Intellectual adventure: The footsteps of Karl Schlögel in Hamburg

Intellectual adventure: The footsteps of Karl Schlögel in Hamburg

On October 14, 2025, Karl Schlögel, renowned historian and professor emeritus of Eastern European history, was awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. This honor recognizes his unique contribution to understanding the history and cultures of Eastern Europe. This award not only recognizes Schmidt as a scientist, but also his ability to make complex connections in history accessible to a broader audience. According to the European University his work is a school of attention that demands serious reflection on the space, time and topography of history.

Schlögel's academic career began in the late 1960s, influenced by his travels to Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union and was involved in the political student movement. In 1971 he completed his studies at the Free University of Berlin with a dissertation on workers' conflicts in the Soviet Union. This publication, "The Recalcitrant Hero. Workers' Protest in the Soviet Union (1953-1983)," marked the start of an impressive career in which he wrote several notable works, including "Reading Moscow." Schlögel's teaching was not just limited to lecture; Rather, he confronted his students with the complex ways of thinking in history and thus promoted an intellectual awakening.

A mentor and trailblazer

PD Dr. Agnieszka Pufelska, one of the numerous students who learned under Schlögel's guidance, remembers their first encounter in a seminar on the Russian Revolution in 1997. In a small group of students, Schlögel called for deep reflection on the challenges and contradictions of history. These experiences in his seminars became intellectual adventures for many, like Pufelska.

“Schlögel’s way of thinking inspired me to be more than just a historian; I also wanted to be a reader, traveler and observer,” said Pufelska. Her reflections on her time studying at Viadrina demonstrate the influence that Schlögel had as a mentor on her academic development. She describes this time as enlightening, with Schlögel as the driving wind. This commitment to a holistic understanding of science is reflected throughout his work.

Political relevance and criticism of the present

Schlögel's research interests extend beyond the academic world and concern burning social issues. His position on the current political situation in Ukraine is particularly noteworthy. After the annexation of Crimea by Russia, he sharply criticized the historical-political justification of Putin's war of aggression. His rejection of the Pushkin Medal in the context of the war underlines his attitude and commitment, which many German intellectuals also sharply question in their reflections on Eastern Europe.

After his retirement in 2013, Karl Schlögel remained active in various scientific societies and continued to work as a freelance author. This willingness to get involved in the discussions shows the relevance of his work and the lasting influence he has on society and science.

The awarding of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade not only honors Schlögel's work, but also emphasizes the essence of his teachings - the encouragement to think precisely and critically about historiography and the associated political implications. His ability to analyze 20th-century landscapes, taking into account both space and time, represents a valuable resource for future generations.