| Abstract [eng] |
The work analyses multicultural features in Žagarė during the period of interwar. Analysis of multicultural features of the Lithuanian interwar has started making the first steps. Therefore the work has the aim – to analyse the situation of Žagarė residents during the period of the first Republic of Lithuania. The main theories of multicultural features are discussed; similarities and differences of pluralism and multicultural features are reviewed, as well as conceptions of the ethnic minority and ethnic group. During the period of interwar the development of Žagarė was stopped by the Lithuanian – Latvian borderland and the railroad in Joniškis. According to data of 1923, half of residents in Žagarė were Lithuanians; Jews composed the similar amount and there were several hundreds of Latvians. There were also some Germans, Russians and Poles. Žagarė county was Lithuania. Here over 90% of residents were Latvians, the rest of them – Germans, Poles. During the period of interwar the Lithuanian gymnasium was operating in Žagarė, together with two primary schools of Jews and one – Latvians. Residents were praying in two Catholic churches, synagogues, Lutheran chapel. The transition point was operating in Žagarė that later became the separate customs. Here not only Lithuanians and Latvians were crossing the border, but also Egyptians, Algerians, Tunisians, Frenchmen and residents other countries. Often customs’ officers were stopping people with contraband. There were cases when officers were helping them. 40 different organisations were operating in the territory of the town and county. The majority of them was implementing charity activities and were maintaining schools. Often different associations were organising joint activities. Associations of Jews were forbidden. On 4th decade of XX century the local newspaper was initiated in Žagarė that described events of the town and county, printed advertisements, informed society about events and activities. The newspaper distributed not only in Žagarė, but also in Kaunas, Latvia, USA. Žagarė Board was composed from Jews and Lithuanians who were jointly solving local issues. Local residents were usually getting on well, there were no serious conflicts. One of the most famous conflicts – when in 1937 remains of Barbora Žagarietė were violated. Free-tinkers were blamed of a crime. |
