Article

From terrorscape to leisurescape. A case study of “Stalin World” in Lithuania

in Versus n. 119, Traces of Terror, Signs of Trauma, pp.93-108

Abstract (english)

The objective of this contribution is to explore heritage
management through the lens of concepts like terrorscape and
leisurescape. Using a case study from Lithuania, “Stalin World”,
it will examine the way specific landscapes can overlap with the
touristification of Soviet traumatic heritage. This historical theme
park located in the south of the country may be conceived as a
touristscape constructed of traumatic memory: a reconstituted
terrorscape based on the history of the gulag. The main argument
here is that, through the mobilization of irony and derision in a
context close to leisure, this traumatic heritage can be confronted
in a country still trying to forget the dark years of Soviet rule.
However, the trivialization of such a traumatic heritage has
been contested and this memorial initiative was a source of vivid
debates on the safeguarding or obliteration of Soviet memory, as
well as ethical questions as to its management.