History of Silesia
The Institute of History at the University of Opole has conducted essential, extensive research on the history of Silesia, Opole, and the Opole region for many years. Staff at the Institute of History serve as leaders, moderators, and academic supervisors in scientific research as well as in activities aimed at promoting a multifaceted understanding of history, covering topics such as national, social, and religious identity, with a particular focus on the 20th century (the Silesian Uprisings, the Opole region within the framework of Polish statehood). The objectives of these activities include highlighting the unique characteristics and significance of the region in Central Europe and preserving and promoting the historical and cultural heritage of the area both within Poland and internationally. Studies on the national, cultural, and religious diversity of Silesia are of fundamental importance. The Institute of History leads the region in scientific research, collaborating closely with institutions such as the Museum of Opole Silesia (including the Museum of the Silesian Uprisings), the State Archive in Opole, and the Museum of the Silesian Piasts in Brzeg.
History of the Eastern Borderlands
Research on the Eastern Borderlands, Polish communities abroad, and emigration, conducted by historians from the Institute of History at the University of Opole, has a longstanding tradition. The Opole research community is among the few that adopt a broad chronological (15th-20th centuries) and territorial scope, examining the evolving concept of the Eastern Borderlands. Their studies cover not only the former eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic but also the borderlands of the Jagiellonian state and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The research is based on a critical analysis of relevant literature and source publications and relies heavily on meticulous archival and library queries within Poland and abroad (including Belarus, Lithuania, France, Russia, Ukraine, the USA, and the UK), as well as family archives. The findings are presented at conferences and published in highly respected Polish and international academic and popular science publications. Notably, unique Polish publication series such as “Kresowa Atlantyda” and collective monographs focused on Polish communities in southern Ukraine are a testament to the institute’s significant contributions.
Military History
The Institute of History at the University of Opole has been conducting research in the field of Polish and global military history for many years, covering periods from ancient times to the 20th century. Staff members of the Institute are part of the Commission on Military History of the Polish Academy of Sciences and collaborate with the International Commission of Military History. One significant outcome of this collaboration was the organization of the 47th Congress of the International Commission of Military History, held from August 28 to September 2, 2022, in Wrocław and Opole. Currently, the research team, led by Professor Tomasz Ciesielski, is implementing a project funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in the amount of 656,352 PLN, as part of the National Program for the Development of Humanities. The project, titled “The Polish Succession War 1733-1735: Military Operations – Source Edition” (NPRH/DN/SP/0213/2023/12), aims to edit and publish primary sources related to this significant historical period.
History of the Church
The staff at the Institute of History at the University of Opole also conduct research on the history of the Church, with a particular focus on the role of monasteries in Silesia and Poland from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Currently, the Institute is collaborating with the State Archive in Opole on a project aimed at preserving the archival legacy of the Cistercian Abbey in Krzeszów.
Institute of History
Strzelców Bytomskich St. 2
45-084 Opole
tel. +48 77 401 61 80
e-mail: insthist@uni.opole.pl
University of Opole
Kopernika 11a
45-040 Opole, Poland
Rector’s Office
tel.: 77 541 59 03
Chancellor’s Office
tel.: 77 541 60 70
NIP: 754-000-71-79
REGON: 000001382
carefully created by Uniwersytet Opolski