SEEHA

History of Southeastern Europe at University of Graz is Austria’s only scientific institution with a focus on both studies and teaching of the history and anthropology of Southeast Europe. This specialisation is significant for two reasons: Firstly, due to its geographic position, the University of Graz has not only been important for Southeast Europe in the past but continues to play a crucial role in the region. This was one of the motives that led to the establishment of a chair for History of Southeastern Europe in 1970 next to the Graz Institute of Slavic Studies, which has a strong tradition in Balkan studies. Our University’s special emphasis means that we are also concerned with tasks beyond pure scientific work: making contacts, building networks, organising grants for students from Southeast Europe, designing and supporting research projects. Secondly, the Southeast is central to the identity of the city of Graz. Graz sees itself as a business hub linking Austria and Southeast Europe, and the city is also the site of an international trade fair oriented towards the region.

The Chair for History of Southeastern Europe at the Institute of History of the University of Graz was established in 1970, replacing the former Chair for Byzantine Philology and History. Teaching began in the 1970 winter semester. Following the introduction of the 1975 University Organisation Law, the institute was renamed “Institute of History” and the former chair received the name Section of History of Southeastern Europe (now Southeast European History and Anthropology). The first chair was Ferdinand Hauptmann, previously professor for Modern History at the University of Sarajevo. He retired in 1986 and was succeeded by Horst Haselsteiner (previous assistant professor at the Institute of East and Southeast European Research at the University of Vienna). After the appointment of Prof. Haselsteiner as professor at the University of Vienna and successor of Richard Georg Plaschka (1993), Karl Kaser ‒ until then contract assistant professor at the section in Graz ‒ took over the professorship and became head of institute in 1996.