Braşov

Braşov
—  City  —
Braşov - medieval city

Flag
Coat of arms
Location of Braşov
Coordinates:
Country  Romania
County Braşov County
Status County capital
Government
 - Mayor George Scripcaru (Democratic Liberal Party)
Area
 - City 267.2 km2 (103.2 sq mi)
 - Metro 1,368.5 km2 (528.4 sq mi)
Elevation 600 m (1,969 ft)
Population (est. 2009[1])
 - City 278,003
 - Density 1,040/km2 (2,693.6/sq mi)
 - Metro 399,316
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 - Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Website http://www.brasovcity.ro

Braşov (Romanian pronunciation: [braˈʃov]; German: Kronstadt; Hungarian: Brassó; Medieval Latin: Brassovia or Corona; 1950–1960: Oraşul Stalin) is a city in Romania and the capital of Braşov County.

According to the last Romanian census, from 2002, there were 284,596 people living within the city of Braşov, making it the 8th most populous city in Romania.

Braşov is located in the central part of the country, about 166 km from Bucharest. It is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians, and is part of the Transylvania region.

The city is notable for hosting the Golden Stag International Music Festival.

Contents

Etymology

The city was first attested in the 13th century under the name Corona, a Latin word meaning "crown", a name given by the German colonists.

The current Romanian and Hungarian names are derived from the Turkic word (likely Pecheneg) barasu, meaning "white water", with a Slavic suffix -ov.[2]

The first attested mention of Braşov is Terra Saxonum de Barasu ("Saxon Land of Baras"), in a 1252 document. The German name Kronstadt means "Crown City", and is reflected in the city's coat of arms, as well as in its Medieval Latin name, Corona. The two names of the city ', Kronstadt, and Corona) were used simultaneously in the Middle Ages.

From 1950 to 1960, during part of the Communist period in Romania, the city was called Oraşul Stalin (Stalin City), after the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.[3]

Population

The municipality of Braşov has a total population of 284,596 (2002 Census). Its ethnic composition includes:

As of 2009, 278,003 inhabitants live within the city limits.[1]

In 2005, the Braşov metropolitan area was created. With its surrounding localities, Braşov has around 400,000 inhabitants.[4]

History

The Black Church

The oldest traces of human activity and settlements in Braşov date back to the Neolithic age (about 9500 BCE). Archaeologists, working from the last half of the 19th century, discovered continuous traces of human settlements in areas situated in Braşov: Valea Cetăţii, Pietrele lui Solomon, Şprenghi, Tâmpa, Dealul Melcilor, and Noua. The first three locations shows traces of Dacian citadels; Şprenghi Hill housed a Roman-style construction. The last two locations had their names applied to Bronze Age cultures—Schneckenberg and Noua.

German colonists known as the Transylvanian Saxons played a decisive role in Braşov's development. These Germans were invited by King Géza II of Hungary to develop towns, build mines, and cultivate the land of Transylvania at different stages between 1141 and 1162. The settlers came primarily from the Rhineland, Flanders, and the Moselle region, with others from Thuringia, Bavaria, Wallonia, and even France.

In 1211, by order of King Andrew II of Hungary, the Teutonic Knights fortified the Burzenland to defend the border of the Kingdom of Hungary. Although the crusaders were evicted by 1225, the colonists they brought in remained, along with local population, as did three distinct settlements they founded on the site of Braşov:

The city center (Piaţa Sfatului)

Germans living in Braşov were mainly involved in trade and crafts. The location of the city at the intersection of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe, together with certain tax exemptions, allowed Saxon merchants to obtain considerable wealth and exert a strong political influence. They contributed a great deal to the architectural flavor of the city. Fortifications around the city were erected and continually expanded, with several towers maintained by different craftsmen's guilds, according to medieval custom. Part of the fortification ensemble was recently restored using UNESCO funds, and other projects are ongoing. At least two entrances to the city, Poarta Ecaterinei (or Katharinentor) and Poarta Şchei (or Waisenhausgässertor) are still in existence. The city center is marked by the mayor's former office building (Casa Sfatului) and the surrounding square (piaţa), which includes one of the oldest buildings in Braşov, the Hirscher Haus, owned by a wealthy merchant. Nearby is the "Black Church" (Biserica Neagră), which some claim to be the largest Gothic style church in South-Eastern Europe.

Once Braşov became a German colony, Romanians were denied several privileges by the new German settlers. They were no longer recognized as citizens of the city, and as such they were no longer able to continue to practice their crafts and operate their businesses. Additionally, their primary religion (Orthodox) was not officially recognized throughout Transylvania, especially during and after the 15th century. Most turned to shepherding as a result, ventures which still returned considerable wealth The first stone church had been built with the support of Wallachian Ioan Neagoe Basarab Voevod, in place of the wooden one [8]. Here is the first Romanian printing press in Transylvania (1558), along with a library. The German burghers still relied on Romanian speakers from within the community in their dealings with the Hospodars of Wallachia and Moldavia, and occasionally with the Ottoman Empire.

The cultural and religious importance of the Romanian church and school in Şchei is underlined by the generous donations received from more than thirty hospodars of Moldavia and Wallachia, as well as that from Elizabeth of Russia. In the 17th and 19th centuries, the Romanians in Şchei campaigned for national, political, and cultural rights, and were supported in their efforts by Romanians from all other provinces, as well as by the local Greek merchant community. In 1838 they established the first Romanian language newspaper, Gazeta Transilvaniei and the first Romanian institutions of higher education (Şcolile Centrale Greco-Ortodoxe - "The Greek-Orthodox Central Schools", today named after Andrei Şaguna). The Holy Roman Emperor and sovereign of Transylvania Joseph II awarded Romanians citizenship rights for a brief period during the latter decades of the 18th century.

In 1850 the town had 21,782 inhabitants: 8,874 (40.7%) Germans, 8,727 (40%) Romanians, 2,939 (13.4%) Hungarians.[5] In 1910 the town had 41,056 inhabitants: 10,841 (26.4%) Germans, 11,786 (28.7%) Romanians, 17,831 (43.4%) Hungarians. [6]

In 1918, when Transylvania joined Romania by the "Proclamation of Union" of Alba Iulia (adopted by the Deputies of the Romanians from Transylvania) Deputies of the Saxons from Transylavania supported it, with their vote to be part of Romania, and declared their allegiance to the new Romanian state. The inter-war period saw a flourishing of economic and cultural life in general, which included the Saxons in Braşov as well. However, at the end of World War II many ethnic Germans were forcibly deported to the Soviet Union (see Communist Romania), and subsequently many more emigrated to West Germany after Romania became a communist country.

Jews have lived in Braşov since 1807, when Aron Ben Jehuda was given permission to live in the city, a privilege until then granted only to Saxons. The Jewish Community of Braşov was officially founded 19 years later, followed by the first Jewish school in 1864, and the building of the synagogue in 1901. The Jewish population of Braşov was 67 in 1850, but it expanded rapidly to 1,280 people in 1910, and 4,000 in 1940. Today the community has about 230 members, after many families left for Israel between World War II and 1989.

Like many other cities in Transylvania, Braşov is also home for a significant ethnic Hungarian minority.

During the communist period, industrial development was vastly accelerated. Under Nicolae Ceauşescu's rule, the city was the site of the 1987 Braşov strike. This was repressed by the authorities and resulted in numerous workers being imprisoned.

Economy

Industrial development in Braşov started in the inter-war period, with one of the largest factories being the airplane-manufacturing plant (IAR Braşov), which produced the first Romanian fighter planes, which were used in World War II against the Soviets. After Communist rule was imposed, this plant was converted to manufacture of agricultural equipment, being renamed "Uzina Tractorul Braşov" (internationally known as Universal Tractor Braşov).

Industrialization was accelerated in the Communist era, with special emphasis being placed on heavy industry, attracting many workers from other parts of the country. Heavy industry is still abundant, including Roman, which manufactures MAN AG trucks under licence, as well as native-designed trucks and coaches. Although the industrial base has been in decline in recent years, Braşov is still a site for manufacturing agricultural tractors and machinery, hydraulic transmissions, auto parts, ball-bearings, helicopters (at the nearby IAR site in Ghimbav), building materials, tools, furniture, textiles, shoes and cosmetics. There are also chocolate factories and a large brewery. In particular, the pharmaceutical industry has undergone further development lately, with GlaxoSmithKline establishing a production site in Braşov.

A large longwave broadcasting facility is located near Braşov, at Bod.

Significant growth in real estate prices continues, along with other major Romanian cities, as investor sentiment remains high, given the large FDI influx, recent accession to the European Union and forthcoming airport. Like most of Romania and Poland, cities like Brasov are predicted to exhibit strong growth for many years to come. Many foreign investors are sourcing their own land, or engaging local firms to create holiday or investment property.

Education

Primary Schools

High Schools

Universities:

Transportation

The Braşov local transport network is well-developed, with around 50 bus and trolleybus lines. There is also a regular bus line serving Poiana Braşov, a nearby winter resort. Until 2006, there were also four night lines that connected the outskirts to city center. Between 1987 and 2006, there has been also a tram line, however it was discontinued because it became inefficient.

The construction of Braşov Airport[7] was inaugurated by Intelcan Canada on April 15, 2008. Construction is planned to be finalized in 24 to 30 months . The project consists of a terminal capable of handling 1 million passengers per year and a 2,800 meter-long runway. The A3 highway is also planned to pass right by the city's edge.

Tourism

Poiana Braşov a possible bid for the Olympic Winter Games

Centrally located Braşov is a good starting point for trips around Romania. The city is situated at fairly equal distances from several tourism destinations in the country: the Black Sea resorts, the monasteries in northern Moldavia, and the well-preserved wooden churches of Maramureş. It is also the largest city in a mountain resorts area. The old city itself is very well preserved, and is best seen by taking the cable-car to the top of Tâmpa Mountain (995 m), a beautiful lookout.

Temperatures from May to September fluctuate around 23°C / 75°F. Braşov benefits from a winter tourism season centered on winter sports and other activities.

Poiana Braşov is the most popular Romanian ski resort and an important tourist center preferred by many tourists not only from Romania, but also from Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and other European states.

Sights

Dracula's Castle situated in the immediate vicinity of Braşov

Twin cities

Sport

History

The city has a long tradition in sports, the first sport associations being established here starting with the end of the 19th century (Target shooting Association, Gymnastics School). The Transylvanian Sports Museum is among the oldest in the country, and presents the evolution of consacrated sports in the city. During the communist period, universiades and daciades (derived from "dacian") would be held, where local sportmen were obliged to participate. Nowadays, the infrastructure of the city allows other sports to be practiced, such as football, rugby, tennis, cycling, handball, gliding, skiing, skating, mountain climbing, paintball, bowling, swimming, target shooting, basketball, martial arts, equestrian, volleyball or gymnastics. Annually, at "Olimpia" sports ground, the "Brasov Challenge Cup" tennis competition is held.

Past events

Future events

Local teams

fan website 1** Fan website 2, fan website 3,

Sports venues

Name Capacity Built Usage
Minicipal Stadium 30,000 (on benches) ~1975 1 May and 23 August parades; rarely used for football matched;
closed and demolished in 2008
Brasov Arena 23,000 seats planned 2010 football stadium;
construction started in 2008 with the demolishing of the old stadium;
Tineretului / "Silviu Ploiesteanu" Stadium 12,670 seats 1960 football stadium; currently, the capacity is ~10,000 people, as one of the tribunes is in reconstruction;
floodlights only installed in 2009;
"D.P. Colibasi" Sports Hall 2,300 seats ~1970 indoor sports: handball, basketball, volleyball, sometimes others
Brasov Olympic Skating Rink 2,000
(1,600 seats + 400 standing)		 2010 mainly ice hockey;
inaugurated February 18, 2010

Gallery

Braşov at Night

Braşov seen from Tâmpa Mountain

The infamous Hollywood-like sign on top of Mt. Tâmpa

Braşov Council Square (Piaţa Sfatului)

Piata Sfatului Braşov

Braşov Main Square

Council of Braşov County

The Black Church

Str.Lunga

IAR Factory 1940

Braşov Council Building

Braşov Council Building at night

Braşov Council Square

The Black Church

Braşov From The White Tower

Braşov Council Square(at night)

The Black Church (from Warthe Hill)

Ecaterina Gate (buit in 1559)

Saint Nicholas Church

Council Square (from Warthe Hill)

Biserica Neagrǎ (from Warthe Hill)

Braşov City Wall

The White Tower Watchtower/fortification

Bran Castle

View of Braşov from the Piatra Mare Mountain

View of Braşov from the Tâmpa Mountain

View of Brasov

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Largest cities in Romania" (in Romanian). Agerpres. February 2, 2010. http://www.agerpres.ro/english/index.php/component/k2/item/173.html. Retrieved June 13, 2010. 
  2. ↑ Alexandru Madgearu, "Români şi pecenegi în sudul Transilvaniei", Editura Economică, 2005, ISBN 973-709-158-2
  3. ↑ Brasov | Travel To Romania
  4. ↑ "Populaţia stabilă la 1.01.2009" (in Romanian). INSSE. May 19, 2009. http://www.insse.ro/cms/rw/resource/populatia%20stabila%20la%201%20ianuarie%202009%20si%2018.xls?download=true. Retrieved May 20, 2009. 
  5. ↑ Erdély etnikai és felekezeti statisztikája
  6. ↑ Erdély etnikai és felekezeti statisztikája
  7. ↑ Website of the Braşov Airport
  8. ↑ [1]

References

External links

Braşov County, Romania
Cities

Braşov (county seat) · Codlea · Făgăraş · Săcele

 Coat of arms of Braşov County
Towns

Ghimbav · Predeal · Râşnov · Rupea · Victoria · Zărneşti
Communes

Apaţa · Augustin · Beclean · Bod · Bran · Budila · Buneşti · Caţa · Cincu · Comăna · Cristian · Crizbav · Drăguş · Dumbrăviţa · Feldioara · Fundata · Hălchiu · Hărman · Hârseni · Hoghiz · Holbav · Homorod · Jibert · Lisa · Mândra · Măieruş · Moieciu · Ormeniş · Părău · Poiana Mărului · Prejmer · Racoş · Recea · Şercaia · Şinca · Şinca Nouă · Sâmbăta de Sus · Sânpetru · Şoarş · Tărlungeni · Teliu · Ticuşu · Ucea · Ungra · Vama Buzăului · Viştea · Voila · Vulcan
County seats of Romania (alphabetical order by county)

Alba Iulia • Arad • Piteşti • Bacău • Oradea • Bistriţa • Botoşani • Braşov • Brăila • Buzău • Reșița • Călăraşi • Cluj-Napoca • Constanţa • Sfântu Gheorghe • Târgovişte • Craiova • Galaţi • Giurgiu • Târgu Jiu • Miercurea-Ciuc • Deva • Slobozia • Iaşi • Buftea • Baia Mare • Drobeta-Turnu Severin • Târgu Mureş • Piatra Neamţ • Slatina • Ploieşti • Satu Mare • Zalău • Sibiu • Suceava • Alexandria • Timişoara • Tulcea • Vaslui • Râmnicu Vâlcea • Focşani
Bucharest (national capital)

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