Azuara will host one of the venues of the International Congress on the Spanish Civil War (CIGCE) this Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27. Experts will gather to examine some of the events that took place in the town and its surrounding area. The event will arrive in Azuara after an initial day of presentations this Thursday at the University of Zaragoza.
It will therefore be far from an unrelated setting for the issues to be discussed. Azuara played an important role as a rear-area base and site of military operations during the conflict, particularly in 1937 and 1938. The town suffered bombing raids, some residents had to be evacuated, and many sought protection from air attacks in caves located on the other side of the Cámaras River. The surrounding area also preserves remains of the positions and fortifications built during the war.
The traces of the Spanish Civil War remain part of Azuara’s landscape. Photo: Yolanda Tarancón (Actualidad Media)
That past will be very much present at a congress that will explore the archaeology of a battlefront, the Aragon Offensive, the presence of international combatants, Nazi propaganda and Civil War fortifications.
FROM THE ARAGON OFFENSIVE TO NAZI PROPAGANDA: ALL THE CONGRESS PRESENTATIONS
The program in Azuara will begin on Saturday the 26th at 9:45 a.m. with registration and the distribution of materials at the San Juan Building, followed by the opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. At 11:15 a.m., Erik Salvador will address Azuara, 1938: Archaeology of a Battlefront. Defensive Positions and the Breach of the Front during the Aragon Offensive. At 12:15 p.m., Allan Warren will focus his presentation on the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, while the first communications session will take place from 1:15 to 2:00 p.m.
After the lunch break, Stefanie Schüler-Springorum will speak at 4:00 p.m. on German Pilots, Nazi Propaganda and the Spanish Civil War. At 5:30 p.m., Javier Ibáñez González and Rubén Sáez Abad will give a presentation on Civil War fortifications in Teruel province and the latest archaeological work. A second communications session, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., will bring the day to a close.
On Sunday, activities will resume at 10:00 a.m. with Hans Wilhuser Baró and the presentation Postcards from Azuara (June 5–September 18, 1937). At 11:00 a.m., a guided tour of Las Mollejas will begin, bringing the congress to a close.
Advance registration is required to attend the presentations. Those wishing to take part in the meal and guided tour can sign up by calling 605 244 516 or emailing rha.asociacioncultural@gmail.com. The stated price for these activities is 15 euros.
