The chapter introduces the major themes that are analysed in detail in the following chapters of the volume. It deals with the concept of material turn in historiography, introduces the concept of the (post)socialist city, overviews the theme of the post-socialist transition of urban space in the post-socialist capitals, with a particular focus on the nationalization of urban fabric and inscription of new national myths.
In the final part, the chapter introduces the chapters and case studies covered in the collective volume.