Between reflection and projection: "Zigeunerkunde" in the Danube-Carpathian region

Summary

1.       Due to the interconnectedness of Heinrich von Wlislocki in Habsburg "Zigeunerkunde" and his reception in the ‘Third Reich’, an analysis of his work is still a desideratum of research. For the research group, von Wlislocki is relevant because he popularised the image of the "Wanderzigeuner".

2.       With regard to the Danube-Carpathian region, the hypothesis is that the "Zigeunerfreunde" created cultural patterns based on a distinction between civilisation and wilderness. ‘Transylvania’ represented a projection surface that was also used to negotiate minority issues in the imperial context. The topography of the multi-ethnic empire is therefore also of interest to the research group.

Research questions

The sub-project is interested in the mechanisms of knowledge production and knowledge circulation. It examines the emancipatory and defamatory potential of "Zigeunerkunde". With regard to stereotypes, not only the reaction of those affected but also the role of ethnology and anthropology come into consideration.

1.       Who counted among the "Zigeunerfreunde" in the Habsburg Empire?

2.       How did Transylvanian scholars position themselves in relation to Magyarisation?

3.       Why did the integration of the Gypsies into the Habsburg Empire's subject organisations and administrative structures play only a minor role in the accounts?

The fascination with the Gypsies can be explained by their dual function as a border figure and projection surface.

Cooperations

with other projects: Sub-project 4 complements both the analysis of the self-representation of Rom*nia and Sint*izze in interwar journalism (sub-project 5) and the investigation of popular representations of others (sub-projects 2 and 3). When analysing prints and photographs, sub-project 4 benefits from the cooperation with sub-project 1. With regard to criminology, "Zigeunerkunde" in the Habsburg Empire represents an informative object of comparison for sub-project 6. Research into ethnologically inspired "Zigeunerkunde" contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics of respect and disrespect in the Habsburg Empire.

Conference 1: ‘Circulation of Knowledge and the Aesthetics of the Spectacular’ in Giessen, organised by sub-projects 2 (von Hagen) and 4 (Bohn).

Investigation areas

Core study area: Romania
Additional area: Germany, Austria, Romania, England, France, Hungary

Aims

AIM 1 –"Wanderzigeuner" correspond to projections of elites of a multicultural society in an imperial context.

AIM 2 - The "Zigeunerfreunde" not only thematise civilisation and wilderness, but also the interests of their national minority.

AIM 3 - Antiziganism arises from the interaction of expert discourses and state concepts of order.

Justus Liebig University Giessen
Institute of History / Eastern European History

Further information on the university website