Dagmar Zadražilová

I am finishing my doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, specialising in European cultural history and geography. I have been intrigued by the interplay of politically and historically significant localities and their respective perception – changing in time – both in terms of arts as well as politics. Having studied political science, history and fine arts, I try to explore how this fascinating conundrum has been used, misused and interpreted across our manifold continent, and what does it tell us about ourselves. Many sites around us read almost like a book and contain miscellaneous (and sometimes even heterogeneous) memories: they truly are lieux de mémoire. In my dissertation I focused on “tarnished” architecture heritage in Germany, dating back to the infamous Nazi years, yet constantly acquiring new uses, interpretations and characteristics as time goes by. In other words, many edifices mirror the society that brought them to life ages ago, and still continues to surround them today, itself evolved and evolving. The last couple of months brought me to several places where I presented my research results (Chicago, Tartu, German Historical Institute London, Royal Geographical Society) and discussed various topics and issues with my colleagues. In September I went to Berlin with students  from the Department of Geography at Cambridge. During this research field trip, I had a chance to teach them about the historical and symbolic topography of this unique city, which is itself an urban chronicle of the 20th century. I wish to stay in academia, continue in my research and teach: I would like to pass on to the next generations what I have learned at Cambridge, Prague and other universities where I had the honour and pleasure to intellectually and personally develop.