Belarusians in Latvia (1918—1945)

This scientific monograph is the fruit of many years of the researcher's work in archives and libraries in Belarus, the USA, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Estonia.

The book comprehensively examines the history of Belarusians in Latvia from the declaration of an independent Latvian state until the end of World War II. The choice of chronological boundaries for the study is justified by objective reasons. These timeframes allow tracing the Belarusian presence on Latvian soil against the backdrop of significant events in its history, such as: the struggle for independence, the building of a democratic state, the establishment of authoritarian rule, and the domination of Soviet and German occupiers. It was precisely during this period that Latvia was one of the main centers of the Belarusian national movement outside of its homeland. The country witnessed significant cultural, educational, and social activity among Belarusians. In the earlier period (before 1918), Belarusians in Latvia showed little activity. Meanwhile, in the later period (after 1945), Belarusian life in the country faded, and the national composition of Latvia underwent fundamental changes.

The monograph analyzes various aspects of Latvian-Belarusian relations that previously had not been the subject of thorough research attention. As Juris Poikāns, former Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Poland, notes in his foreword to the publication, the book reveals a shared history, many contacts that were established over centuries, and comprehensively complements both Latvian and Belarusian historical thought.

The publication was made possible thanks to the support of the Belarusian Charitable Foundation in London and the Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Latvia in Krakow – Rafał Brzóska and in Wrocław – Marcin Kaczmarski.