Activities of the EFFORTS & FORTE CULTURA fortress network to preserve the historical fortress heritage and support the people of Ukraine
Factual article, published in the excursion guide Westwalltag, July 2022
Author: Dirk Röder
Corona is still far from over when the world is shaken up by another piece of terrible news. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a war of aggression against Ukraine that continues to this day. The reasons for this are far-reaching and stem from global political processes that began a long time ago.
The FORTE CULTURA network, and I personally, condemn the war in the strongest possible terms, and corresponding statements can be found in all our communication channels. But how does this help the people in Ukraine? That was a question that concerned us from the very beginning. Through my roles in fencing in Berlin, I was able to observe how quickly and effectively help can be organised. We collected donations in kind, drinks and everyday consumer goods for the people arriving daily at Berlin Central Station from Ukraine. We arranged accommodation and opened our clubs to fencers from Ukraine, giving them a bit of „normality“. This was not so easy at the level of our international fortress network. Our members have certainly started similar activities in their environment as we have in Berlin fencing. But what exactly can a tourism-orientated network do?
Communication
First of all, don't keep the war quiet. Unvarnished communication about the events in Ukraine is one of the most important tools in view of the targeted influence and misinformation by Russian and other state media. As a European cultural route, FORTE CULTURA helps to preserve the important cultural heritage of the fortress monuments and make it accessible to everyone. The fortresses of many eras, once built as military defence objects, are today places of peace and culture for all people. They tell the story of Europe and serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of countless wars. In this context, every fortress tour is a contribution to peace.
Set an example
On our International Fortress Conference in April 2022 in Terezín (CZ) we have put the Ukraine war at the forefront.
The programme included a minute's silence in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and a joint declaration against war, for human rights and democracy, which was also reflected on Czech television and in the press.
Our Ukrainian network member, Mezhybizh Fortress, was able to report on the situation on site as part of a photo documentation in Terezín. About how they built anti-tank barriers from scaffolding that had been erected for planned restorations. About how they sewed camouflage nets. About how they offer protection and shelter to women and children on the run, equip them with relief supplies, provide them with childcare and schooling. About how they open themed exhibitions on the war in their museum and how they pray together for peace. About how the historic walls of the fortress once again have to fend off war, persecution and oppression.
In Terezín, we have symbolically declared our previously passive network member Mezhybizh Fortress a full member and are taking over the annual contributions for an indefinite period. As a result of the upgrade, Mezhybizh Fortress became the first official Station of the European cultural route FORTE CULTURA in Ukraine and has since been integrated into our brand instruments and brand communication.
Together with EFFORTS (European Federation of Fortified Sites), a campaign was launched, starting in Terezìn, to network Ukrainian fortified sites with fortified sites from the EFFORTS & FORTE CULTURA network. In two online workshops to date with participants from a total of 12 countries including Australia, support measures have been discussed and concrete cooperation agreements concluded, e.g. between the fortresses of Šibenik (HR) and Pidhirtsi (UA).
Further collaborations are in preparation, for example between Ivano-Frankivsk (UA) and 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. Friedrich Wein has also been endeavouring to establish a link between the Westwall and the Arpad Line from the outset, which is very difficult given the situation on the ground. He is actively supported by EFFORTS & FORTE CULTURA, in particular by Rafael Deroo (EFFORTS) and Olha Tikhonova, a young Ukrainian doctor of architecture who is currently working at the Polish Academy of Sciences. Through them, we were also able to learn many details about the extensive fortress heritage in the Ukraine, which can be easily understood in their Overview presentation (PDF).
Of course, all these activities cannot eliminate the war and the unimaginable suffering of the people in Ukraine, but together many small contributions and voices add up to a big one. If you would also like to get involved, please contact our network office.
#standwithUkraine
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