Introduction: The Past, Its Memory and the Scholarly Legacy of Alon Confino (1959–2024)

This article is an introduction to a special issue of the journal History & Memory dedicated to the memory of Professor Alon Confino. The issue includes articles on various topics related to cultural memory, such as the memory of a Sāsānian imperial standard in Persian history, debates surrounding the memory of a Prussian slave trader, the role of humor in countering Holocaust denial, the soundscape of a national museum in Poland, and attempts at historical reconciliation in Colombia. The article highlights Professor Confino's contributions to the field of memory studies and his ability to engage with present-day issues through his research.