Historical Narratives and Public Memory in Urban Space: Street Names and (Re)Naming Practices of the Hankow Concession

Abstract

This study examines street names within the Hankow Concession. More specifically, it focuses on investigating street naming and renaming practices during and after the Concession Era. The findings reveal that during the Concession Era, the most frequently used strategy in street naming was the use of compatriots’ names, while the least common strategy involved the use of toponyms from the colonial powers’ own territories. The current street naming practices within the former concession area show the reverse: the use of Chinese toponyms is, at present, the most commonly used naming strategy. Some street names in the former British Concession that were originally named after Chinese places have been retained. The street names in the former Japanese Concession are associated with the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (WRAJA).  Together, they construct a historical narrative that contrasts with the original intent of the Japanese Concession’s establishment. The street renaming practice within the Concession has changed the original street names in the Concession Era greatly while emphasizing Chinese national and cultural identity. This practice represents a reconstruction of public memory through two approaches: (1. ) reinforcing or removing the historical narratives selectively;  and (2.) reshaping historical narratives to align with the shared values and contemporary mainstream cultural ideologies.