regime (a possible avatar of the Ottoman oppression in the past). With all due challenges that have been forced on him, the East European intellectual’s creations have gained symbolic value, that of salvation through culture, through the ability of detaching oneself from the cruel everyday reality, aiming at spiritual detachment.
What we are trying to achieve through this paper is to advance a discussion regarding some key concepts which can help us better acknowledge our role and function in life, and most of all, gain conscience of our nature. What we are and what we are going to be has an indestructible connection with what we used to be. Our cultural identity must be permanently validated, reminded, mostly for the younger generations.