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Ethnicities and Multiculturalism
Cultural communion in the Heart of Transylvania
Here in Biertan, Transylvanian Saxon cultural heritage harmoniously intertwines with the traditions of Romanians and Roma, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry.
Biertan is among the oldest documented villages, likely established by the first waves of colonists.
First documented in 1283, Biertan flourished in the Middle Ages. Villagers worked in agriculture and viticulture, as well as various crafts brought from their homeland. Artisans later organized into guilds, resulting in the creation of the first Guild Statute for the Seven Seats in 1376. This statute established admission standards, quality requirements for products, and fixed prices to prevent unfair competition, thus ensuring decent livelihoods for artisans. The statute had a profound impact on economic prosperity and social cohesion, shaping Saxon professional structures until the early 20th century, when it was eventually overtaken by industrialization.
The village reached its peak in the 16th century, with nearly 4,500 residents. Although it developed as a flourishing craft center, over time it lost its economic and cultural competitiveness to Mediaș, which enjoyed a more favorable position for trade and strong political support. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, invasions, internal wars, and plagues dramatically reduced the population, which fell to around 70 families by the late 17th century, compared to roughly 1,200 in the early 16th century. The 18th century saw a repopulation with German immigrants who were assimilated by the Saxons, increasing the number of families to 364 by the end of the century, before gradually declining again.
Reflecting the specific organizational style of the Saxons, the late 18th century recorded nine Saxon neighborhoods and two Romanian neighborhoods. In this context neighborhoods are something more specific: they were community-based organizations, each comprising the houses along a single street, taking the street’s name. These social structures were central to maintaining community cohesion and order.
In 1867, when Transylvania came under Austro-Hungarian rule, the Saxons lost the rights they had held under the Diploma Andreanum, marking what Saxon historians view as the beginning of their decline in Transylvania. The 20th century brought further reductions in the Saxon population through the world wars, deportations to the Soviet Union, and emigration to Germany. From Biertan alone, 147 people were deported, of whom 12 did not survive the hardships in Siberia. After the borders opened in 1990, Saxon emigration continued, with about 500 people leaving Biertan in 1991-1992, leaving fewer than 100 Saxons living here today.
This entire overview shows the fluctuations of the once-dominant Saxon population, as indicated by demographic data. Until not long ago, Romanians and Roma were minorities in Biertan, yet each ethnicity has had and continues to have its own role and cultural imprint. Centuries of peaceful coexistence have led, here as in other places, to interactions and positive exchanges that significantly impacted each community.
Romanians have always been inclined toward agriculture and sheep farming, as well as craftsmanship. For the most part, they preserved their Orthodox faith and identity, even though during centuries of foreign rule, their political, social, and religious rights were restricted in various ways.
The Roma, whose presence in Transylvania is documented from the 14th century, have maintained their cultural identity to this day. In Transylvania, they generally fulfilled two valuable roles within the community: as skilled craftsmen in metalworking—especially in coppersmithing—and woodcraft, they collaborated closely with local guilds. Their second defining characteristic is their musical talent, which integrated them into the important moments of community life. Traditionally-minded, placing great value on family and ethnicity, they have organized themselves into small enclaves within the village up to the present day.
According to the 2022 census, Biertan has a population of 2,239, an increase of 11.12% from 2011. The community’s ethnic diversity is remarkable, with Romanians making up 66.19% of the population (1,482 members), Roma 19.83% (444 members), and Germans 3.22% (72 members). This demographic and cultural structure underscores Biertan’s growth and adaptability.
The rich and complex history, woven with centuries of challenges and change, makes Biertan a place where the past and present coexist in continuous dialogue, reflecting both the community’s struggles and aspirations. Here, in the heart of Transylvania, tradition and change stand side by side, offering visitors and residents alike a lesson in resilience and adaptability.
Text by Diana Stîrlea and Andrei Tache, documented and written during the 2024 Heritage Lab workshop. Audio guide by Designers, Thinkers, Makers Association and the Municipality of Biertan, part of the Culture & Cultures: Connecting the Dots project, co-funded by the National Cultural Fund Administration.
Audio guide produced in 2024 via the Culture&Cultures. Connecting the dots project.
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