In Conversation with Taina Syrjämaa

This paper presents an interview with Professor Taina Syrjämaa, a distinguished historian specialising in a wide range of fields including animal history, urban history, and the history of travel and tourism. In this brief structured interview, Professor Syrjämaa reflects on her doctoral research journey, which uncovered the central role ENIT in shaping Italy’s image abroad during the interwar period. Professor Syrjämaa shares her motivations, methodological challenges, and key findings, providing insights into Italy’s promotional strategies that emphasised cultural heritage over overt political messages, even during the Fascist regime.