Jindrich Toman: The Jewish Town as Represented Space: Prague, 1820s-1830s

Early decades of the nineteenth century provide a number of journalistic and literary sources that describe Prague's Jewish Town. The present talk uses them to determine the range of strategies used in the social construction of urban territoriality. Analysis is based on texts written by local Gentile authors, Czech and German, but also on nostalgic descriptions by Jewish authors who were actually born in the Jewish Town. Based on this, a contrast between insiders and outsiders, or participation and observation, can be worked out. Other perspectives revolve around the concept of the border and its subversion.

The event will start at 6:30pm with a light supper followed by the presentation at 7pm. Please RSVP to slavic@umich.edu

If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Slavic department (slavic@umich.edu or 734-764-5355) at least 4 days in advance. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for U-M to arrange.