Memory and Diaspora | 'Balkanism' and Digital Geographies of Cultural Objects

In recent years, Balkan social media has increasingly focused on diaspora memory and perseverance through a digital inventory of cultural artefacts. Digital maps of meaning-making can reproduce and reshape memory, revealing a complex relationship between knowledge production in the diaspora and the culture of origin. This process is dynamic, reflecting the ongoing negotiation of identity and belonging. In this episode, we will speak to the Founder of Balkanism, Arbër Qerka-Gashi, about digital archives and explore the nature of memory perseverance in the digital age. Arbër is a London-based Writer, Curator, Researcher, Visual Artist and Events Producer. He holds a BA in History from Goldsmiths, University of London, and an MA in Gender, Sexuality, and Culture from Birkbeck, University of London. Arbër writes on LGBT+ themes, Balkan heritage, diaspora experiences, Albanian identity, and Kosovo's cultural expression. He also founded the digital platform Balkanism and co-founded the Balkan London Collective. Intro music: North-Albanian Instrumental.Breaker music: Adelina Ismaili, 'Mos Ma Ndal'.