Romania is an amazing country located in southeastern Europe. Here, you can enjoy sunny baths on the Black Sea coast, conquer mountain peaks, explore deep caves, and travel through the picturesque Danube Delta.
Moreover, Romania will introduce you to its ancient history, fascinating traditions, and incredible people. Many Romanians have contributed to the development of world art, science, and sports. Today, we will tell you about some of them.
Mihai Eminescu
Photo: Mihai Eminescu, Source: https://uk.wikipedia.org
Mihai Eminescu is a well-known Romanian poet who is considered a cult figure in Romanian literature. He made his debut as a poet during his studies in the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi. Students of the gymnasium, in honor of one of their favorite teachers, dedicated a poetry collection to him. Among the works was Eminescu’s first poem titled “By Aaron Pumnul’s Tomb.” In his work, Eminescu drew inspiration from Romanian folklore. The poet traveled extensively, exploring the traditions of various regions of Romania, which later influenced his novellas and poems. His most popular works include the famous five “Epistles,” in which one can clearly trace patriotic and satirical lyrics. In 1874, the author’s only posthumous collection titled “Poetry” was published.
Vlad Tsepes
Photo: Vlad Tsepes, Source: https://www.ancient-origins.net
Vlad Tsepes, better known as Vlad III Dracula, was a voivode-prince of Wallachia (modern-day Romania) and led the fight against the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans. “Dracula” translates from Romanian as “Dragon.” According to one version, Vlad took this name because his father was a member of the secret society “Order of the Dragon,” and Dracula was extremely proud of it. However, later in history, the prince became known as the “Son of the Devil” due to his extreme cruelty towards his subjects. Legends of Vlad Tsepes’ bloodthirstiness were created. According to one of them, upon learning of betrayal, the prince organized a celebration attended by over 500 guests, including his companions, friends, and relatives. All the guests were killed during the celebration. Due to the works of the writer Bram Stoker, the Wallachian prince Vlad III turned into the cult mythical vampire count. In world culture, especially in Turkish culture, Vlad became a bloodthirsty tyrant responsible for tens of thousands of innocent deaths. Romanian historians still consider Vlad III a victim of misunderstanding. For Romanians, Tsepes is, first and foremost, a national hero, defender, deeply religious person, and a brave military leader who was indeed very cruel, but it was the demand of the time and circumstances.
Henri Coanda
Photo: Henri Coanda, Source: https://youth.europa.eu
Henri Coanda is referred to as the Romanian aviation genius. He is considered the creator of the world’s first aircraft project with a jet engine. Shortly after the first human flight in 1910, Coanda designed a biplane called Coanda. The aircraft was equipped with a new revolutionary engine, today better known as the Motor Jet, which combined jet and piston engines. Later, the development of Coanda gained fame and became the basis for other inventions. As a result, thanks to Coanda’s ideas, Italian innovators managed to send the Carponi Campini aircraft into the sky.
George Enescu
Photo: Henri Coanda, Source: https://youth.europa.eu
George Enescu is considered one of the most talented and renowned Romanian composers. The artist had a successful career as a pianist, conductor, and even a violinist. Enescu worked in various styles, from symphonic to chamber music, and his uniqueness was shaped by Romanian folk tradition. In honor of George Enescu, one of the biggest classical music festivals in Romania is held every year in September in the capital city, Bucharest. The festival brings together the best musicians and composers from all over the world, as well as numerous admirers of live classical music.
Constantin Brancusi
Photo: Constantin Brancusi, Source: https://3seaseurope.com
Constantin Brancusi is a famous Romanian sculptor and visionary of modernism. In 1905, the sculptor began his studies in Paris, where he had the opportunity to work with Auguste Rodin, the founder of modern sculpture. However, Brancusi refused, aspiring to pave his own way. Later, Brancusi’s sculptures became iconic due to their unique abstract figures and forms. Many of Brancusi’s works are an integral part of Romania’s cultural heritage and the world’s heritage. Nevertheless, his most famous work remains the “Endless Column,” which is highly symbolic for the Romanian people as it commemorates the fallen during World War I.
Source: The Gaze
