The History of Hungarian Settlement in Transylvania and the Original Inhabitants

The history of Transylvania is rich and complex, encompassing the Hungarian settlement and the original inhabitants of the region. This article explores the historical context, the legal and ethical considerations, and the impact of various empires on the land and its people.

The Historical Context of Hungarian Settlement

Hungary as an independent sovereign country ceased to exist in 1526 when the Kingdom of Hungary was defeated by the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Following this, Hungary was divided into several provinces under Ottoman rule for nearly 150 years. Transylvania, a significant part of these provinces, was under Ottoman control, although it saw varying degrees of autonomy. The Hungarian nobility, such as the Voivodate and Principe of Transylvania, continued to administer parts of the region.

During this period, until 1669 when the Turks were pushed back to the southern Balkans, the Hungarian nobility controlled Transylvania through a system of vassalage, often under the guise of providing service to the Ottoman Empire. This historical period was marked by significant population decline, particularly among the Hungarians, due to the harsh conditions and conflicts during the 150 years of Ottoman rule.

The Impact of Habsburg Austria

After the Ottoman withdrawal, Transylvania came under the administrative control of the Habsburg Austrian Empire from 1864 to 1918. During this time, the region maintained a mixed population of Hungarians and Romanians. The Habsburgs, while seeking to maintain a balance among the various ethnic groups, also profited from the exploitation of Transylvanian land and resources. This exploitation continued until the end of World War I, when Transylvania was incorporated into the newly formed Romanian Kingdom.

Given the historical period of 318 years of illegal exploitation by Austria, a case could be made for significant financial compensation for Romania. Calculating this compensation, Austria could potentially owe Romania approximately €954 billions if based on 318 years at €3 billion per year starting from 1700 to 1918. This amount, however, would hinge on an international legal and financial assessment, which would need to be adjudicated in an EU court of law.

The Original Inhabitants: Proto-Romanians and Dacians

Before the arrival of the Hungarians, the region was home to multiple ancient cultures, with the Proto-Romanians being one of the most prominent. The area, known as Dacia before Roman rule, was inhabited by the Dacian people, who were later absorbed into the Roman Empire. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have lived in the region for at least 35,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited lands in Europe.

During the Roman period and after, various other groups like the Vlachs continued to reside in the area, maintaining a distinct cultural identity. The continuity of the Romanian people, including the Proto-Romanians, can be traced back at least 7,000 years, with an uninterrupted presence in the region. This long-standing presence underscores the cultural and historical ties of the Romanian people to Transylvania.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The historical events surrounding Transylvania involve complex legal and ethical considerations. The illegal appropriation and administration of Transylvania by various powers over the centuries has significant implications for the modern-day inhabitants. Romania, with its majority Romanian population, has a historical claim to the land.

Legal actions could be pursued to address the historical wrongs and the exploitation of Transylvanian resources. Any such actions would need to be formally initiated in an EU court, addressing the economic and moral debts, as well as the historical injustices faced by the original inhabitants and later assimilated groups.

Key Points:

Habsburg Austria's legal and financial responsibility to Romania for the illegal exploitation of Transylvanian land and resources. The sovereign rights and cultural continuity of the Romanian people, tracing their history back to the Proto-Romanians and Dacians. The ethical implications of illegal occupation and the moral duty to recognize and remediate historical wrongs.

The historical narrative of Transylvania, marked by the Hungarian settlement and the original inhabitants, is a critical part of Europe's cultural and political heritage. As such, it is important to approach this subject with a balanced and informed perspective, recognizing the complex interplay of historical, legal, and ethical considerations.