Complex memories

The Transylvanian Saxons have lived in multi-ethnic Transylvania, now Romania, for over 900 years and have preserved their cultural identity as a minority to this day. Due to the massive wave of emigration, in which around 90% of the community left the country since the 1940s - especially between 1990 and 1992 - the question arises as to how their identity is preserved. The qualitative case study examines this phenomenon, in particular the role of memories. Through narrative interviews, participants described their life stories, which were analyzed using grounded theory analysis. The results show strategies for preserving the individual and collective identity of the Transylvanian Saxons. In addition, the historical context and relevant concepts such as nationalism, identity, memory, multiethnicity and material culture are highlighted. Personally motivated by family roots and a connection to the community, the work is intended to enrich the interdisciplinary field of research on Transylvania and the Transylvanian Saxons and to revive memories of the Transylvanian Saxons.