Rural Landscapes as Cultural Heritage and Identity along a Romanian River
Abstract
:1. Introduction
- How are rural landscape and rural identity constructed at the local level?
- What role does the river Mureș play in shaping the rural and regional belonging of the country people in the area?
2. Theoretical Background
3. Study Area, Materials and Methods
4. Results
4.1. A Quantitative Approach to Local Cultural Heritage Differences
4.2. A Qualitative Analysis of Rural Landscapes and Territorial Identity
4.2.1. A Broader Perspective on the Rural Lived Rural Space
4.2.2. The Mureș: The Balance between Benefits and Risks at the Local Rural Level
4.2.3. Imagery of Regional Belonging at the Border between the Banat and Crișana Regions
4.2.4. Main Disadvantages of the Rural Areas Studied
4.2.5. The Voice of Local Residents: Ideas, Visions, Beliefs, and Suggestions
5. Discussion and Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Interview Code | Gender | Age Group | Occupation | Educational Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
I1 | F | 60–65 | Industrial worker | Secondary school |
I2 | F | 60–65 | Teacher | High school |
I3 | M | 60–65 | Retired army officer | High school |
I4 | M | 35–40 | Economist | University |
I5 | F | 35–40 | Nurse | High school |
I6 | F | 60–65 | Carer | Secondary school |
I7 | M | 55–60 | Social worker | High school |
I8 | F | 50–55 | Social worker | High school |
I9 | F | 35–40 | Carer | Secondary school |
I10 | F | 60–65 | Industrial worker | Secondary school |
I11 | F | 35–40 | Economist | University |
I12 | F | 55–60 | Meteorologist | University |
I13 | F | 40–45 | Economist | University |
I14 | F | 50–55 | Farmer | High school |
I15 | M | 50–55 | Industrial worker | University |
I16 | F | >80 | Shop manager | Secondary school |
I17 | F | 20–25 | Student | University |
I18 | M | 70–75 | Driver | Secondary school |
I19 | F | 45–50 | Hydrologist | High school |
I20 | M | 50–55 | Electro-mechanical engineer | High school |
I21 | F | 45–50 | Teacher | University |
I22 | F | 35–40 | Farmer | High school |
I23 | F | >80 | Farmer | Secondary school |
I24 | M | 20–25 | Farmer | High school |
I25 | M | >80 | Forestry worker | Secondary school |
I26 | F | >80 | Farmer | Primary school |
I27 | M | 55–60 | Forestry worker | High school |
I28 | M | 20–25 | Student | University |
I29 | F | 40–45 | Biologist | University |
I30 | M | 45–50 | Builder | High school |
I31 | M | 55–60 | Teacher | University |
I32 | M | 70–75 | Carer | High school |
I33 | F | 25–30 | Nurse | University |
I34 | F | >80 | Cook | Primary school |
I35 | M | 20–25 | Student | University |
I36 | M | 66–70 | Veterinarian | High school |
Selected Methods and Themes | Major Results |
---|---|
The quantitative approach to local cultural heritage differences Themes 1. Localism/rootedness; 2. (Regional) pride; 3. Rural authenticity 4. Different socio-economic uses of the Mures river. | The village is the primary locus of attachment for its inhabitants, extending beyond the conventional boundaries of attachment to country, region, or Europe. |
People living south of the Mures river are more attached to the historic region of Banat, while those to the north are more attached to Crișana region. | |
The relationship between the inhabitants and the Mures River is complex and multifaceted. The Mures River occupies the lowest position in the hierarchy of identity preferences. Conversely, the river is regarded as a multifaceted resource. | |
Residents’ interactions (i.e., family visits, attending events/fairs) on either side of the river are rare. | |
Despite the river’s provision of resources, the local population perceives it as a danger and rarely engages in activities such as swimming, sunbathing, boating, or fishing. | |
Qualitative approach Themes 1. A broader per-spective on the rural lived space | Local people have a sentiment of nostalgia for the past, holding the view that traditions and the prevailing modes of conduct in the present have undergone a decline. |
2. The Mureș: benefits and risks at the local rural level | The Mureș river is a significant resource for the local population. It provides fertile agricultural land, moisture for plants, building materials, and drinking water for animals. However, it also poses a significant risk of flooding and drowning, with fatalities reported in both villages. |
3. Imagery of regional belonging at the border between the Banat and Crișana regions | Residents hold more favorable opinions of individuals residing across the river than they do of themselves. |
4. Disadvantages of the rural areas studied | The absence of a proximate urban center has precipitated an economic downturn and a migration of younger individuals. This is the primary rationale for the dearth of socio-economic and cultural vibrancy in the villages. |
5. The voice of local residents: visions and suggestions | The proximity of the King of Romania’s Castle (less than 10 km from both villages) and the existence of a European road and railroad present promising prospects for the area. |
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Share and Cite
Dragan, A.; Creţan, R.; Jucu, I.S.; Oancea, O.A. Rural Landscapes as Cultural Heritage and Identity along a Romanian River. Heritage 2024, 7, 4354-4373. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7080205
Dragan A, Creţan R, Jucu IS, Oancea OA. Rural Landscapes as Cultural Heritage and Identity along a Romanian River. Heritage. 2024; 7(8):4354-4373. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7080205
Chicago/Turabian StyleDragan, Alexandru, Remus Creţan, Ioan Sebastian Jucu, and Oana Andreea Oancea. 2024. "Rural Landscapes as Cultural Heritage and Identity along a Romanian River" Heritage 7, no. 8: 4354-4373. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7080205