Târnava

Târnava is a Romanian river name used for two rivers in central Romania, in the historical region of Transylvania: Târnava Mare (Great Tarnava) and Târnava Mică (Little Tarnava). Both are part of the Mureș river basin, and the two rivers are closely associated in the regional hydrology, with the Târnava river system forming part of the wider Mureș watershed.

Târnava Mare originates in the eastern Carpathians and flows generally westward across central Transylvania. It traverses the plateau and highland areas of the region, contributing to the Târnava river system and shaping local landscapes that have long been used for agriculture and settlement.

Târnava Mică also rises in the eastern highlands and follows a westward course through central Transylvania. Along its route it interacts with the surrounding river valleys and, together with Târnava Mare, forms a larger Tarnava river system that feeds into the broader Mureș basin.

Hydrology and regional significance: The Tarnava rivers are notable for their role in regional agriculture, including vineyards and cereal production in the Tarnave wine region, which lies in the valleys associated with these rivers. The basins support rural communities, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes that reflect the historical continuity of settlement in Transylvania.

See also: Tarnava (disambiguation) for related hydronyms and regional nomenclature.