Katowice - Stalinogród: In a climate of scientific discussions and ideological disputes

Sochacka, Stanisława

doi:https://doi.org/10.17651/ONOMAST.65.19

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Title: Katowice - Stalinogród: In a climate of scientific discussions and ideological disputes

Abstract:

The objective of this work is, on one hand, a review of the nomenclature concerning the etymology of the name of Katowice (1598), and on the other, presenting the origin of the secondary name Stalinogród (1953) related to the cult of Stalin. It was decided to present two contradictory “historical events”: the natural naming process, showing the authentic fate of the name Katowice and the political top-to-bottom interference that changed the name of the capital of Upper Silesia to Stalinogród, arousing so many negative emotions in Poland. Poles were well aware of the difference between commemorating their own worthy citizens and worshipping a foreign dictator. Every dynamically developing city was responsive to all kinds of ideological changes. The example of Katowice and Stalinogród revealed the most aggressive tendencies of the power of socialist reality and changes in social awareness.There are many disputes around the genesis of the name Katowice, and it is a well-known fact that scientists do not always reach a consensus quickly. There is nothing peculiar or unusual about this, but such a situation has enormous methodological and research consequences. This is shown by the state of research and linguists’ discussion about the name Katowice, which ultimately leads to learning the truth about the genesis of the city’s name.