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{{Short description|Cultural and political organization based in Lithuania}}
'''Vilnija''' is an ]<ref name="Mudde">{{en icon}} {{cite book | author =Cas Mudde | coauthors = | title =Racist Extremism in Central and Eastern Europe | year =2005 | editor = | pages =151 | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =] | location =London | id =ISBN 0415355931 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=YB-ZwiBf5HgC&pg=RA9-PA151&lpg=RA9-PA151&ots=wmhEhEojjt&sig=sJCh55Q77TuGYf4gfM5gbZm2DHg | format = | accessdate = }}</ref> ]<ref name="Zakorzenianie">{{en icon}} {{cite web | author=Karolina Bielenin, dr Jarosław Tomasiewicz | title=Polish Minority in Lithuania | publisher=Stowarzyszenie na rzecz Wielości Kultur | year= | work=zaKORZENIEnie | url=http://zakorzenianie.most.org.pl/english/04.htm | accessdate=2007-01-13 }}</ref><ref name="Cieplak">{{pl icon}} {{cite web | author=Paweł Cieplak | title=Polsko-litewskie stosunki (Polish-Lithuanian affairs) | publisher= | year= | work=Lithuanian Embassy in Warsaw | url=http://www.ambasada.lt/Default.asp?DL=P&TopicID=294 | accessdate=2007-01-13 }}</ref><ref name="Zuchowicz">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Katarzyna Zuchowicz | year = | month = | title =Pół wieku z polskim słowem (Half a Century With a Polish Word) | journal =] | volume = | issue =2003-07-16 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=5682&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2007-01-13 }}, cited on the official page of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs</ref><ref name="Urbutis">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Vincas Urbutis | year = | month = | title =Debaty nad ustawą o języku (Debates on the Language Act) | journal =] | volume = | issue =2006-10-04 to 2006-10-07 | pages = | id = | url = | format = | accessdate =2007-01-13 }}, translated from Lithuanian original by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs</ref> ]n organization formed in 1988, whose aims was the ] of ] living in the Eastern part of ]. The organization was formed of ] and led by ]. Its beliefs, elaborated in a monograph by Garšva<ref name="Garszwa">{{lt icon}} {{cite book | author =] | coauthors = | title =Pietryciu Lietuvos autonomijos klausimai (Questions on the Autonomy of South-Eastern Lithuania) | year =1990 | editor = | pages = | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =Eksperimentines Technikos | location =Chicago | id = | url = | format = | accessdate = }}</ref>, were based on an assumption that Poles of what became a part of Lithuania in 1945 were in fact ] ] and that their ''true identity'' had been erased by years of foreign occupation<ref name="Budryte">{{en icon}} {{cite book | author =] | coauthors = | title =Taming Nationalism?: Political Community Building in the Post-Soviet Baltic States | year =2005 | editor = | pages =147-148 | chapter = | chapterurl = | publisher =Ashgate Publishing | location =Aldershot | id =ISBN 0754637573 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=UJMzpeUHkQcC&pg=PA149&lpg=PA149&sig=s8BnP6xV4TGxoLbhZxJ1_9F8FFU#PPA148,M1 | format = | accessdate = }}</ref>. To counter that alleged situation, the organization proposed that they should be brought back to their Lithuanian roots by erasing any trace of alien (that is Polish or Russian) textbooks, teachers, symbols and traditions<ref name="Budryte"/>. The organization goal is also to counter perceived growing Polish influence in Lithuania, which Vilnija sees as a threat to that state.<ref name="Budryte"/>


'''Vilnija''' is a ]n cultural and political organization, created to promote and preserve ] in ], the Lithuanian name after which the organization is named. The organization has been described as ],{{sfn|Budryte|2005|p=147-148}}<ref name="Bielenin" /><ref name="Cieplak" /><ref name="Zuchowicz" /><ref name="Media_3" /> ],<ref name="Mudde" /><ref name="GW2001" /><ref name="Vilkas" /> and ].{{sfn|Budryte|2005|p=163}}
The organization is known for controversial actions and statements. In June 1999 it signed a petition defending ], the former head of Vilnius branch of ] (a ]n ]-sponsored collaborationist police force that operated from 1941 to 1944)<ref name="Justice">{{en icon}} {{cite news |author = ] |url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/news/1996/960626-302crm.htm |title = Court Revokes U.S. Citizenship of Former Security Police Official |date = 1996-06-26 |accessdate = 2006-06-09}}</ref>, accused of ] and ] during the ].<ref name="Mudde"/> Vilnija has been known to often organize or support ] actions<ref name="Cieplak"/> and the quasi-academic works of its leader, ], have been very negatively received by Polish government<ref name="Media_1">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2005 | month =03 | title ="Armia Krajowa na Litwie - ślepa uliczka historii" - cd. | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XIV | issue =2539/3292 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=4302&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Media_2">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs | year =2004 | month =09 | title =Dr Garsva - prezes nacjonalistycznego stowarzyszenia Vilnija (...) | journal =Media zagraniczne o Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XIII | issue =2409 (3162) | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=4169&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2006-01-15 }}</ref>, media <ref name="Tygodnik">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author = | year =2005 | month =November | title =Uknuli prowokację | journal =] | volume = | issue = | pages = | id = | url =http://www.tygodnik.lt/200511/aktualia.html | format = | accessdate =2007-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Mickiewicz">{{pl icon}} {{cite journal | author =Robert Mickiewicz | year =2005 | month =03 | title =Antypolski film w litewskiej telewizji | journal =] | volume =62 | issue =15.03.2005 | pages = | id = | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=6122&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | format = | accessdate =2007-01-15 }}</ref><ref name="Press-review">{{pl icon}} {{cite web | author=various authors | title=Press Review 2005-03-15 | publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland | year=2005 | work=Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs homepage| url=http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=6122&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | accessdate=2007-01-15 }}</ref>, and on occasion criticized by the Lithuanian government as well<ref name="Media_2"/>.


==History and policies==
==The conception of the "Vilnija"==
The organization was formed in 1988, by Lithuanian cultural and ] activists and its primary aim was the preservation of the Lithuanian language and culture in Vilnius region. The organization is mostly composed of ] although it was later joined by a token Polish organization, the Association of St. Zita (''Stowarzyszenie Św. Zyty'').<ref name=Cieplak/> The organization was created by ] and has been led for many years by ].<ref name=GW2001/><ref name=Media_3/><ref name=Media_4/> Its program, elaborated in a monograph by Garšva,<ref name=Garsva/> is based on the theory that the big part of the ] are in fact descendants of ] ] and ]. According to Vilnija members, this made them "ethnic Lithuanians" who should be restored to the nation. To achieve that, organization proposed that they should be ] by removing any trace of Polish textbooks, teachers, symbols and traditions.{{sfn|Budryte|2005|p=147-148}} The organization's goal is also to counter perceived growing Polish influence in Lithuania, which Vilnija sees as a threat to that nation.{{sfn|Budryte|2005|p=147-148}}
*About Polish autonomists in Vilnius. Vilnija stresses the activity of Polish autonomists who illegaly attempted to fix political autonomy of Poles in 1991, May 22, and says that these politicians are still in authority in the ] holding dictate in the districts with Polish majority.
*About Polonization of Vilnius region. As Polonization of Lithuania and particularly Vilnius region are proven{{Fact}} Vilnija stands upon this and considers most Poles of Vilnius neighbourhood to be of multi-ethnic descent. For Vilnija goes further to politics – brings talking about modern-day Polonization and doesn't agree most Poles of Vilnius to be ethnic Poles – it is considered to be an extremist<ref> Cas Mudde (2005). </ref> organization.
Vilnija accents nationalistic nature of the ]. ] says: "After the plan of the establishment, reorganization, liquidation and reformation of the internal structure of the schools to 2012 year, it can be seen that ] administering ] apparently progresses to the programme of the further strengthening of the Polish schools and quick removal of the Lithuanian schools".<ref name="Delfi"> www.delfi.lt </ref> According to him the Lithuanian ] of ] with 28 pupils was attached not to the Lithuanian ] of ], but to the Polish school with 5 pupils and Polish head teacher were assigned. The ] of Parudaminis with 46 pupils studying in Lithuanian and 46 in Polish was atached not to the Lithuanian school in Juodšiliai, but to the Polish one.
The counterarguments given represent different view, however:<ref> The problems of the schools of Vilnius region shouldered the minister www.delfi.lt </ref> by the decree of ] the ] of Glitiškės (with Lithuanian and Polish languages) was attached to the ] ] (with Lithuanian and Polish languages). There where no potential to have the school attached to the ] in ] because of its subordination to other constitutor (the administraton of ]). The head teacher assigned was the only person having entered the competition. There were no request to study in Lithuanian in the first ] in 2004-2005.


== Controversies ==
==Notes and references==
Vilnija has been seen by Polish government and media to often organize or support ] actions<ref name=Vilkas/><ref name=Cieplak/><ref name="Media_4"/> and the academic works of its leader, the philologist ], have been negatively received by the Polish government<ref name=Media_1/><ref name=Media_2/> and media.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 2005 | title =Uknuli prowokację | newspaper =Tygodnik Wileńszczyzny | url =http://www.tygodnik.lt/200511/aktualia.html | access-date =2007-01-15 |language=pl}}</ref><ref name=Mickiewicz/>
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Vilnija takes an interest in the political situation of the Lithuanians of the ]. It is critical of the ] party, which it claims discourages the assimilation of the national minorities of Lithuania and constantly tries to present the Polish minority as prosecuted.<ref name=Vilimas/> ], the leader of EAPL, describes Vilnija as nationalistic.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.dziedziczak.pl/aktualnosci/w-mediach/komu-przeszkadza-awpl-2235.html |title=Komu przeszkadza AWPL? |newspaper=Nasz Dziennik |date= February 3, 2014 |language=pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://kurierwilenski.lt/2014/02/03/nacjonalizm-i-kameleonizm-bylej-sowieckiej-nomenklatury-akademickiej/ |title=Nacjonalizm i kameleonizm byłej sowieckiej nomenklatury akademickiej |newspaper=Kurier Wileński| date=February 3, 2014 |language=pl}}</ref>
⚫ ]

⚫ ]
Vilnija often voices concern about the situation of Lithuanian schools in the areas of Polish minority.<ref name=Urbonaite1/><ref name=Urbonaite2/> According to Vilnija, the local government propagates Polish schools at the expense of Lithuanian schools.<ref name=Urbonaite1/><ref name=Urbonaite2/> Vilnija is also active in the campaign against allowing members of the Polish minority in Lithuania to be able to spell their names with a Polish alphabet in official documents.<ref name=MSZ/>

==Members and activists==
Prominent members of the organization include its long-time leader, ],{{sfn|Budryte|2005|p=147-148}} ] deputy and organization's founder ],<ref name=Vilkas/> and writer {{ill|Izidorius Šimelionis|lt|Izidorius Šimelionis}}.<ref name=Kasperavicius/> In 2016, ] was presented with the Cross of the Knight of the ].<ref name=LRP/>

During the 1980s and 1990s, the organization's most prominent activists were scientists ] and {{ill|Alvydas Butkus|lt|Alvydas Butkus}}, according to Polish historian Barbara Jundo-Kaliszewska.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Jundo-Kaliszewska |first=Barbara |date=2013 |title=Etnolingwistyczna istota nacjonalizmu litewskiego i antypolonizm Litwinów na przełomie lat osiemdziesiątych i dziewięćdziesiątych XX w. |trans-title=The ethnolinguistic essence of Lithuanian nationalism and the anti-Polonism of Lithuanians at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s |url=https://www.academia.edu/67100077/Etnolingwistyczna_istota_nacjonalizmu_litewskiego_i_antypolonizm_Litwin%C3%B3w_na_prze%C5%82omie_lat_osiemdziesi%C4%85tych_i_dziewi%C4%99%C4%87dziesi%C4%85tych_XX_w |journal=Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Historica |volume=91 |page=236 |quote=''Najwybitniejszymi działaczami Vilnii w omawianym okresie byli m.in. wspomniani wyżej naukowcy – Zigmas Zinkevičius i Alvydas Butkus'' ({{Literal translation|The most prominent Vilnija activists during the period in question included the aforementioned scientists - Zigmas Zinkevičius and Alvydas Butkus}})}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name=Bielenin>{{cite web | first1=Karolina |last1=Bielenin |first2=Jarosław |last2=Tomasiewicz | title=Polish Minority in Lithuania |publisher=Stowarzyszenie Wspierania Kultur Etnicznych | work=Stowarzyszenie na rzecz Wielości Kultur | url=http://zakorzenianie.most.org.pl/english/04.htm | access-date=2007-01-13 }}</ref>

<ref name=Cieplak>{{cite web | first=Paweł |last=Cieplak | title=Polsko-litewskie stosunki |trans-title=Polish-Lithuanian Affairs | publisher=UAB "Penki kontinentai" |work=Ambasada.lt | url=http://www.ambasada.lt/new/Default.asp?DL=P&SearchTXT=&EditionID=17&TopicID=294&ArticleID=380&Page=3 | access-date=2007-01-13 | language=pl | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505183058/http://www.ambasada.lt/new/Default.asp?DL=P&SearchTXT=&EditionID=17&TopicID=294&ArticleID=380&Page=3 | archive-date=2009-05-05 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name=Garsva>{{cite book |first=Kazimieras |last=Garšva | author-link =Kazimieras Garšva | title =Pietryčių Lietuvos autonomijos klausimai |trans-title=Questions on the Autonomy of South-Eastern Lithuania | year =1990 | publisher =Eksperimentinė technikos paminklų restauravimo įmonė | location =Vilnius |language=lt |oclc=311338314}}</ref>

<ref name=GW2001>{{cite news |language=pl |newspaper=] |date=14 February 2001 |url=http://serwisy.gazeta.pl/swiat/1,34175,151474.html |title=Litewska prokuratura przesłuchuje weteranów AK |trans-title=Lithuanian prosecutor questioning AK veterans |access-date=7 June 2006}}</ref>

<ref name=Kasperavicius>{{cite book |language=pl |first=Algis |last=Kasperavičius |url=http://www.bialystok.ap.gov.pl/dziedzictwo/pliki/historycy.pdf |chapter=Współcześni historycy litewscy o sprawie Wilna i stosunkach polsko-litewskich w latach 1918-1940 oraz zmiany w potocznej świadomości Litwinów | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722013854/http://www.bialystok.ap.gov.pl/dziedzictwo/pliki/historycy.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-22 |title=Historycy polscy, litewscy i białoruscy wobec problemów XX wieku Historiografia polska, litewska i białoruska po 1989 roku |editor-first1= Krzysztof |editor-last1=Buchowski |editor-first2=Wojciech |editor-last2=Śleszyński |publisher= Instytut Historii Uniwersytetu w Białymstoku |year=2003 |isbn= 83-910713-9-1 |page=106}}</ref>

<ref name=LRP>{{cite web|title=Prezidentė apdovanojo Lietuvą garsinančius žmones|url=https://www.lrp.lt/lt/spaudos-centras/pranesimai-spaudai/prezidente-apdovanojo-lietuva-garsinancius-zmones/25612 |publisher=Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania |date=6 July 2016 |language=lt |access-date=2 June 2018}}</ref>

<ref name=Media_1>{{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=March 2005 | title ="Armia Krajowa na Litwie - ślepa uliczka historii" - cd | journal =Media Zagraniczne O Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XIV | issue =2539/3292 | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=4302&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | access-date =2006-01-15 |language=pl}}</ref>

<ref name=Media_2>{{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=September 2004 | title =Dr Garsva - prezes nacjonalistycznego stowarzyszenia Vilnija (...) | journal =Media Zagraniczne O Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XIII | issue =2409/3162 | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=4169&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | access-date =2006-01-15 |language=pl}}</ref>

<ref name=Media_3>{{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=October 2006 | title =Ustawa o języku państwowym |trans-title=Statute on national language |quote=Commentary on Vincas Urbutis' article "Debaty nad ustawą o języku" (Debates on the Language Act) in '']''. |journal=Media Zagraniczne O Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XV | issue =200/37062 | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=9370&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz |access-date =2006-01-20 |language=pl}} </ref>

<ref name=Media_4>{{cite journal | author =Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=October 2006 | title =Antypolski tekst K. Garsvy |trans-title=Anti-Polish text by K. Garšva |quote=Commentary on Garšva's article "Kiedy na Wileńszczyźnie będzie wprowadzone zarządzanie bezpośrednie?" (When Vilnius region will have direct self-government?)" in '']''. |journal= Media Zagraniczne O Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) | volume =XV |issue =200/37062 |url=http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=9370&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=8&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz |access-date =2006-01-20 |language=pl}} </ref>

<ref name=Mickiewicz>{{cite news | first =Robert |last=Mickiewicz | title =Antypolski film w litewskiej telewizji | newspaper =] | volume =62 | date =15 March 2005 | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=6122&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | access-date =2007-01-15 |language=pl}}</ref>

<ref name=MSZ>{{cite journal |language=pl |url=http://www.msz.gov.pl/files/Biuletyn%20Polonijny/2009%20-%2002%20biuletyn.pdf |title=Stowarzyszenie "Vilnija" przeciw polskiej pisowni nazwisk w litewskich dokumentach |journal=Biuletyn Polonijny Ministerstwa Spraw Zagranicznych |pages=13–14 |volume= 2 |year=2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307131636/http://www.msz.gov.pl/files/Biuletyn%20Polonijny/2009%20-%2002%20biuletyn.pdf |archive-date=2012-03-07 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=Mudde>{{cite book | first =Cas |last=Mudde | title =Racist Extremism in Central and Eastern Europe | year =2005 | page =151 | publisher =] | location =London | isbn =0-415-35593-1 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=YB-ZwiBf5HgC&pg=RA9-PA151 }}</ref>

<ref name=Urbonaite1>{{cite web |first=Ieva |last=Urbonaitė |date=9 June 2006 | url=http://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/education/article.php?id=9823970 |title=Už augantį lenkiškų mokyklų mokinių skaičių politikai gauna premijas |trans-title=Politicians Receive Bonuses for the Growing Number of the Pupils in Polish Schools | publisher=] |language=lt }}</ref>

<ref name=Urbonaite2>{{cite web |first=Ieva |last=Urbonaitė |date=17 August 2006 | url=http://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/education/article.php?id=10398981 |title=Ministrės pečius užgulė Vilniaus krašto mokyklų problemos |trans-title=The Problems of the Schools of Vilnius Region Shouldered by the Minister | publisher=] |language=lt }}</ref>

<ref name=Vilimas>{{cite journal |first=Darius |last=Vilimas |url=http://www.xxiamzius.lt/archyvas/xxiamzius/20021220/aktu_03.html |title=Geresnio gyvenimo troškulys |trans-title=The Thirst for a Better Life |journal=XXI amžius |volume=96 |issue=1103 |date= 20 December 2002 |language=lt |issn=2029-1299 }}</ref>

<ref name=Vilkas>{{cite web| first=Leonardas |last=Vilkas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928050206/http://www.darski.info/?darski=kraje&go=estonia_elali |url=http://www.darski.info/?darski=kraje&go=estonia_elali |archive-date=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead |title= Litewska, Łotewska i Estońska droga do niepodległości i demokracji: próba porównania |trans-title=Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Way to Independence: An Attempt to Compare |work= homepage of Jerzy Targalski, professor of ] |language=pl}}</ref>

<ref name=Zuchowicz>{{cite news | first =Katarzyna |last= Zuchowicz | title =Pół wieku z polskim słowem |trans-title=Half a Century With a Polish Word | newspaper =] | date =16 July 2003 | url =http://www.mfa.gov.pl/index.php?page=5682&lang_id=pl&bulletin_id=11&portlet=biuletyn%2Fpokaz | access-date =2007-01-13 |language=pl |via=Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs}}</ref>

}}

== Sources ==

* {{Cite journal |last=Budreckis |first=Algirdas |date=1967 |title=Etnografinės Lietuvos Rytinės ir Pietinės Sienos |url=http://partizanai.org/karys-1967m-7-8/5742-etnografines-lietuvos-rytines-ir-pietines-sienos |journal=]}}
* {{cite book | first =Dovile |last=Budryte | title =Taming Nationalism?: Political Community Building in the Post-Soviet Baltic States | year =2005 | publisher =Ashgate Publishing | location =Aldershot | isbn =0-7546-3757-3 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=UJMzpeUHkQcC&pg=PA149 }}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Lipscomb |first1=Glenard P. |last2=Committee for a Free Lithuania |author2-link=Committee for a Free Lithuania |date=29 May 1958 |title=Extension of Remarks |url=https://archive.org/details/sim_congressional-record-proceedings-and-debates_may-27-june-19-1958_104_appendix/page/n107/mode/2up?q=Tutejszy |journal=] |volume=104 - Appendix}}
* {{Cite book |last=Šapoka |first=Adolfas |url=https://archive.org/details/sapoka-rastai-t.-1-2013/page/216/mode/2up?q=Tutejszy |title=Raštai |publisher=Edukologija |year=2013 |volume=I - Vilniaus Istorija |location=Vilnius |language=Lithuanian}}
* {{Cite news |last=Zinkevičius |first=Zigmas |author-link=Zigmas Zinkevičius |date=31 January 2014 |title=Lenkiškai kalbantys lietuviai |language=Lithuanian |trans-title=Polish-speaking Lithuanians |work=alkas.lt |url=https://alkas.lt/2014/01/31/z-zinkevicius-lenkiskai-kalbantys-lietuviai/}}

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Latest revision as of 17:22, 26 May 2024

Cultural and political organization based in Lithuania

Vilnija is a Lithuanian cultural and political organization, created to promote and preserve Lithuanian culture in Vilnius region, the Lithuanian name after which the organization is named. The organization has been described as nationalist, extremist, and anti-Polish.

History and policies

The organization was formed in 1988, by Lithuanian cultural and Sąjūdis activists and its primary aim was the preservation of the Lithuanian language and culture in Vilnius region. The organization is mostly composed of ethnic Lithuanians although it was later joined by a token Polish organization, the Association of St. Zita (Stowarzyszenie Św. Zyty). The organization was created by Romualdas Ozolas and has been led for many years by Kazimieras Garšva. Its program, elaborated in a monograph by Garšva, is based on the theory that the big part of the Poles in Lithuania are in fact descendants of Polonized Lithuanians and Belarusians. According to Vilnija members, this made them "ethnic Lithuanians" who should be restored to the nation. To achieve that, organization proposed that they should be forcibly assimilated by removing any trace of Polish textbooks, teachers, symbols and traditions. The organization's goal is also to counter perceived growing Polish influence in Lithuania, which Vilnija sees as a threat to that nation.

Controversies

Vilnija has been seen by Polish government and media to often organize or support anti-Polish actions and the academic works of its leader, the philologist Kazimieras Garšva, have been negatively received by the Polish government and media.

Vilnija takes an interest in the political situation of the Lithuanians of the Vilnius Region. It is critical of the Election Action of Lithuania's Poles party, which it claims discourages the assimilation of the national minorities of Lithuania and constantly tries to present the Polish minority as prosecuted. Valdemar Tomaševski, the leader of EAPL, describes Vilnija as nationalistic.

Vilnija often voices concern about the situation of Lithuanian schools in the areas of Polish minority. According to Vilnija, the local government propagates Polish schools at the expense of Lithuanian schools. Vilnija is also active in the campaign against allowing members of the Polish minority in Lithuania to be able to spell their names with a Polish alphabet in official documents.

Members and activists

Prominent members of the organization include its long-time leader, Kazimieras Garšva, Seimas deputy and organization's founder Romualdas Ozolas, and writer Izidorius Šimelionis [lt]. In 2016, Kazimieras Garšva was presented with the Cross of the Knight of the Order for Merits to Lithuania.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the organization's most prominent activists were scientists Zigmas Zinkevičius and Alvydas Butkus [lt], according to Polish historian Barbara Jundo-Kaliszewska.

References

  1. ^ Budryte 2005, p. 147-148.
  2. Bielenin, Karolina; Tomasiewicz, Jarosław. "Polish Minority in Lithuania". Stowarzyszenie na rzecz Wielości Kultur. Stowarzyszenie Wspierania Kultur Etnicznych. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  3. ^ Cieplak, Paweł. "Polsko-litewskie stosunki" [Polish-Lithuanian Affairs]. Ambasada.lt (in Polish). UAB "Penki kontinentai". Archived from the original on 2009-05-05. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  4. Zuchowicz, Katarzyna (16 July 2003). "Pół wieku z polskim słowem" [Half a Century With a Polish Word]. Rzeczpospolita (in Polish). Retrieved 2007-01-13 – via Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  5. ^ Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (October 2006). "Ustawa o języku państwowym" [Statute on national language]. Media Zagraniczne O Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) (in Polish). XV (200/37062). Retrieved 2006-01-20. Commentary on Vincas Urbutis' article "Debaty nad ustawą o języku" (Debates on the Language Act) in Lietuvos aidas.
  6. Mudde, Cas (2005). Racist Extremism in Central and Eastern Europe. London: Routledge (UK). p. 151. ISBN 0-415-35593-1.
  7. ^ "Litewska prokuratura przesłuchuje weteranów AK" [Lithuanian prosecutor questioning AK veterans]. Gazeta Wyborcza (in Polish). 14 February 2001. Retrieved 7 June 2006.
  8. ^ Vilkas, Leonardas. "Litewska, Łotewska i Estońska droga do niepodległości i demokracji: próba porównania" [Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Way to Independence: An Attempt to Compare]. homepage of Jerzy Targalski, professor of University of Warsaw (in Polish). Archived from the original on 2007-09-28.
  9. Budryte 2005, p. 163.
  10. ^ Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (October 2006). "Antypolski tekst K. Garsvy" [Anti-Polish text by K. Garšva]. Media Zagraniczne O Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) (in Polish). XV (200/37062). Retrieved 2006-01-20. Commentary on Garšva's article "Kiedy na Wileńszczyźnie będzie wprowadzone zarządzanie bezpośrednie?" (When Vilnius region will have direct self-government?)" in Lietuvos aidas.
  11. Garšva, Kazimieras (1990). Pietryčių Lietuvos autonomijos klausimai [Questions on the Autonomy of South-Eastern Lithuania] (in Lithuanian). Vilnius: Eksperimentinė technikos paminklų restauravimo įmonė. OCLC 311338314.
  12. Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (March 2005). ""Armia Krajowa na Litwie - ślepa uliczka historii" - cd". Media Zagraniczne O Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) (in Polish). XIV (2539/3292). Retrieved 2006-01-15.
  13. Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (September 2004). "Dr Garsva - prezes nacjonalistycznego stowarzyszenia Vilnija (...)". Media Zagraniczne O Polsce (Foreign Media on Poland) (in Polish). XIII (2409/3162). Retrieved 2006-01-15.
  14. "Uknuli prowokację". Tygodnik Wileńszczyzny (in Polish). November 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-15.
  15. Mickiewicz, Robert (15 March 2005). "Antypolski film w litewskiej telewizji". Rzeczpospolita (in Polish). Vol. 62. Retrieved 2007-01-15.
  16. Vilimas, Darius (20 December 2002). "Geresnio gyvenimo troškulys" [The Thirst for a Better Life]. XXI amžius (in Lithuanian). 96 (1103). ISSN 2029-1299.
  17. "Komu przeszkadza AWPL?". Nasz Dziennik (in Polish). February 3, 2014.
  18. "Nacjonalizm i kameleonizm byłej sowieckiej nomenklatury akademickiej". Kurier Wileński (in Polish). February 3, 2014.
  19. ^ Urbonaitė, Ieva (9 June 2006). "Už augantį lenkiškų mokyklų mokinių skaičių politikai gauna premijas" [Politicians Receive Bonuses for the Growing Number of the Pupils in Polish Schools] (in Lithuanian). Delfi.lt.
  20. ^ Urbonaitė, Ieva (17 August 2006). "Ministrės pečius užgulė Vilniaus krašto mokyklų problemos" [The Problems of the Schools of Vilnius Region Shouldered by the Minister] (in Lithuanian). Delfi.lt.
  21. "Stowarzyszenie "Vilnija" przeciw polskiej pisowni nazwisk w litewskich dokumentach" (PDF). Biuletyn Polonijny Ministerstwa Spraw Zagranicznych (in Polish). 2: 13–14. 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-07.
  22. Kasperavičius, Algis (2003). "Współcześni historycy litewscy o sprawie Wilna i stosunkach polsko-litewskich w latach 1918-1940 oraz zmiany w potocznej świadomości Litwinów". In Buchowski, Krzysztof; Śleszyński, Wojciech (eds.). Historycy polscy, litewscy i białoruscy wobec problemów XX wieku Historiografia polska, litewska i białoruska po 1989 roku (PDF) (in Polish). Instytut Historii Uniwersytetu w Białymstoku. p. 106. ISBN 83-910713-9-1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22.
  23. "Prezidentė apdovanojo Lietuvą garsinančius žmones" (in Lithuanian). Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  24. Jundo-Kaliszewska, Barbara (2013). "Etnolingwistyczna istota nacjonalizmu litewskiego i antypolonizm Litwinów na przełomie lat osiemdziesiątych i dziewięćdziesiątych XX w." [The ethnolinguistic essence of Lithuanian nationalism and the anti-Polonism of Lithuanians at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s]. Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Historica. 91: 236. Najwybitniejszymi działaczami Vilnii w omawianym okresie byli m.in. wspomniani wyżej naukowcy – Zigmas Zinkevičius i Alvydas Butkus (lit. 'The most prominent Vilnija activists during the period in question included the aforementioned scientists - Zigmas Zinkevičius and Alvydas Butkus')

Sources

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