On 10 February, the University of Trieste will join in the commemoration events organised for the National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe, established to preserve and renew the memory of the victims of the foibe massacres and the exodus of Istrians and Dalmatians after World War II, within the complex story of the Italian eastern border.

In recent decades, the University of Trieste, has distinguished itself for the development of a strand of historical research focussing on the violence and persecution that occurred along the Adriatic border before and after World War II. This is with particular thanks to the academic rigour of Professor Raoul Pupo who has carefully reconstructed and analysed events within the period.

In recent years, interest in the eastern border has grown. As a result, studies concerning the border have contributed to an increased understanding of the events that affected the Julian-Dalmatian populations. Thorough and nuanced research in this area is essential if we are to avoid simplifications and the consequent risks of dangerous instrumentalization.

Research activity into events at the eastern border has also involved a comparison between Italian and Slovenian historiography and has made it possible to give space to the memory of the Istrian, Fiuman and Dalmatian diaspora community publicly where such space was previously denied. In this way, we continue to work towards the completion of a reconciliation process aimed at overcoming the conflicts of the 20th century.

Twenty years after the institution of the National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe, we want to stress the importance of knowledge and respect for memory in order to consolidate a culture of peace, strengthen the European spirit and build the future together.

The path ahead is clearly shown in the image of the Presidents of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, immortalised hand in hand during an official visit to the foiba of Basovizza in July 2020.

The Maine Building of University of Trieste will be illuminated with the tricolour on the evenings of 9, 10 and 11 February.