Książki, ludzie, idee : kontakty kulturalne Górnego Śląska z Krakowem w dobie niewoli narodowej

Abstract

The subject matter of the paper is an attempt to establish a generally understood cultural relationships between two regional centres — the Upper Silesia region within the boudries of Opole regency under the Prussian rule and Cracow — the autonomous Polish city. The research direction is established on the basis of communication from the recipient to the initiator of the message which in the majority of the period in question was the one from the Upper Silesia to Cracow, i.e. real “terra incognita” in consciousness of the majority of Poles while Cracow city being the Mecca of the Polish culture, the Rome of Poland so to say. These cetres in the times of national bondage beside specificity of reinterpretation of tradition and the course of culture formation, historically conditioned, also differed regarding to society and economy creating easily recognisable but not hermetic local society communities. The political situation did not allow any to innitiate any connections between Polish lands and each of the centres, establishing its own “left-ajar system” was not strongly isolated from the external influences, taking part in transcultural exchange of the values. Cultural ties of the Upper Silesia with Cracow have been visible and could have been traced for many centuries. They deal with sign community, schooling and religion as well as widely understood social bonds. Among Cracovian students the Upper Silesian group of youth have always been present who after graduation used to start working in schools and other various Cracovian institutions. It is the fact that there exists and is still made a good use of certain codes of cultural understanding between the two in literature (songs, fairy tales, poetry, drama) and also in customary and religion despite the evident trend to preserve its own identity. Cracovian designs are present in the Upper Silesian architecture and art, such as painting, stain-glass window making. Cracow has been frequently visited individually and in organized groups since this need has been the result of multi generation Polish family tradition, initiative of the Upper Silesian “leaders” such as writers, artists, clergy, educational and social activists belonging to the developing group of the Upper Silesian intelligentia of the time. Cracovian books which became so popular all over the country in the times of national bondage quickly reached the Upper Silesian homes and libraries and along with them actual religious, social and national ideas were popularized. At that time the publishing houses of Cracow had a rich offer for their readers of scientific works, mostly of historical and national character written by the eminent writers not coming from Cracow but publishing their books here because of political reasons: srtict censorship in other regions of the country. Close links and contacts among people have been clearly seen during the whole long period of time under research: the Silesians used to come to confess, enter marriages and celebrate baptism sacraments of their children in many Cracovian churches being at the same time the sponsors of renovation works of the old Cracow sights while Cracow clergy helped the Upper Silesian missions and organized life in convents. The Cracovian people eagerly joined both educational and social work and they used to frequent in large number the Silesian sanctuaries. In the time of liberty oppression the inhabitants of Upper Silesia took active part in keeping Polish tradition and culture strengthening the national bonds and passing these traditions from generation to generation thanks to books, magazines and Cracovian theatre. “Left-ajar” system of communication in spite of efforts of the partition leaders, numerous interpersonal contacts along with inter-partitioned regions circulation of books and press also resulted in circulation of the ideas. Due to interpartitional bonds Cracovian help for the Upper Silesia region was possible and true foundation for development of culture and writing, for establishing the institutions dealing with culture, scientific organizations were created. The result of close ties with Cracow was also interest paid to this region during the Silesian uprisings. In the times of national bondage the people of Upper Silesia tried to keep in touch with other regions of the country, too, especially with Wielkopolska, but it seems that strong bonds with Cracow city where scientific, literary and artistic life was florishing of the decisive character for further fate of the Upper Silesia region.