Arad, Romania

Arad (population: 172,824) is a city in Arad county, in western Romania, in Crisana.

Related Topics:
Arad county - Romania - Crisana

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It is situated on the right bank of the river Mure?, and consists of the inner town and five suburbs. Arad is a modern town and contains many handsome private and public buildings, including a cathedral. It is the seat of a Greek Orthodox bishop, and possesses a Greek Orthodox theological seminary and a conservatory for music.

Related Topics:
Mure? - Greek Orthodox

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Arad was mentioned in documents for the first time in 11th century. The Mongol invasion in 1241 showed that defensive fortifications were needed and in the second half of the 13th century stone fortresses at Soimos, Siria and Dezna were built. The Ottoman Empire conquered the region in 1551 and kept it until the Peace of Karlowitz of 1699.

Related Topics:
11th century - Mongol - 1241 - 13th century - Ottoman Empire - 1551 - Peace of Karlowitz - 1699

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The new fortress, built between 1763 and 1783, although small, played an important role in the Hungarian struggle for independence in 1849. Defended by the Austrian general Berger until the end of July 1849, it was then captured by the Hungarian rebels, who made it their headquarters during the latter part of the insurrection. It was from Arad that Lajos Kossuth issued his famous proclamation (August 11, 1849), and it was here that he handed over the supreme military and civil power to Artúr Görgey. The fortress was recaptured shortly after the surrender of Görgey to the Russians at Világos (?iria). Here there were executed 13 rebel generals on 6 October 1849. These men are known collectively as the 13 Martyrs of Arad.

Related Topics:
1763 - 1783 - Hungarian - Independence - 1849 - Austrian - Insurrection - Lajos Kossuth - August 11 - Artúr Görgey - Russians - ?iria - 6 October - 13 Martyrs of Arad

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Arad enjoyed a great economic development. In 1834 it was declared a "free royal town" by Emperor Francis I of Austria.

Related Topics:
1834 - Francis I - Austria

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The town of Aradu Nou ("New Arad" population 6,124), situated on the opposite bank of the Mure?, is practically a suburb of Arad, to which it is connected by a bridge. The town was founded during the Turkish wars of the 17th century. The works erected by the Turks for the capture of the fortress of Arad formed the nucleus of the new town.

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