Original scientific paper

In search of autochthony: A case study of the Great Migration Period as presented in history textbooks in Macedonia

Darko Stojanov ; Institut na nacionalna istorija, Skopje

Abstract

The article examines the possible ties between recent political developments and education through a number of history textbooks form the R. of Macedonia. The Research was narrowed down to one specific historical period (the Great Migration period/Late
Antiquity) and therefore to the textbooks and chapters that deal with it. The textbooks concerned were published between 2001 and 2010. The textual and historiographical analysis of the historical narrative strongly suggests that some of the ‘knowledge’ conveyed to the pupils is influenced by politics, more precisely the need for autochthony.
It is argued, in the paper, that two methods of fabricating continuity between contemporary and ancient peoples (ancient Macedonians – Macedonians and Illyrians - Albanians) are used in the chapters examined. At the same time, these methods are revealed
and their functioning is explained. Certain controversial historical concepts are given space in order to develop specific national myths deemed useful for internal and external politics. Therefore, the article deals with the question of the abuse of history.

Keywords

History; education; politics; nationalism; autochthony; ancient origin; Late Antiquity; Macedonia; history abuse

Hrčak ID:

117177

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/117177

Publication date:

11.3.2014.

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