Znaczenie rekonstrukcji granic reliktowych na przykładzie granicy pomiędzy monarchią austro-węgierską a Imperium Rosyjskim

Abstract

In recent times, a process of the deliberate “re-creation” of relict borders has developed, with a view to serving tourist, heritage-related and remembrance functions. These processes have been observed in many European areas. This article pays attention to the “re-creation” of borders and the way this activity supports tourism- and heritage-related objectives now seen to represent a novel function performed by the former borders. The author illustrates the processes by referring to the border once separating the Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires as one of those associated with Poland’s erasure from the map of Europe for more than a century. Empirical research on the section of that old border drawn from the Vistula River to the present Polish-Ukrainian border shows at least 15 different places related to it, now playing the role of heritage and tourist attractions. The study of 20 information boards associated with these places is able to point to the significance and content of the information being presented, with the three leading themes being: loss of independence as a result of the Partitions; the regaining of Poland’s independence (in 1918) as well as commemoration of the heroes who contributed to it; and information about local determinants regarding border operations and controls, also in the wider context of its significance for everyday life, and consequently the possibilities of crossing the border.