Jerzy Grzybowski. Belarusian Regional Scientific Association in Latvia: creation and activity (1932–1936)

In the interwar period, Latvia was the center of many Belarusian people. Most Belarusians lived in Latgale. Scientific and cultural activity developed among this population. From 1932–1936 it worked Belarusian Regional Scientific Association in Latvia. The founder and most active member of the organization was Kastuś Yezavitaǔ. This organization conducted ethnographic research and recorded elements of the spiritual and material culture of the Belarusians of Latvia. The organization made the results of its activities public in the press. The organization’s aim was also to popularize knowledge about Belarusians and their culture among Latvians. To disseminate knowledge about Belarus abroad, contacts were established with organizations and individuals in various European countries and the USA. Many initiatives of the organization (mainly publishing) were not implemented due to a lack of financial resources. The 1934 coup ended the organization’s activity, and, as a result, an authoritarian regime was introduced in Latvia. The organization was banned in 1936.