We are pleased to announce that the full program for the international conference “Agents of Censorship and the Circulation of Printed Material in Central Europe (1500–1800)” is now available online.

Bringing together scholars working on early modern print culture, the conference explores the diverse actors, practices, and frameworks of censorship across Central Europe between 1500 and 1800. Over the course of several days, participants will engage with a wide range of topics, including preventive censorship, self-censorship, the impact of regulatory frameworks, and the circulation of printed materials across linguistic, confessional, and political boundaries.

The program features two keynote lectures, dedicated thematic sessions, and a roundtable discussion, offering insights into both institutional and informal mechanisms of control. Contributions address case studies from across the region—from the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg lands to the Balkans and beyond—highlighting the complexity and variability of censorship practices in the early modern period  .

In addition to the academic sessions, the conference includes excursions to major cultural and research institutions, as well as opportunities for discussion and networking.

We warmly invite all interested colleagues to explore the program and join us either on-site or virtual for what promises to be a stimulating exchange.

If you are interested to participate virtually then please register with the conference organizers: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Baramova (mariabaramova@gmail.com) and Dr. Simon Dagenais (dagenais@uni-trier.de).

Download the Programm as PDF

_{Image: Engraving depicting the Muttefersika Press in Constantinople in Andreas Lazarus von Imhof, Des neu-eröffneten historischen Bilder-Saals, Vol. 9, Part 1, Nuremberg 1735, p. 835 (BSB Munich,
Bibl.Mont. 1617-9,1) (c) http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/ , https://www.digitale-sammlungen.de/de/view/bsb10716728?page=855 (last accessed 20-05-2026).}

CALL FOR PAPERS:

Agents of Censorship and the Circulation of Printed Material in Central Europe (1500–1800)

International Conference | University of Sofia “St. Kliment Ohridski” | 19–20 May 2026

In a time when censorship and press freedom are again making headlines, this conference turns to the early modern period to explore how printed materials were regulated, suppressed, or reshaped—and by whom. Moving beyond the traditional view of censorship as a rigid, top-down mechanism, we seek to uncover the diverse actors, negotiations, and motivations behind the control of print in Central Europe between 1500 and 1800.

Organised by Working Group 3: Public-Legal Spheres of the COST Action CA23137 – Print Culture and Public Spheres in Central Europe, this international gathering invites researchers to investigate censorship not just as repression, but also as a field of agency, strategy, and resistance.

We especially welcome papers that:

• Explore cross-border, multilingual, or multi-confessional censorship practices
• Focus on key agents: censors, authors, printers, publishers, institutions
• Analyze censorship practices and methods of circumvention
• Trace the evolution of censorship across time and regions
• Offer case studies on genres like pamphlets, catechisms, plays, images, music, or newspapers

Early career researchers (under 40) are strongly encouraged to apply. Travel and accommodation for COST Action members will be covered.

Deadline for submissions: 15 November 2025

Submit your abstract (max 300 words) and a short bio (max 150 words) to:

baramova@uni-sofia.bg and dagenais@uni-trier.de

Notification of acceptance: 25 November 2025