székelyföldi

Székelyföldi is an adjective in Hungarian and a demonym referring to Székely Land, a historic ethnogeographic region in eastern Transylvania, Romania. The term derives from the Székelys, a Hungarian-speaking subgroup of Hungarians living in the area. Székelyföldi describes things related to Székely Land or its people, for example székelyföldi építészet (Székely architecture) or székelyföldi nyelvjárás (dialect).

Geography: The region encompasses the eastern part of Transylvania, centered on Harghita and Covasna counties, with parts in Mureș, and historically extending into Brașov and Sibiu counties. It is not an official administrative unit. The landscape is mountainous to hilly (Carpathian foothills), with forests, mineral springs, and fortified churches. Major towns include Csíkszereda (Miercurea Ciuc) and Sepsiszentgyörgy (Sfântu Gheorghe), Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc), and Cristuru Secuiesc.

Demographics and culture: The region is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Hungarians who speak Hungarian, including the székely dialects. Székely culture is known for folk art, crafts, wooden gates, Roman Catholic and Reformed churches, and traditional cuisine.

History and politics: Székely Land has medieval roots within the Kingdom of Hungary and enjoyed distinctive privileges for centuries. After World War I, it became part of Romania; parts were briefly reannexed by Hungary during World War II, before returning to Romania. In modern Romania the székelyföldi identity remains a symbol of regional and minority culture, and there have been movements advocating greater regional autonomy within the country.