De la măiestrie la decădere: Dilemele patrimoniului industrial din Timișoara

Author(s): Raluca-Maria Trifa / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 12/2023

Timișoara, one of the most important industrial centres in the Banat region, experienced a period of progress and development starting from the second half of the 19th century, leaving behind a rich industrial heritage. However, in the past decades, many factories of Timișoara have been left in an advanced state of decay, have been abandoned or demolished. Local authorities, investors, and the community are currently facing the challenging task of revitalizing the former industrial areas in line with the requirements of the local community, often neglecting the preservation of this particular type of heritage. This article explores the evolution of Timișoara’s industry and the current challenges linked to the conservation and reuse of historical industrial sites. It highlights several key moments that generated local economic growth and paved the way for the establishment of major production units, simultaneously examining the intricate interplay between industry and the evolution of the city located on the banks of the Bega River. Considerable attention is given to the recently-demolished former Hat Factory, one of the most significant architectural testimonies of Timișoara’s industrial past. In this context, the article suggests a range of prospective strategies for managing and safeguarding the still-existing industrial heritage in Timișoara, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between authorities, private investors, and the local community in finding viable solutions. In an era of globalization and rapid changes, the protection of industrial heritage becomes a crucial challenge for preserving the identity and memory of this important urban centre.

LIFE ON ROMAN LIMES. CIVILIAN SETTLEMENTS ON EASTERN LIMES OF DACIA (BETWEEN THE CAMPS FROM BRÂNCOVENEŞTI AND SĂRĂŢENI)

Author(s): Nicoleta Manlup / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2019

The term rural settlement requires some definition. Rural settlement are the settlements that did not have an urban or military character or a specialised industrial function, but was primarily an agricultural base. The Eastern Limes of Dacia was effectively rural. A settlement itself is an area of domestic occupation that was substantial enough to leave physical traces.

TOBACCO CLAY PIPES FROM RUPEA CASTLE AND THEIR HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Author(s): Oana Toda / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2019

This study is aimed at the publication and contextualization of the few tobacco clay pipes discovered in Rupea castle between 2010 and 2012. The small finds, dated from the 17th until the 19th century, are representative for a much controversial daily habit of the Early Modern that met great enthusiasm among the population and censorship from the official authorities. The rapid spread of smoking is not as much visible in the archival sources as in the number of smoking accessories excavated by archaeologists. The small lot from Rupea, even though fragmentary, contains ‘Turkish-type’ artifacts, possibly some hybrid ‘Turkish-Hungarian’ ones and late ‘Austro-Hungarian’ pieces.

ISTORICUL CASEI HIRSCHMANN ȘI ÎNCEPUTURILE STILULUI SECESSION MAGHIAR LA TÂRGU MUREȘ

Author(s): János Orbán / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 1/2019

Our study presents the history of the Secession style residential house located under nr. 18 on the Trandafirilor market square in Târgu Mureş, which previously was a modest Baroque style ground floor house with high pitch roof. In the last decades of the nineteenth century the owner was Adolf Hirschmann, and after his death in 1887, the house remained in the possession of his widow, Ida Baruch. On the 28th of August 1905 the widow received the construction permit to erect the Art Nouveau style house that can be seen even today. The construction was already finalized in the spring of 1906. The preserved data indicates that the constructions were led by architect Béla Keleti, who in 1907 also elaborated a plan for the fence of the house. These years brought change to the surrounding environment of the building as well. In 1902, the left side neighbor, widow of Otto Bissingen had built a ground floor row of bazaars based on the plans elaborated by Pál Soós immediately next to the house plot of Mrs. Hirschmann. Thus, the area in front of it had opened the access for pedestrians. Mrs. Bissingen offered the territory to the town in order to establish an alley but according to all signs this took place only ten years later. The widow of Adolf Hirschmann passed away in 1924 and her house passed on to the tradesman Sándor Vámos, then after his perish in Auschwitz, to his son Géza. The communist state authority nationalized the house from him. A new, radical change took place in the history of the house in the middle of the 1980s, when as a postlude of the transformation of the theater square the entire court wing of the house was demolished and on its place a new modern building was erected, which stands even today. However, the most valuable building from the perspective of art history, the block that overlooks the main square was preserved and renewed. The residential building erected in 1905 is considered to be one of the early monuments of the so-called Hungarian architectural Secession in Târgu Mureş. The decorative elements of the façade, the attic decorated with wave lines and the shape of the windows clearly reflect the work of Ödön Lechner (1845–1914), one of the early representatives of the Hungarian architectural Secession movement and a high-impact architect, and the details of his main works in Budapest, similarly to other works of Béla Keleti in Târgu Mureş. That is why, we tried to track down the almost completely unknown carrier of Béla Keleti. His original surname was Keller, the family changed it to Keleti in 1886. He was born in Budapest in 1867 as the son of master tailor János Keller but shortly the family moved to Cluj-Napoca. In 1883 he became a student at the Industrial School in Budapest and in 1887 successfully completed the courses at the department of architecture, where besides his teachers the architectural dynamism of the rapidly developing capital must have had a great impact on him.

A NEOLITHIC SETTLEMENT FROM TÂRGU MUREŞ. II. THE COURTYARD OF THE UNIVERSITY

Author(s): Sandor Berecki,Attila Hago / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2020

During the excavations in the courtyard of the former “Petru Maior University” (Târgu Mureș, Nr. 1 Nicolae Iorga Street), traces of an Early Neolithic settlement were documented. The ceramic material dated to the IIIA–IIIB phase of the Criş Culture is contemporaneous with the archaeological finds unearthed on the territory of the adjacent fortress. This paper presents the archaeological materials found in 2009 in the courtyard of the university, as well as the relation between the two archaeological sites.

THE MIDDLE BRONZE AGE CEMETERY AT ŢUFALĂU / CÓFALVA–ALÁMENŐ I (COVASNA COUNTY, ROMANIA)

Author(s): József Puskás / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2020

In 2018, during field surveys, near the village Ţufalău / Cófalva a Middle Bronze Age cemetery was identified. In the ploughing marks a total of 18 ceramic and bone densities were discovered, belonging to a disturbed cremation cemetery. The ceramics discovered in the cemetery belong entirely to the Wietenberg culture, very likely to the A‑B/I‑II periods. An important result of the present paper is a radiocarbon dating of one of the graves (G 2). The calibrated data has given a 68.2% probability for a dating between 1876 and 1698 BC, which corresponds to a 95.4% probability for a dating between 1882 and 1692 calBC.

AN ANTHROPOMORPHIC FIGURINE BELONGING TO THE COŢOFENI CULTURE FROM SÂNGEORGIU DE MUREŞ

Author(s): Sandor Berecki / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2021

The article presents an anthropomorphic figurine discovered incidentally in 2009 in Sângeorgiu de Mureş. The fragmentary figurine can be dated to the third phase of the Coţofeni culture and presents a person with arms in an orans position. Figurines similar to this specific type were discovered in several contemporary settlements in Transylvania as well as in the neighbouring regions.

GRĂDIŞTEA DE MUNTE–SUB CUNUNI (HUNEDOARA COUNTY). THE FILE OF A FORGOTTEN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Author(s): Aurora Peţan / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2021

The archaeological site at Grădiștea de Munte-Sub Cununi is located in the vicinity of Sarmizegetusa Regia, the capital of the Dacian Kingdom. As early as the first half of the 19th century, Dacian and Roman relics were mentioned in this area. The ruins of some buildings made of shaped stones and bound with mortar drew the attention, being at that time above ground level. The place became notorious after two Roman votive altars were discovered; they were dedicated to goddess Victoria Augusta, respectively to Apollo Augustus by two governors of Roman Dacia from the latter half of the 2nd century AD. Several interpretations were given with respect to the Roman presence in this region: summer residence (villa), Roman camp or statio, fortified dwelling, civil settlement related to iron processing, sanctuary or commemorating monument (tropaeum) or even Decebalus’ royal residence. The place was related either to the end of Trajan’s wars against the Dacians (identified by some historians with Ranisstorum, where Trajan had his camp in 106 AD when king Decebalus killed himself), or to the events around 158 AD, when the first inscription is dated. Despite its importance, the site never benefited from systematic archaeological research. The vestiges are no longer visible nowadays and their localization is uncertain. This paper brings together all the documentary information available as well as a recent LiDAR dataset, which help in making some aspects clear and invite to starting off the field research.

THE EXCAVATIONS AT THE NORTH-EASTERN ANGLE TOWER OF THE AUXILIARY FORT OF CĂLUGĂRENI / MIKHÁZA

Author(s): Szilamér-Péter Pánczel,Katalin Sidó,Orsolya Szilágyi / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2021

The current paper presents the excavations from the NE angle tower of the auxiliary fort of Călugăreni / Mikháza from 2020. During the excavations we managed to identify two major phases of the fort and based on the analogies and the archaeological material we were able to date them as well.

ROMAN ROTARY QUERNS FROM CĂLUGĂRENI / MIKHÁZA

Author(s): László SZEKERNYÉS,Szilamér-Péter Pánczel / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2021

The present paper analyses the possible provenience, the morphological and technological aspects of the Roman rotary querns’ lithic raw material discovered at the military site of Călugăreni / Mikháza located on the eastern limes of Roman Dacia. Even though the querns provide only a glance on aspects of Roman everyday life, the daily subsistence of the military and civilian population can be grasped through the process of grinding.

NOTES REGARDING THE ROMAN PRESENCE IN THE AREA OF THE LIMESTONE QUARRIES AT MĂGURA CĂLANULUI

Author(s): Aurora Pețan / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2022

Măgura Călanului Hill is known in literature as the source of the stone (oolitic limestone) for the Dacian fortresses in the Șureanu (Orăștiei) mountains, confirmed through petrographic and mineralogic analyses. It is generally accepted that the same quarries have been used by the Romans, after conquering the Dacian Kingdom, but the hypothesis has not yet been firmly confirmed. In the 19th century there have been a lot of discoveries around these quarries dating from the Roman era and indicating the existence of rural settlements, necropolises, and temples. However, the exact location of these finds is still unknown since no systematic archaeological research has been done and the toponyms have not been identified in the field. The present article will use the data already published, corroborated with field observations, information gathered from the locals, and analysis of a LiDAR‑derived digital terrain model. Four areas with Roman‑era discoveries have been identified around the antique limestone quarries on Măgura Călanului. The presence of Roman settlements in the near vicinity of the old Dacian quarries poses some questions as to the continuous stone nexploitation of these quarries during the Roman period or at least before the 3rd Century AD. The opening of new quarries by the Romans in the same area adds a further argument to this matter. It is necessary to do systematic archaeological research in the aforementioned Roman sites, as well as analyses to determine with precision the source of the stone used for the constructions and monuments in this area.

THE JUDITH AND HOLOFERNES THEME ON STOVE TILES FROM THE 16TH CENTURY DISCOVERED IN CLUJ‑NAPOCA

Author(s): Ilka Boér / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2022

During the archaeological and art historical exploration of the Unitarian episcopal house at Cluj‑Napoca (one of the few houses of the city conserving medieval structures) a considerable amount of stove tiles was discovered in the past few years. Among other types, dating from various periods, many fragments of both glazed and unglazed stove tiles with representations of the crucial scene of the decapitation from the biblical story of Judith and Holofernes dating from the 16th century were found in the filling of the vaults. The fragments depict the scene under a renaissance semi‑circular arcade decorated with rich floral ornamentation. Judith is standing on the left side, still holding the sword in her right hand and Holofernes’s head in her left. On the right side, her maid is leaning forward, holding a sack for the severed body part. The tent of the general, and the dead general himself lying on his bed can also be seen in the background, between the two female figures. This type of stove tile is known from several locations in Transylvania, but no similar analogies have been found in other regions by far. The theme itself in its 16th century context can be interesting for many reasons: with the rise of Protestantism adorning stove tiles with scenes from the Old Testament became more popular in general, but in the Transylvanian milieu with its very specific historical reality the use of this motif may have had a special significance. In the middle of the 16th century at Cluj Napoca two historic songs (in Hungarian historias enek) about Judith and her heroic and courageous deed were published. The works of Sztarai Mihaly and Tinodi Lantos Sebestyen can probably give an insight into how the appearance of the scene on 16th century Transylvanian stove tiles could be explained.

Nędzniczki poznańskie. Kobiety jako beneficjentki Towarzystwa Dobroczynności Dam Polskich w mieście Poznaniu w latach 1845–1853

Author(s): Agata Łysakowska-Trzoss / Language(s): Polish Issue: 10/2023

Women were the largest group among beneficiaries of the Charitable Association of the Polish Ladies, an organization that operated in Poznań in the years 1845–1853. Per Seebohm Rowntree, we can distinguish three ages when women were most prone to poverty: childhood (under 15), early maternity, and old age. Case study analysis helps investigate the requirements that women had to meet to obtain the Associations’ help. These concerned their age, willingness to work, marital status, family situation, housing conditions, and in the case of the youngest women—whether they were receiving education. Women could obtain financial or material aid, as well as assistance in providing schooling for their children or securing a job. Celestyna Działyńska, the founder of the Association, had the final say in the decision to provide or refuse help.

Powstanie styczniowe w powiatach sieradzkim i wieluńskim — świadectwa walk i działań, Zduńska Wola, 11 lutego 2023 r.

Author(s): Damian Kasprzyk / Language(s): Polish Issue: 10/2023

Iron Curtain in Aš: Socialist Heritage and Its Destiny after 1990

Author(s): Linda Kovářová,Jan Krajíček,Albert J. Šturma / Language(s): English Issue: 03/2023

This paper presents collaborative interdisciplinary research on the mixed natural and cultural heritage of the former Iron Curtain in the Czech town of Aš. Sociocultural anthropology, history, and geobotanical and environmental studies were the main disciplines that were equally involved. The former Iron Curtain is one of Europe’s longest linear landscape features and an exceptional symbol of European history. The researched area covers the Czech-Bavarian and Czech-Saxonian borders, mainly the Aš spur. The research investigates the impacts of the long-term existing isolated strip of land of the Iron Curtain both on natural and sociocultural levels. It further examines the post-socialist transformation of the given area and the elements and processes of redefining local memory and identity through handling the local Iron Curtain heritage.

Události 1. poloviny 20. století v Jemnici u Tisové

Author(s): Johanka Drchotová / Language(s): Czech Issue: 2/2023

This paper is focused on the modern history of the village Jemnice near Tisová in the Tachov district. We will focus primarily on the first half of the 20th century. This text is primarily focused on comparing collective memories, recent history with oral-historical interviews, and primary and secondary sources. Through comparative methodology, we obtained a comprehensive and objective view of historical events in Jemnice. Through oral-historical research, we were able to fill in the blanks in the modern history of Jemnice.

Anti-Semitism at Prague Universities in November 1929

Author(s): Jan Havránek / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2001

The Prague universities in November 1929 were embroiled in anti-Semitic demonstrations, influenced by similar events across Central European universities. These protests were fueled by opposition to the high number of Jewish students, particularly from Eastern Europe, due to "numerus clausus" policies in their home countries. The unrest was marked by violence against Jewish students and demands for their exclusion from Czechoslovak universities. This period highlighted the rising tide of anti-Semitism in Europe, foreshadowing the tragic events that unfolded in the 1930s and 1940s. The article underscores the role of student movements in shaping nationalistic and exclusionary policies, reflecting on the historical significance of these events in the context of Czechoslovakia's political and social landscape.

King Oscar II of Sweden and his connections with the Romanian freemasonry

Author(s): Attila Varga / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

The present analysis represents a novel approach to the issue of Romanian-Swedish bilateral relations in the second half of the 19th century. This time, the focus is on the dimension of contacts between Romanian and Swedish Freemasonry. This was conducted in the second half of the 19th century by King Oscar II himself. In 1885 he made an official visit to Bucharest with Queen Sofia. On this occasion, he was made an honorary member of the Grand National Lodge of Romania (M.L.N.R.). Far from being merely a protocol award, it held a special significance. This visit underlined the desire of Constantin Moroiu, Grand Master of the Grand National Lodge of Romania, to gain international recognition for this Romanian Masonic powerIt was a very turbulent period in the history of Romanian Freemasonry, marked by a series of interventions by the Grand Orient of Italy in its internal affairs. With the award of this distinction, Romanian Freemasons sought to strengthen their internal unity through external recognition from all Masonic powers. To this end, the help of the Grand Lodge of Sweden was essential. The desire to consolidate the unity of Romanian Freemasonry was a natural reality, given the fact that Romania was proclaimed a Kingdom in 1881 and became a base of stability in this part of the continent.

Book Review: John G. Turner, They Knew They Were Pilgrims: Plymouth Colony and The Contest for American Liberty, Yale University Press, 2020

Author(s): Sorina Georgescu / Language(s): English Issue: 12/2023

Book Reviewed: John G. Turner: They Knew They Were Pilgrims: Plymouth Colony and The Contest for American Liberty, Yale University Press, 2020. 464 pp, $15.74. Kindle version.

Transformations, Decline, and (Imagined) Futures of Gojlo and Kutina

Author(s): Tihana Rubić / Language(s): English Issue: 46/2023

The paper presents and examines two localities – Gojlo and Kutina in Croatia – and their spatial, temporal, material, and social transformations throughout the twentieth century to the present. The two localities are linked geographically and by a “shared fate” – as planned cities/settlements for industrial purposes and the extraction of natural resources. After the depletion of resources, the crisis of raw materials, and the transformations of political and economic systems, these localities both experienced spatial and social stagnation and degradation. Gojlo suffered decay, and Kutina has experienced partial deindustrialization. The research questions focus on the dynamic relationship between space/place, time, and top-down urban planning. Critical analysis invokes, and relies on, the concepts and research fields of the (post)industrial city, industrial monoculture, placemaking, anthropology of the future, multiple temporalities, and an anthropology of optimism.