Cultural Life Research Articles

DENAZIFICATION OF THE IDEOLOGY OF NATIONAL SOCIALISM IN OCCUPIED GERMANY 1945–1949

The policy of denazification pursued by the victors in occupied Germany, which is discussed in the article, is reflected in published sources, research, and memoirs. However, most of them concern practical measures aimed at eliminating the Nazi regime, primarily the identification and punishment of war criminals. It was much more difficult with the ideology of Nazism, which had penetrated deeply into German society. The problem was also the initial lack of understanding of its content and role in the formation of a totalitarian regime. The war had showed what a real threat to humanity the ideas and designs of German fascism, striving for world domination, posed. During the occupation period, the Allies had to rebuild the education system, upbringing, culture, social relations, and social life of the Germans. The ambiguity of approaches, which took place in the policy of all the occupation authorities in Germany, nevertheless showed us that the main tasks of denazification were indeed solved. However, the process of “overcoming the totalitarian pastˮ did not end there and had its continuation in the German history of the second half of the 20th century.

The agency of object: the doppa as a narrator for a dynamic Uyghur identity

ABSTRACT This article explores the Uyghur doppa from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to understand Uyghur cultural life and identity. It links the doppa to Uyghur history and the evolving sense of ‘Uyghurness’, reflecting its cultural significance today, both in Xinjiang and through the diaspora. The limited scholarly work on the doppa, spanning 150 years, suggests a gender bias in documenting female-associated crafts. Ironically, at a time when the doppa holds increasing importance, especially with the creation of Doppa Day (5 May), this lack of resources opens up space for creative discourse on Uyghur identity. The study also reveals a tendency to adapt through cultural experiences while maintaining a deep connection to the homeland. Ultimately, this research demonstrates how a small cultural object can provide profound insights into community sensibilities and material culture.

The Tragedy of the confrontation: the religious factor in the Russian Civil War

The article analyzes a collective monograph edited by A. S. Puchenkov and devoted to the consideration of the role and significance of the religious factor during the Civil War in Russia. According to the reviewer, the authors, based on the unique material collected in 22 Russian and foreign archives, were able to show and prove the need to take into account the phenomenon of the religious factor, rightly defining it as «a set of many components affecting the social, socio-political, spiritual, cultural and national life of society, determining the order of functioning of religion and its institutions in the system of relations between the state and society, as well as the influence of religion as a social institution on non-religious forms of public life». According to S. L. Firsov, the authors have made a successful attempt to draw a detailed picture of the state of religious denominations (primarily the Orthodox Russian Church) during the Civil War. In his opinion, the reviewed monograph can be called a kind of encyclopedia of the spiritual life of Russia during the Russian Troubles of the early 20-th century. The authors of the monograph made a worthy contribution to the study of the moral and moral state of Russian society by writing a deep and useful work for all those interested in both the history of the Orthodox Russian Church of the era of Revolution and Civil War, and the history of the Russian Troubles of the early twentieth century as a whole.

Berlin and Brandenburg as “laboratories” of Jewish-Muslim encounter

Currently, Jewish and Muslim communities can be found as ethno-cultural minorities both in Berlin, the capital of Germany, and in the surrounding state of Brandenburg. While they sometimes differ greatly in religious and cultural life, both communities also share similar experiences - such as the (former) existence as immigrants, the image of the “cultural other” and the confrontation with group-related misanthropy (anti-Semitism and Islamophobia). Moreover, there are Jewish-Muslim encounters, there are forms of encounter between Muslims and Jews in the region, in different milieus and intercultural and interreligious projects that appear as a kind of “experimental laboratory”. Though, what are the differences, what are the similarities between the two groups? Finally, this article also relates to how October 7th 2023, Hamas’ brutal massacres of Israeli civilians and the subsequent war in the Gaza Strip influence relationships between Muslims and Jews in Berlin and Brandenburg today.

Analyze the Cultural Efficacy of the Ancient Shipwreck Hailao Porcelain in the New Era from the Perspective of Culture

The presence of Hailao porcelain in the world is widespread, with historical, economic, practical, artistic, and other functional attributes, so its comprehensive benefits cannot be underestimated. The development of modern science and technology, and the reasonable and effective development of Hailao porcelain in different times, are conducive to the development of China’s cultural construction. Because Hailao porcelain is different from the traditional ancient porcelain (handed down and unearthed), it is a new cultural research field. This marine wealth has great economic, cultural, and historical value, and plays an important role in the cultural construction and social development of the country in the new period. The cultural efficacy covered by the ancient shipwreck Hailao porcelain includes the functions of inheritance, cognition, education, communication, and so on, which is conducive to the current cultural development. People can use the new perspective and new concept of cultural and creative thinking to make these cultural relics “alive”, give play to the new cultural value, promote the economy of cultural relics and works of art, serve the spiritual and cultural life, and strengthen the cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries in the world.

Spatial Continuum in History: Pier Buildings on the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, Istanbul

Pier buildings along the coastline of Istanbul City, an ancient city surrounded by the sea on three sides, serve not only as vital transportation nodes but also as hubs for cultural and social life. As an embodiment of their respective topography and culture with distinctive characteristics in terms of location and architecture, the historical pier buildings are incorporated into the social, cultural, and historical fabric of the city. It is important to protect and preserve these buildings and develop sustainable tourism policies for sustainable cultural heritage management. Accordingly, the present study investigated 36 pier buildings in Istanbul using a comprehensive map analysis and on-site discovery. The study results suggested that these buildings preserved their authentic identities and spatial continuum, despite several renovations over time. Today, some of the pier buildings in Istanbul have additional functions, including serving as cafes, libraries, and sightseeing spots along with their transportation functions, contributing to the reinforcement of social interaction and social ties. The study results helped suggest key inferences on how these buildings should be preserved and carried into the future in the scope of urban planning.

The reflection of generation Z of leisure practices in Chinese audiovisual media: An analysis based on the YouTube platform

This study explores the reflection of Generation Z leisure culture in Chinese audiovisual media, with a focus on the YouTube platform. As China’s Generation Z becomes a key demographic in shaping digital and media consumption patterns, their leisure practices reflect a unique fusion of local and global influences. Through an analysis of content on YouTube, this research examines how audiovisual media portrays the leisure activities of Chinese Generation Z, including entertainment, social interaction, and self-expression. By investigating the cultural narratives and visual strategies used to engage this generation, the study reveals how YouTube serves as a platform for identity formation, a strong sense of national identity, and pride in Chinese traditional culture among Chinese Gen Z audiences. The findings contribute to understanding the broader impact of digital platforms on leisure habits and media discourse in contemporary China, highlighting the transformative role of audiovisual media in shaping youth culture. It also plays a significant cultural education function, enhancing the positive perception of Chinese culture on the international stage and elevating China's image.

Artificial Canon

Widespread concern over threats that pose an existential risk to the entire human species has provoked increasing attention and commitment to religious views of digital technology. These apocalyptic expectations of a glorious new digital world draw on American Christianity and play a visible role in tech culture and public life. The reshaping of traditional religions into new, but parallel, technological religions is characterized by a triple transformation of humanity into machines, machines into gods, and the universe into a cosmic and cosmically meaningful computer.

The Arbëresh: A Brief History of an Ancient Linguistic Minority in Italy

The article examines the historical and cultural development of the Arbëreshë, an ancient Albanian-speaking minority in southern Italy. It focuses on the migration processes of Albanians from the 14th to the 18th century, which led to their settlement in Italy, and explores the integration mechanisms that enabled the preservation of their linguistic and cultural identity. Particular attention is given to the role of the Greek-Byzantine rite and the Albanian language in the religious and cultural life of the community. The article also analyses the current challenges faced by the Arbëreshë, particularly regarding linguistic erosion and social changes brought about by modern emigration. Despite these difficulties, the text highlights the ongoing cultural solidarity among the various Arbëreshë communities.

Arberešové: stručná historie starobylé jazykové menšiny v Itálii

The article examines the historical and cultural development of the Arbëreshë, an ancient Albanian-speaking minority in southern Italy. It focuses on the migration processes of Albanians from the 14th to the 18th century, which led to their settlement in Italy, and explores the integration mechanisms that enabled the preservation of their linguistic and cultural identity. Particular attention is given to the role of the Greek-Byzantine rite and the Albanian language in the religious and cultural life of the community. The article also analyses the current challenges faced by the Arbëreshë, particularly regarding linguistic erosion and social changes brought about by modern emigration. Despite these difficulties, the text highlights the ongoing cultural solidarity among the various Arbëreshë communities.

Embracing Tradition and Modernity: Tendencies of Interwar (1918–1940) Wooden Architecture in Lithuanian Resorts

Summary The emergence of leisure culture in Lithuania began in the late 19th century, gradually giving rise to resort towns. Although in some cases, recreational architecture can be associated with relatively luxurious examples that follow the European resort tradition, the article argues that the dominant type of Lithuanian resort architecture manifested itself as a subtle synthesis of local traditions and external influences. The balance between architectural traditionalism and the constantly changing social demand is particularly well represented by wooden architecture. The modernising society of inter-war Lithuania brought significant changes to the development of resort architecture. Not only did new functional types, such as seaside restaurants characteristic of resorts, took shape, but private residential architecture also acquired specific features. The article presents the phenomenon of wooden resort architecture which has not been sufficiently explored and illustrates how resort architecture has influenced the most cost-effective segment of construction, which is also the segment most closely linked to tradition. The text assumes that this layer of the resort environment was as important a part of resort life as more modern and expensive brick construction.

Chinese Ethnic Coffee Shop Adaptation in Riau through Inclusivity in Malay Society

This article focused on non-Muslim Chinese ethnic coffee shop entrepreneurs, aiming to discover and analyse forms of adaptation that have led to the survival of these coffee shops and their acceptance by the Malay-Muslim community. This qualitative research, utilising an ethnographic approach, is situated in Pekanbaru. Data was collected through observation and interviews with 11 predetermined informants, including entrepreneurs from second and third-generation Chinese families, Malay Riau cultural figures, historians, tourism advocates, coffee enthusiasts and customer informants. Documentary data in the form of autobiographies/biographies of the early founders of coffee shops. This study identified forms of adaptation, including the coffee shop managers’ identification with the community, continuity of family management adhering to halal and hygienic standards, prioritising honesty to gain community trust, forming partnerships and employing Muslim-background workers, and fostering communication, organisation, social engagement, and philanthropy. The adaptation of coffee shop entrepreneurs was expedited by the openness and acceptance of Muslim traders in Pekanbaru since the early 20th century. The presence of these coffee shops, deeply rooted in the social and cultural life of the Malay-Muslim community, manifests inclusivity. This encompasses accepting the halal aspect of the coffee shops’ offerings, managed by non-Muslim Chinese ethnic groups.

Exploring the Relationship Between Health Literacy and Alcohol Consumption Patterns in Tuscany

Abstract Introduction Alcohol consumption is a prevalent aspect of social and cultural life worldwide. However, high and binge consumption has become a significant public health concern. Inadequate health literacy (HL) may contribute to poor awareness and/or knowledge regarding the risks of alcohol-related behaviors. However, to date, only a few studies have examined the relationship between HL and different types of alcohol consumption. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HL, other sociodemographic determinants, and their influence on high and binge consumption among the general population aged 18-69 in Tuscany. Methods The study analyzed data from 2017 to 2022 from a Tuscan population subsample in the Italian Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System PASSI. HL was assessed using the Italian version of the six-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q6). Results Among the 12,953 interviewees, binge drinking was reported by 8.3%, while high consumption by 3.6% of the entire sample. In the multivariate logistic regression, participants aged between 50 and 69 years with problematic or inadequate HL levels had an increased adjusted odds ratio for high alcohol consumption. Instead, females, individuals older than 34 years, and those of foreign nationality had a reduced odds ratio for binge drinking. Low HL was a predictor of high alcohol consumption but not of binge drinking. Discussion As expected, young males are more likely to engage in binge drinking, while older individuals are more likely to have high consumption. In a challenging period for healthcare system sustainability, it is mandatory to use economic resources efficiently and target the right population with tailored interventions: given that HL impacts on high consumption, research and policy should focus HL interventions specifically on high alcohol consumers. Conversely, educational campaigns aimed at increasing HL in binge drinkers risk to have a lesser impact. Key messages • Health literacy does not influence binge drinking. • Inadequate levels of health literacy predict high alcohol consumption.

Self-determination and Integration: A Site of Negotiation and a Village Named Panbari

The demand for self-determination of various nationalities has been central to the sociopolitical and cultural life of Assam, a northeastern state of India. The Statutory Autonomous Councils formed under the State Act are a non-territorial arrangement to address the question of self-determination without marking boundaries between co-habiting communities and therefore are a unique model of integration. However, this has led to conflicting situations reflecting how ‘integration’ emerges as a site of negotiation, redefines inter-community relationships, and challenges the state’s intervention in the matter. Drawing from a village study, this article endeavours to probe self-determination as a tool of (dis)integration, as a site of negotiation and argues that the various ways of addressing the question of self-determination adopted by the new nation-state ultimately affect the historically produced inter-community relationships. Methodologically, the article seeks to revisit the promises of ‘village study’ through the multicultural habitat named Panbari, a village in the northeast of Assam, and reflects how the every day in a small village establishes a guiding conversation with the everyday in a multicultural nation-state of India.

Church music degree programmes at the University of Catholic Church Music and Music Education (HfKM) Regensburg (Germany). The history of an unusual university

The Regensburg University of Catholic Church Music and Music Education (HfKM), founded in 1874 as the Regensburg School of Church Music by Franz Xaver Haberl, is the world’s oldest Catholic institution for church music. With international significance from its inception, the institution was officially affiliated with the Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra in Rome in 1962. In 1973, it was transformed into an academy and, in 2001, the HfKM was formally established. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's programs in Church Music, Gregorian Chant, and New Sacred Music, emphasizing both artistic and pedagogical training. The curriculum prepares students not only for liturgical and pastoral responsibilities but also for broader cultural roles. Students gain expertise in areas such as Gregorian chant, choir conducting, and organ performance. HfKM maintains close ties with the church, combining artistic training with liturgical practice. This comprehensive education equips students for significant roles in both church and society, ensuring church music’s contribution to religious and cultural life.

Polite Social Practices in 18th-century Scotland

This article explores the role and influence of elite women in 18th-century Scotland, focusing on their engagement with polite social practices during the Scottish Enlightenment. The Scottish Enlightenment, characterized by its integration of various disciplines and emphasis on both theoretical and practical knowledge, was a period of significant cultural intellectual development. Central to this movement was the concept of politeness, which shaped the social interactions of the elite and played a crucial role in their personal and societal advancement. Elite women were integral to the social fabric of this era, participating in mixed-gender activities and shaping the cultural landscape through their involvement in social gatherings, education, and print culture. Despite being formally excluded from public office and direct political power, these women exercised significant influence through social networks, family ties, and patronage, subtly navigating the political and intellectual currents of their time. The study highlights how these women, while adhering to socially accepted norms, found ways to circumvent formal exclusions, thereby contributing to the broader cultural and political life of Scotland. Their participation in polite sociability not only facilitated their integration into elite society but also played a vital role in the broader program of social improvement that characterized the Scottish Enlightenment. This article underscores the complex interplay between gender, power, and politics, revealing how elite women helped shape “The Golden Age” of Scotland through their engagement in polite social practices.

NAXÇIVANDA HÜRUFİZM. HÜRUFİZM TƏLİMİNDƏ TƏRBİYƏVİ İDEYALAR

Letterism, which has a special place in the history, social and cultural life, literature, and especially in the history of philosophical thought of Azerbaijan and the Middle East, has been influential in both social life and political circles since the first years of its existence. In the teaching of Hurufi, including in the works of I. Nasimi, science, lore, education, and simply the ability to read are considered education. His educational and didactic meetings, which form positive moral qualities, play an important role in the moral education of several generations.

4D Printing: Research Focuses and Prospects

As an emerging technology in the field of additive manufacturing, 4D printing is highly disruptive to traditional manufacturing processes. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically summarize the research on 4D printing to promote the development of related industries and academic research. However, there is still an obvious gap in the visual connection between 4D printing theory and application research. We collected 2070 studies from 2013 on 4D printing from the core collection of Web of Science. We used VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace software 6.3.3 to visualize the references and keywords to explore focuses and trends in 4D printing using scientometrics. In addition, real-world applications of 4D printing were analyzed based on the literature. The results showed that “tissue engineering applications” is the most prominent focus. In addition, “shape recovery”, “liquid crystal elastomer”, “future trends”, “bone tissue engineering”, “laser powder bed fusion”, “cervical spine”, “4D food printing”, “aesthetic planning” are also major focuses. From 2013 to 2015, focuses such as “shape memory polymers” and “composites” evolved into “fabrication”. From 2015 to 2018, the focus was on “technology” and “tissue engineering”. After 2018, “polylactic acid”, “cellulose”, and “regenerative medicine” became emerging focuses. Second, emerging focuses, such as polylactic acid and smart polymers, have begun to erupt and have become key research trends since 2022. “5D printing”, “stability” and “implants” may become emerging trends in the future. “4D + Food”, “4D + Cultural and Creative”, “4D + Life” and “4D + Clothing” may become future research trends. Third, 4D printing has been widely used in engineering manufacturing, biomedicine, food printing, cultural and creative life, and other fields. Strengthening basic research will greatly expand its applications in these fields and continuously increase the number of applicable fields.

Արցախի կրթական ոլորտի խնդիրների արտացոլումը «Մշակ» թերթի էջերում (19-րդ դարի երկրորդ կես) / The reflection of the problems of the educational sphere of Artsakh on the pages of the newspaper “Mshak” (the second half of the 19th century)

One of the main centers of Armenian culture is the school which has a history of thousands of years. It has been considered as the most important factor in the manifestation and survival of national independence for centuries. The centuries-old path of Armenian educational and cultural life was especially manifested in the second half of the 19th century. The scientific article presented valuable information about the activities of Armenian schools operating in Artsakh in the second half of the 19th century. The problem we presented was considered on the basis of valuable materials posted on the pages of the newspaper “Mshak”. Based on some scientific research, the article emphasizes the importance of the socio-political and pedagogical movement that took place in Russia and Transcaucasia in the 1950-1960s, which had a beneficial effect on the development of the Armenian school and pedagogical thought. New diocesan, church-parochial schools were opened next to the existing Armenian religious schools. Male, female, one-class (միդասյա), two-class (երկդասյա), Mixed Gender schools (երկսեռ) gradually began to open in Artsakh. In its various issues, the newspaper “Mshak” covers the activities of the Diocesan School of Shushi, the Hripsimian Girls’ School, the Realakan School of Shushi, the Pastoral School of the village of Avetaranos and a number of issues related to these schools. The newspaper also addresses some other issues related to the Spiritual School of Hadrut. There is also very little information about educational life in other regions of Artsakh.

The Impact of Catholic Culture on the Cultural and Spiritual Lives of Contemporary Vietnamese Students

Catholicism has been practiced in Vietnam for more than four centuries. Over seven and a half million people are members of the Vietnamese Catholic community as of the year 2022. The most notable examples of Catholic culture in Vietnam are these forms. A deeper relationship between Vietnamese spirituality and Catholic culture has been established due to the phenomenon known as "Vietnamese" Catholicism. Beyond the confines of the Christian community, Catholic culture is now pervasive throughout Vietnamese society. Students constitute a significant component of the Vietnamese population, particularly the younger generation. In light of this, the question arises as to how the spirituality of Vietnamese students has been influenced by Catholic culture. In order to investigate the process of Catholic cultural assimilation among Vietnamese people, the writers use empirical analysis to investigate four typical narratives: New Year's Day on January 1, Valentine's Day on February 14, and Christmas Day on December 25. It provides a complete explanation of the cultural shifts in society due to globalization. In addition to being inspired by Confucian culture, Vietnam is open to Western culture, particularly Catholicism. Vietnam has a long and illustrious past and a unique culture.