Szekler

The Szekler, or Székely, is an ethnic subgroup of Hungarians traditionally associated with Transylvania, now part of Romania. The term Székely derives from the Hungarian word szék, meaning “seat” or “district,” reflecting the historic local units that organized Székely life within the Kingdom of Hungary. The Székelys developed a distinct community identity while largely sharing language and religious heritage with other Hungarians.

Geographically, the Székelys are closely tied to Székely Land, a historic region in central Transylvania. This area covers parts of the modern Romanian counties of Harghita and Covasna and portions of Mureș. The population historically lived in several administrative seats or “szék,” including Csík, Udvarhelyszék, Sepsiszék, and Marosszék, among others, and their settlement patterns remain central to Székely cultural memory.

Language and culture are defining features. Székely communities are predominantly Hungarian-speaking and maintain distinct folk traditions, crafts, music, and costume. The religious landscape is diverse, with substantial Reformed (Calvinist) and Unitarian groups, alongside Roman Catholic communities. The Székely cultural sphere includes regional associations, schools, and media that preserve language and heritage in the Romanian state and in the diaspora.

Historically, the Székelys enjoyed a degree of local autonomy within medieval and early modern Hungary, a status reorganized after Transylvania became part of Romania following the 1920 Treaty of Trianon. In contemporary Romania, Székely identity is associated with the broader Hungarian minority, with cultural organizations and varying regional autonomy voices advocating for regional self-government within the framework of national laws.