Csák

Csík is a historic region in eastern Transylvania, part of the Székely Land, inhabited mainly by Székely Hungarians. In Hungarian the area is known as Csík and in Romanian as Ciuc. The region lies largely in present-day Harghita County, Romania, with smaller parts in Covasna County. It was one of the traditional Székely seats and, after the administrative reforms of the late 19th century, became Csík County within the Kingdom of Hungary (1876–1920). Its administrative center was Csíkszereda, known in Romanian as Miercurea Ciuc.

Following the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, Csík County became part of Romania. In the subsequent reorganizations, most of its territory was incorporated into Harghita County, with some areas in Covasna County. Geographically, Csík occupies a valley and surrounding hills in the eastern Carpathians, with a continental climate and rugged landscape. The population remains predominantly Hungarian-speaking.

Csík is notable for Székely cultural traditions and landmarks associated with Csíksomlyó Hill, a site of a major Catholic pilgrimage, and for Csíkszereda, the region’s administrative and economic center, hosting cultural institutions, schools, and services. The economy combines agriculture, forestry, small-scale industry, and tourism tied to the region’s natural scenery and historic churches.

See also: Csík County; Harghita County; Covasna County; Székely Land; Csíkszereda.