The volume deals with processes of transformation in the cities of Southeastern Europe since the 1980s. It combines historical research with social science analysis to relate macro-processes such as political developments, crises and conflicts to people's perceptions, practices and ideas. The contributions point to the changing power of the market on the functional structure of cities. Contributions deal with different areas of urban development such as infrastructure planning, housing, architecture, management and design of the public space, as well as issues related to the self-image of cities, the ethics of urban development and changes in labor markets and ownership. The volume also examines whether and how images of the past and historical backgrounds, with their specific traditions of cultural diversity and different political systems, have been reflected in urban development around and after 1989.