НАСЛЕДИЕ ВЕЛИКОГО КНЯЖЕСТВА ЛИТОВСКОГО В СОВРЕМЕННОЙ БЕЛАРУСИ

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The article examines issues related to the perception of the historical and cultural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in modern Belarus. It is emphasized that during the years of independence, interest in the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in Belarus has grown. The memory of the era of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania is preserved, including at the official level. As an example, the author points out the implementation of the state program “Castles of Belarus”. By the help of this program a number of projects for the restoration of architectural monuments of the period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were implemented. Another example of interest in this era is the construction of new monuments to outstanding figures of the period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in different cities of Belarus. A special place in the historical memory of Belarus is occupied by Franciscus Skorina – a famous scientist, educator and printer of the first book in Belarusian language. However, not all heritage sites of the era of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania are equally perceived in Belarus. Thus, the symbolism of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania is, first of all, the coat of arms of “Pahonia”, which was one of the state symbols of Belarus in 1991–1995 – today it is practically not in demand at the state level and is used primarily by opposition political parties and social movements. The basis of the historical policy pursued by the leadership of Belarus remains the appeal to the Soviet experience. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that the era of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania occupies an important place in the historical memory of Belarusians and the interest in this period among the citizens of Belarus will gradually grow.