Andrzej A. Zięba

Madżarscy – renesans pamięci? (D. V. Lisejčikov, E. S. Glinskij, Madžarskie: armânskij rod v istorii Belarusi, Nacionalʹnyj Istoričeskij Arhiv Belarusi, Fond Razvitiâ i Podderžki Armenovedčeskih Issledovanij «Aniv», Minsk-Erevan 2023, Armeniâ–Belarusʹ)

Introduction

Madżarscy – renesans pamięci? (d. V. Lisejčikov, e. S. Glinskij, madžarskie: armânskij rod v istorii belarusi, nacionalʹnyj istoričeskij arhiv belarusi, fond razvitiâ i podderžki armenovedčeskih issledovanij «aniv», minsk-erevan 2023, armeniâ–belarusʹ). Odkryj fascynującą historię ormiańskiej rodziny Madżarskich w Białorusi. Recenzja książki o ich roli w produkcji pasów kontuszowych dla Radziwiłłów i dziedzictwie Rzeczpospolitej.

Abstract

THE MADŻARSKI FAMILY – RENAISSANCE OF MEMORY (МАДЖАРСКИЕ: АРМЯНСКИЙ РОД В ИСТОРИИ БЕЛАРУСИ, НАЦИОНАЛЬНЫЙ ИСТОРИЧЕСКИЙ АРХИВ БЕЛАРУСИ, ФОНД РАЗВИТИЯ И ПОДДЕРЖКИ АРМЕНОВЕДЧЕСКИХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ «АНИВ», МИНСК-ЕРЕВАН 2023) The album book, jointly published by the National Historical Archive of Belarus and the Foundation for the Development and Support of Armenian Studies, is dedicated to the Madżarski family – Armenians who came from the Ottoman Empire to operate the Radziwiłłs’ workshop manufacturing kontush sashes in Słuck (Slutsk, today in Belarus). Such sashes were an essential element of traditional Polish noble attire. The reviewed book is based on archival research and draws upon significant sources on this topic. It is also an expression of the inheritance of historical memory from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by contemporary Belarusian society and, from Polish Armenians by the current Armenian diaspora in Belarus.

Review

The reviewed work, *Madżarscy – renesans pamięci?* (Madżarskie: armânskij rod v istorii Belarusi), compiled by D. V. Lisejčikov and E. S. Glinskij, emerges as a significant contribution to the study of transnational historical ties, specifically focusing on the Armenian presence in Belarus. Jointly published by the National Historical Archive of Belarus and the Foundation for the Development and Support of Armenian Studies «Aniv» in 2023, this album book delves into the fascinating history of the Madżarski family. Originating from the Ottoman Empire, this Armenian lineage played a crucial role in the economic and cultural landscape of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, particularly through their operation of the Radziwiłłs’ kontush sash manufacturing workshop in Słuck, an essential element of traditional Polish noble attire. The strength of this publication lies in its meticulous foundation, explicitly stated to be based on comprehensive archival research and the utilization of significant historical sources. By tracing the Madżarski family’s journey and contributions, the authors shed light on a niche yet vital aspect of Belarusian and Polish-Lithuanian history – the integration and impact of Armenian communities. The focus on kontush sashes not only illuminates their craft and entrepreneurship but also underscores the broader cultural exchanges and economic interdependencies that characterized the region. This detailed approach promises to offer valuable insights into the social, economic, and ethnic tapestry of early modern Eastern Europe. Beyond its historical narrative, *Madżarscy – renesans pamięci?* carries profound contemporary relevance. The abstract highlights its role as an expression of the inheritance of historical memory, connecting the legacy of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to modern Belarusian society, and the experiences of Polish Armenians to the current Armenian diaspora in Belarus. This bridging of past and present makes the album book not merely a historical account but a powerful testament to enduring cultural identity and heritage. It serves as an important resource for historians, ethnographers, and anyone interested in the complex interplay of migration, identity, and historical memory, ultimately contributing to a richer understanding of Belarusian-Armenian shared heritage.

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