Transformation of Memorial Culture: The Case of Husein Bey Gradaščević in Contemporary Bosniak Perspective

Abstract

This paper discusses the circumstances and ways in which the transformation and interpretation of certain issues from the Bosnian past took place in the historiography of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The author focuses especially on the place and role of Husein bey Gradaščević in the anti-Ottoman uprising in 1831/32, which, according to interpretations elaborated here, went from „anti-reform“ to „movement for the autonomy of Bosnia“ or „both of them“, depending on time of writing and authors' approaches. The author paid special attention to books published in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which served as a basis for his assertions about the role of context on the text. At the end of the paper, author also shows and partly discusses reflections created in public space, especially in documentaries available online. Finally, author elaborates on role of historians in public space(s) and challenges between „academic history writing“ and „public history approaches“.