Abstract
This research paper examines the role of the Orientalist and Balkanist discourse in the Former Yugoslavia with a particular focus on Albanians. Here, Western Orientalist and Balkanist stereotypes of the Former Yugoslavia are examined arguing that the Orientalism and Balkanism of people living in the Former Yugoslavia is and was viewed differently from the standard by the West and by the people living in the Former Yugoslavia in the way how they perceive each other. The first part of this research paper treats the Orientalism and Balkanism in the context of people living in the Former Yugoslavia, in general.The second part of this research paper analyzes the case study of the application of the Orientalist and Balkanist theoretical lenses on one of the nations living in the Former Yugoslavia, namely Albanians. Here, some explorations and thoughts are provided on how Albanians define themselves and how they were perceived by the South Slavic majority living in the Former Yugoslavia.There are three authors and, subsequently, three seminal works that shall serve as pillars of this theoretical analysis: concepts of Edward Said’s “Orientalism,” Bakic-Hayden’s theories on Orientalist variations and nesting Orientalism, and Maria Todorova’s ground-breaking analysis of the external practices of Balkans representation. These provide a useful theoretical framework through which to explore the distribution of the Orientalist and Balkanist discourses in Former Yugoslavia.
Highlights
The role of the Orientalist and Balkanist discourses in Former Yugoslavia produced Western stereotypes
This research paper highlights the multilayered and polyphonic character of Orientalism reflected in how the people living in the Former Yugoslavia viewed themselves, were viewed externally by other people in the Former Yugoslavia, and were viewed by the West
Applying Orientalist and Balkanist theoretical lenses on Albanians living in the Former Yugoslavia, this research paper explores and provides some thoughts on how Albanians defined themselves, how they were perceived by the South Slavic majority within the Former Yugoslavia, and why Albanians considered their nationality as the utmost important to define themselves, unlike the other people living in the Former Yugoslavia who used religion for that purpose
Summary
The role of the Orientalist and Balkanist discourses in Former Yugoslavia produced Western stereotypes. The Orientalist and Balkanist expositions of this region shaped variety of discourses among communities living in the Former Yugoslavia, due to diverse histories and specifics of each nation. This research paper highlights the multilayered and polyphonic character of Orientalism reflected in how the people living in the Former Yugoslavia viewed themselves, were viewed externally by other people in the Former Yugoslavia, and were viewed by the West. Applying Orientalist and Balkanist theoretical lenses on Albanians living in the Former Yugoslavia, this research paper explores and provides some thoughts on how Albanians defined themselves, how they were perceived by the South Slavic majority within the Former Yugoslavia, and why Albanians considered their nationality as the utmost important to define themselves, unlike the other people living in the Former Yugoslavia who used religion for that purpose
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