The attitude towards sites of historical interest (particularly Jewish sites) in the Czech lands during the period of socialism - the viewpoint of state bodies on the importance of historic sites of interest, including their use in the field of tourism
Abstract
The text initially analyses what the term "historic site of interest" included during individual phases of modern Czech history. It also describes how and why spontaneous interest in historic monuments transformed into scientific interest.
However, the text mainly focuses on the attitude of Czech society towards historic sites of interest and historical preservation after the Second World War. The paper clarifies why Prague monuments of the highest possible national value (Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Karolinum, Bethlehem Chapel, Hvězda Summer Palace) primarily received most attention.
It also clarifies the importance state bodies credited to minor (mainly Jewish) historic sites of interest, both in Prague and in the regions. The text states that although selected Jewish historic monuments in Prague were repaired in the 1950s, because it was assumed they would be used in the field of tourism, others (including those that were of interest to tourists) were left to fall into disrepair.
Terezín received attention for ideological reasons. However, its historical value was used for the purpose of propaganda.
Victims of the Shoa were described as fighters for socialism in the 1950s. The post-war condition of Jewish historic sites of interest in the regions can be described as catastrophic, during which time only two regional synagogues were repaired during socialism (in Plzeň and Holešov).
The devastation of unprotected Jewish cemeteries, which were usually located in remote areas, also continued. The gravestones in these cemeteries became sought-after building material.
Indications of changes to come in relation to regional Jewish historic sites of interest only appear at the end of the so-called Normalisation period.