FENOMENUL EXPOZIłIONAL CENTRAL-EUROPEAN SI LUMEA BLĂJEANĂ LA SFÂRSITUL SECOLULUI AL XIX-LEA
CENTRAL EUROPEAN EXHIBITIONS AND THE BLAJ SOCIETY AT THE END OF THE 19th CENTURY

Summary/Abstract: Before describing the evolution and significance of Romanian exhibitions in Transylvania and Blaj especially, our classification of exhibitions should be explained. First, there are the official exhibitions of the Hungarian state, then come the exhibitions organized by the Romanian state and by Astra. Astra’s exhibitions clearly underlined the desire of Romanians promote national values through exhibitions. This study has analyzed the official exhibitions of the Hungarian state. We have reached the conclusion that the inhabitants of Blaj were compelled to take part in the official exhibitions. The attitude of Romanians from Transylvania was conditioned by their subordinate status, but it also revealed the existing trends of thought. The moderates, who were more open to government ‘suggestions’, belonged to the educational and religious circles of Blaj, which they tried to protect by submitting to the authorities. That is why they honored every official invitation they received. The ‘opposition’ was represented by political groups around the Romanian National Party. They passively resisted all imposition, never took part in official events and harshly criticized the heads of the two Romanian Churches. All societal dysfunctions and contradictions were also present (and exaggerated) in the press of the time.

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