The books are a unique collection of historical sources from all the countries, compiled for students and history teachers.
These books were the central program of the Center for Democracy and Reconciliation in Southeast Europe (CDRSEE), a regional and impact-oriented NGO based in Thessaloniki that sought to foster democratic, pluralist, and peaceful societies in Southeast Europe. Despite producing one of the most successful projects ever, in 2019 the CDRSEE has been forced to shut down due to the lack of funds.
On the initiative of the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB), through the support for the creation and maintenance of this website, these books are again available to the public. The EFB understands that these books are an important tool not only for teaching history, but also for opening a culture of dialogue and different ways of thinking. The Joint History Books can be a way out of a largely one-dimensional education system in the region of Southeast Europe and they have the potential to encourage exchange about different perspectives and experiences.
METHODOLOGY
The authors had been led by the idea of collecting and presenting historical sources and the variety of interpretations and viewpoints projected by the sources themselves, rather than a historiographical work. They, in no way, suggest the objectivity or the authenticity of the sources.
The aim is simply to demonstrate. These books, in other words, apply the comparative method and the multiperspective approach.
AUTHORS
An outstanding contribution to producing these books have been made by Costa Carras, CDRSEE Rapporteur to the Board for the Joint History Project and Prof. Christina Koulouri, General Coordinator and Series Editor. For tireless efforts and dedication, the gratitude goes to the Editors: Prof. Dubravka Stojanovic, Prof. Halil Berktay, Prof. Bogdan Murgescu, Prof. Mirela Luminita Murgescu, Prof. Valery Kolev, Mr. Kresimir Erdelja Prof. Neven Budak, Prof. Alexei Kalionski, Prof.Niyazi Kızılyürek, Prof. Božo Repe, Dragutin Popovic. Crucial for the success of the project were also tireless efforts by chairs and members of the Board of Directors – Matthew Nimetz, Richard Schifter, Erhard Busek, Hannes Swoboda, Nikos Efthymiadis, Rigas Tzelepoglou, Saso Ordanoski, Dusan Reljic, Selcuk Erez, as well as two Executive Directors at the time, Nenad Šebek and Zvezdana Kovač.
Making an important contribution to the soundness and balance, the books had been reviewed and commented by six Readers: Prof. Robert Stradling, Prof. Maria Todorova, Prof. Peter Vodopivec, Ivan Vejvoda, Prof. Andreas Demetriou and Prof. Florian Bieber.
IN MEMORIAM
Costa Carras, the founder, and the creator of the initial idea of the Joint History Books passed away just a few weeks before this website was launched.
Mr. Carras’ knowledge, tireless efforts, enthusiasm, and support were crucial for these books to see the light of day, starting, thus, a new era of re-examining history, re-examining our own baggage of prejudice, the lack of empathy and understanding. Mr. Carras embodied so many virtues; he combined huge knowledge with great passion, taking on many challenges to strive for democracy and peaceful coexistence among nations.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Carras. You have left to the young generations a most splendid tool to be, above all, good people.
