Difference between revisions of "Transylvania"
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| − | '''Transylvania''' is a central region of [[Romania]]. Historically Transylvania was headed by a monarchy (''voivode'', variously translated as prince, duke or count), but was not an independent nation. Instead it was part of the Kingdom of [[Hungary]], or, during the 17th century, part of the [[Turkish]] [[Ottoman Empire]]. The [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] collapsed after the [[First World War]] and a united Romania was created in 1920, including Transylvania. | + | '''Transylvania''' is a central region of [[Romania]]. Historically Transylvania was headed by a monarchy (''voivode'', variously translated as prince, duke or count), but was not an independent nation. Instead it was part of the Kingdom of [[Hungary]], or, during the 17th century, part of the [[Turkish]] [[Ottoman Empire]]. The [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] collapsed after the [[First World War]] and a united Romania was created in 1920, including Transylvania, which had a mixed population of Romanians, Hungarians, Germans and others. In 1940 a large part of Transylvania was ceded to Hungary, but this was reversed in 1945. |
Transylvania was the setting for part of [[Bram Stoker]]'s horror novel ''[[Dracula]]'' (1897), and home to the fictional [[vampire]] Count Dracula, whom Stoker based loosely on the historical Transylvanian prince Vladimir Dracula (or '[[Vlad the Impaler]]'). The novel has firmly established a link, now a cliche, associating Transylvania with vampires and other [[supernatural]] monsters such as [[werewolves]]. | Transylvania was the setting for part of [[Bram Stoker]]'s horror novel ''[[Dracula]]'' (1897), and home to the fictional [[vampire]] Count Dracula, whom Stoker based loosely on the historical Transylvanian prince Vladimir Dracula (or '[[Vlad the Impaler]]'). The novel has firmly established a link, now a cliche, associating Transylvania with vampires and other [[supernatural]] monsters such as [[werewolves]]. | ||
Revision as of 19:35, August 29, 2008
Transylvania is a central region of Romania. Historically Transylvania was headed by a monarchy (voivode, variously translated as prince, duke or count), but was not an independent nation. Instead it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, or, during the 17th century, part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed after the First World War and a united Romania was created in 1920, including Transylvania, which had a mixed population of Romanians, Hungarians, Germans and others. In 1940 a large part of Transylvania was ceded to Hungary, but this was reversed in 1945.
Transylvania was the setting for part of Bram Stoker's horror novel Dracula (1897), and home to the fictional vampire Count Dracula, whom Stoker based loosely on the historical Transylvanian prince Vladimir Dracula (or 'Vlad the Impaler'). The novel has firmly established a link, now a cliche, associating Transylvania with vampires and other supernatural monsters such as werewolves.
Transylvania is hilly, picturesque and relatively undeveloped. Agricultural practices remain traditional, and it is common to see groups of workers using scythes or horses and carts. Tradition and religion (largely Orthodox Christianity) are very important to the Transylvanians, and the region is home to some beautiful churches. Other attractions in Transylvania include the impressive walled citadel at Brasov and several castles, including Bran Castle, which has a historical association with Vlad the Impaler.