Historian Aliaksandr Smalianchuk awarded a joint prize by two Polish-Lithuanian organizations
Belarusian historian Professor Aliaksandr Smalianchuk has been awarded a prize for his merits in the field of history and the preservation of historical memory, established by the Poland — Lithuania Cooperation and Dialogue Forum and the Polish-Lithuanian Jerzy Giedroyc Dialogue and Cooperation Forum, reports "Pozirk".
Aliaksandr Smalianchuk (left) receiving the award. Photo: NAU press service
In his speech at the awards ceremony at the "Royal Łazienki" Museum in Warsaw, Smalianchuk noted that he interprets the award he received as "recognition of the work of all Belarusian historians forced to leave their country, where there is currently no freedom for scientific research in the humanities and social sciences, and their participants face repression."
Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, spoke at the ceremony. He noted that this year the award was for the first time "extended to representatives of democratic Belarus."
"Your work in restoring true history is the foundation of our dignity. Your award is a sign that Belarus is Europe, and Europe recognizes this, not wanting a new 'Iron Curtain' along the Bug River," Latushka noted, addressing the laureate.
Smalianchuk is a Doctor of Historical Sciences and a professor. He researches the general history of Belarus, Lithuania, and Poland. He works at the Institute of Slavistics of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
The awards ceremony of the Poland — Lithuania Cooperation and Dialogue Forum and the Jerzy Giedroyc Dialogue and Cooperation Forum is one of the most important events dedicated to building dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation between Poland and Lithuania, as well as the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe.
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