Kwestia upamiętnień władców Wielkiego Księstwa Litewskiego w polityce historycznej współczesnej Białorusi

Lately, a distinct change took place in the Belarus authorities’ attitude towards the legacy of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. One of the aspects of the changes occurring in the Belarus historically-oriented policy is opening up to commemorating figures from those times. Historically-oriented policy is a fairly important element of preserving national identity and building historical awareness. It is reflected, among other things, in the attitude towards monuments. In the past few years, Belarus has witnessed changes in the central authorities’ and the society’s respective perceptions. More and more frequently, discussions are held about the legacy of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and its role in forging Belarus’ statehood. Among the elements of the historically-oriented policy in Belarus are issues related to mon¬uments to figures from the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The society’s opinions are extreme, both approving of the new developments and fiercely opposing them. The monument to the Lithuanian grand prince Algirdas in Vitebsk has been at the centre of this dispute, arousing the most intensive emotions. In the past years, efforts have been also made to commemorate prince Vytautas, king Mindaugas as well as Konstanty Ostrogski and Lew Sapieha.