Instytucja kulturalna a tożsamość narodowa

Abstract

The establishment of the Polish Cultural and Educational Association in Český Těšín was the result of various political, social and cultural conditions. The change of the borders in Central Europe resulted in the need to emphasize the ethnic and cultural autonomy of the group of Poles who, in as a consequence of international agreements, found themselves on the territory of Czechoslovakia. Institutional support was needed in order to maintain national identity. The Polish Cultural and Educational Association in Český Těšín, which brings together Poles interested in cognitive and documentary work, made a significant contribution to getting to know the culture and history of this part of Silesia, and at the same time to maintaining an emotional and rational relationship with Poland for many inhabitants of Zaolzie.