Сontemporary memory studies are based on the event of the Holocaust and World War II, in the context of which the policy of extermination of the Jews was implemented. It was the largest act of violence in the 20th century, that became the turning point. Commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust is a very broad phenomenon. But three countries can be singled out for which this commemoration is special - Israel, the United States and Germany.

The events that took place in Germany, where the Holocaust was initiated, the German practices of rethinking the past, working with the past in the post-war period - this is a very important experience. Actually, in the case of Germany, it is a search for answers to the question of how to make sure that there was no more war, that there was no more mass violence and crimes against humanity. 
We will talk about the German experience; discuss a number of key concepts and theoretical approaches; talk about how the past/history is politicized, used by politicians, used in conflicts. And together we will reflect on the questions:

— What has been preserved from the Soviet memorial heritage and integrated into post-Soviet commemorative practices?
— How profoundly have urban memorial landscapes changed? Is the complete desovietisation of urban memorial landscapes possible? Is there a need for that?
— What are the specifics of commemorating enduring conflicts?
— What place does the memory of contemporary conflicts occupy in the cities (hierarchy of memory spaces)?