Jassy

Jassy is the English exonym for Iași, a city in northeastern Romania and the capital of Iași County in the historical region of Moldavia. It sits on the Bahlui River and is a major cultural, educational, and economic center in the area. In English-language sources, the name Jassy appears in older texts, but the Romanian name Iași is now standard.

Historically, Iași served as the capital of the Principality of Moldavia for several centuries and remained a leading political and cultural hub until the capital was moved to Bucharest in 1862 after the formation of the United Romanian Principalities. The city has long been associated with learning, religion, and trade, contributing prominently to the region’s development.

Iași is known for its educational institutions and cultural heritage. The University of Iași, established in 1860, is one of Romania’s oldest higher education institutions and a major center for research and study. The city also features notable landmarks such as the Palace of Culture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Iași National Theatre, along with numerous museums, libraries, and archives that reflect its historic role as a center of learning and the arts.

As of the early 2020s, Iași has a city population of around 290,000, with a larger metropolitan area. It functions as a railway and road transport hub in the region and is served by Iași International Airport, connecting it with national and international destinations. The name Jassy remains primarily of historical interest in contemporary usage.