Synopsis

This presentation examines the formation of local subjectivities in early 20th-century Ottoman Manastir within the context of transnational connections shaping of these identities. The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola) and international politics involving the Ottoman Empire, Greek and Romanian states. It traces tensions, conflicts, and instances of violence surrounding the Vlachs before and after 1905 when Vlachs officially gained millet status.
It investigates the actions of ordinary people and local figures as active agents employing complex strategies and negotiations in shaping their identities and gaining power, while underlying the intricate and fluid nature of identities during an era marked by contesting nationalisms, influenced by the local, mundane and transnational factors. Competition over the Balkans was driven by a web of networks, ambitions and conflicts over the political control in the region. It will look at Romania’s role as a participant in shaping identities and influencing the efforts of Greek, Bulgarian and Ottomans states. Within the framework of Ottoman-Greek relations, the Vlach case also provides insights into Ottoman state’s efforts to counter Greek nationalism within its territories, and sheds light on forces contributing to shaping of Modern Hellenism.