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Brasov, Romania
http://www.wseas.us/conferences/2009/brasov/mn
Brasov,
located in the central-Eastern part of Romania, is one of the main
Transylvanian cities. With more than 286,000 inhabitants, Brasov is a
highly-developed economic center, as well as an important tourist
attraction.
Situated at the junction of the main
European commercial routes (E60, E68, E574), Brasov is a significant
Romanian commercial center, as trade and industry account for the largest
share of the city's turnover. On the other hand, industry employs most of
the Brasov residents (some 50%).
In the past few years, Brasov has attracted
significant foreign investment, largely in the auto components industry (Ina
Schaeffler), metallic constructions (Canam Steel), pharmaceuticals
(GlaxoSmithKline), and the foods industry (Kraft Foods).
Last year also brought plans to build an
airport in Brasov, to further modernize the transport infrastructure. The
investment is estimated at 85 million Euro and scheduled to be completed in
2008.
Situated at the foot of the Tāmpa Mountain
(907m), in an outstanding mountainous area, Brasov is one of Romania's prime
tourist locations, together with Poiana Brasov (12 km away from the city),
one of the best-known resorts in the country, especially for winter sports.
The most modern ski gondola was built last year in Poiana Brasov -
Postavarul Express, under an investment exceeding 5 million Euro.
In its turn, Brasov has great tourism
potential - it boasts exceptional natural attractions, but also historical
buildings and monuments displaying obvious baroque influences. Brasov's
historical district is part of the national and universal patrimony, as the
authorities have included the area into a preservation and restoration
program.
Situated in the heart of Romania, the city
of Brasov benefits from the influence of an ancient history.
Much before the discovery of written
documents, the archaeologists discovered traces of civilisation going back
to the Bronze Age. Therefore the site discovered on Dealul Melcilor became
well known in Europe. Other archaeological sites found in different places
around Brasov prove that there lived a strong community of native
population, mixed later on with Roman colonists developing into the Romanian
population.
At the beginning 13th century the Saxons
(German population coming from the region of Rhein and Mosel) colonised the
region of Brasov, finding here a strong Romanian community.
The genuine character of the city will come
from the mixture of two different cultures and mentalities.
The origins of Brasov as a town are lost in
the dark times of medieval age. However it is known that it developed as
different communities living here decided to come together into a city. The
first written documents on Brasov go back to 1235, when the city was
mentioned as CORONA, situated on the present location of the Black Church.
Later on the city was known also as Brasco, Brasso, Stephanopolis, Kronstadt,
and Brasov. However the most popular names of the city are the last two
ones.
Thanks to its geographical position and the
good connections to Moldavia and Valachia, Brasov will grow economically
fast, becoming one of the most important centres of Transylvania.
The traders of Brasov will have special
trade privileges with the other Romanian counties. The free right of
bringing goods there will help them develop a very strong craftsmen
community. In the 16th century there were more than 45 corporations, grouped
according to their field of activity. The craftsmen and traders were the
most influential people in Brasov. The economical welfare of the city will
make Brasov develop into an architectural jewel. The most important
historical monuments were built in that period: The Old City Hall, Podul
Batusilor (today hosting the Cerbul Carpatin restaurant), The Old Granary
(today the lovely Bistrot de l'Arte), the Black Church (14th century), and
the St. Nicolae Church in Scheii Brasovului.
The 14th century found the Turkish armies
just South of the Danube River. They were frequently attacking the region of
Brasov. This situation determined the citizens of Brasov to start building a
strong defensive city wall, fortresses and towers; the work will last till
the 18th century. The town will be now one of the strongest cities in
Transylvania. The various guilds had each its own towers and fortresses that
they would have to maintain and defend throughout the centuries. Today you
may see parts of the old city walls or visit the Weavers' Fortress
(currently a museum).
The culture of Brasov will also develop
during this period. Johannes Honterus, a great German humanist will work for
most of the time in Brasov, and the deacon Coresi will print the first
Romanian books here. Therefore in the 16th century Brasov will host several
schools, libraries, and printing houses.
1688 will be one of the toughest years in
the history of Brasov. It will have to fight in the same time with the
uprising against the Austrian armies who were occupying Transylvania at the
time, with a devastating fire that destroyed most of Brasov, and with
outbreak of plague. Still hopeful, the citizens of Brasov will rapidly
rebuild the city.
The 19th century, the age of progress, as
we all know it, will mean a lot for Brasov. The city walls will be partly
taken down, allowing a fast development. Manufacturers and factories will
replace the old, conservative guilds. Once freed by medieval restraints, the
trade will be better than ever for Brasov. This also helped a lot the
development of education and media.
"Gazeta de Transilvania", the first
Romanian political newspaper in Transylvania, was founded in 1838. This
would be the main paper to fight for the independence of Transylvania, which
was occupied at the time by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was also issuing
a literary review that will promote the Romanian writers and poets living in
Transylvania.
The first half of the 20th century and
especially the period following the 1st world war were times when Brasov
became the second strongest economical centre of Romania. However the town
was partly destroyed during the bombardments of the 2nd world war.
Fortunately the town recovered every time
things went wrong here, mainly because of the outstanding people living
here. Thanks to them we are now able to live here and share this privilege
with the visitors of the city.
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