Project Description

Romanian Culture – influences

In the middle of 3 worlds

Perhaps you have already read the other articles of Pure-Romania, and you may find in some of them this concept regarding cultural, political and social diversity. Culture of Romania is like a big mosaic, being shaped in many historical periods. The beauty of Romania also comes from this abundance of influences.

Today

Romania is a Latin country (like Italy, Spain, etc.) with an old Dacian fundament and with Slavic influences. There are also some regional or superficial influences like the French or Oriental ones.

Decebalus or The Brave (originally named Diurpaneus) was a king of Dacia (ruled the Dacians 87–106)and is famous for fighting three warsTrajan,Latin Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Divi Nervae filius Augustus; 18 September 53 – 9 August 117 AD was Roman Emperor from 98 AD until his death.

 

This diversity is a consequence of the geographical position, in the South-Eastern part of Europe, close to the Middle East and also to the political changes that are taking place in Europe.

 

 

If we look now to where Romania is located on the map, we will find that it represents a significant part of the European Union’s Eastern border.

Romania between 3 worlds

It is situated between the powerful Western European block of countries and the former Soviet one. Even nowadays we are witnessing a process of cultural changes as a consequence of this geographical position. Romania is also very close to the Middle East, since the Turkish capital, Istanbul, is at 7 hours’ drive from Bucharest. There are also connections via the Black Sea. There is also an important connection with Hungary.

Long time ago

If we look back in history we will see the same situation. The Romanian Provinces (even since the Dark Ages, Medieval Ages and continuing until the Modernism), were placed between large conglomerates of power from the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe.

Mihai Viteazu Army, Gheorghe Tattarescu

They have continuously fought for their independence, and tried to have a long period truce with the Ottoman Empire. The wars, the political influences and the economical trade with this empire have created many changes to the Romanian Provinces.

During the 12th century, German craftsmen and merchants known as the Transylvanian Saxons were invited to Transylvania by the King of Hungary to settle and defend the frontier of his realm.

These provinces also played a key role in some major conflicts between the European Countries and the Ottoman Empire. For instance, on 22nd of July 1456, Iancu de Hunedoara (John Hunyadi), the ruler of Transylvania, stopped the Ottoman army at the gates of Belgrade.  By claiming this victory, he eventually stopped the Ottoman Empire in its attempt to conquer the famous Austrian city of Vienna.

 

Conclusions

There is a quote that says “Romania is a Latin island in a Slavic sea” because Romania is the only country from the East that has Latin origins. The other countries are Slavic, excepting Hungary, even those from the South and West (Bulgaria, Yugoslavia).

Romania is truly a country of contrasts, which they appear as a result of these amazing influences. Everywhere you go in Romania, you will be surprised by them. They are deep and they have the power to emphasize the beauty of its components, and also to increase the visual impact for the visitors.

Biserica_Domneasca_Curtea_de_Arges The Princely Church Basarab I, medieval Ages

We suggest you to visit the section called booking, where you will discover pictures and stories about these contrasts.

Photographs copyrights:

Adrian Petrisor

Dragoș Asaftei

commons.wikimedia.org

descopera.ro

evz.ro

filedinpoveste.wordpress.com

hotelcismigiu.ro