Der Breslauer Dichter und Schauspieler Karl von Holtei (1798–1880) als schlesische Kulturikone und Identifikationsfigur

The article above presents the importance of Breslaw poet, actor and reciter Karl von Holtei on shaping local identity of Breslaw and Silesian inhabitants as well as his place in the local memory. After second edition of his Schlesiche Gedichte (1850) written in local dialect, and especially after his long artistic journey around Silesia (1860–1861) and permanent return to Breslaw (1865) Holtei won respect his compatriots. He became very well known and popular in Breslaw. Streets, squares and other topographic buildings in other Silesian towns and cities were named after Holtei already during his lifetime. Postcards with his portraits were published and just after his death, a monument was unveiled. After 1945, Holtei became a very important identification figure for expelled Silesian people in West Germany. However, Holtei was forgotten for many years in Polish Silesia, even though he wrote many pro-Polish pieces including Der alte Feldherr a drama about Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko. A breakthrough came only in the end of 20th century when Holtei’s importance for Polish-German relationship rediscovered and appreciated. A commemorative plaque was unveiled on the house that he had lived in, his bust was placed in Town Hall and secondary school in Oborniki Śląskie was given Holtei’s name.