Lemky

Lemky is a term used in Central and Eastern Europe as both an ethnographic designation and a toponym. In ethnographic use, it refers to the Lemko people, an East Slavic community native to the Carpathian region. In toponymic use, Lemky appears in the names of settlements associated with Lemko heritage and in descriptions of the historic Lemkivshchyna, a region spanning parts of present-day southeastern Poland, northeastern Slovakia, and western Ukraine.

The Lemko language, or Lemko dialect, forms part of the Rusyn linguistic continuum and is linked with other East Slavic languages. The culture of the Lemko people includes traditional music, distinctive clothing, wooden church architecture, and local crafts that reflect the mountainous environment and historical contacts with neighboring communities.

Historically, Lemko communities date to medieval times, with a strong presence in the Carpathian foothills and highlands. In the 20th century, many Lemkos were affected by forced migrations and population transfers following World War II, a period that significantly altered the demographics of the region and dispersed Lemko communities to other parts of Poland and beyond. Despite displacement, Lemko heritage continues to be preserved by cultural organizations, language revitalization efforts, and festivals that highlight history, music, and crafts associated with Lemkivshchyna.