Five Interesting Facts about the History of Prekmurje
Did you know that Prekmurje inhabitants once had their own literary language, and they even declared their own country? The history of this part of Slovenia is truly colorful, and in many ways, it differs significantly from other Slovenian regions. Learn some of the most interesting facts about the historical development beyond the Mura River!
#1 Prekmurje inhabitants were separated from other Slovenians for a long time
Prekmurje was under the influence of Hungarian rulers from the 11th century until the end of World War I, so its inhabitants were administratively, economically and culturally cut off from other Slovenians. They were even cut off from their “neighbors” in today's Prlekija, who were under the Austrian reign. However, the resilient Prekmurje inhabitants never gave up on their typically Slovenian character and on August 17, 1919, they lived to see the unification with their fellow countrymen. Prekmurje then became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and the day is therefore celebrated as a national holiday in Slovenia.
#2 Prekmurje dialect was once a literary language
Most Slovenians do not even know about the existence of “Prekmurje literary language”, even though it was used for around 200 years with numerous literary works written in it. From the 18th century until the end of World War II, Slovenian language had two language standards: Carniolan and Prekmurje. After the war, the Carniolan standard prevailed, and the Prekmurje language has remained with today’s status of a dialect.
#3 Prekmurje people had their own country
On May 29, 1919, Prekmurje briefly became a state: The Republic of Mur. The region found itself in considerable chaos and poverty after World War I and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary. The ambitious politician Vilmoš Tkalec, who had been threatened with arrest due to his involvement in nefarious dealings, took advantage of the situation, declared independence from Budapest and became the president of the new republic. However, the Hungarian Red Army crushed it after only a week.
#4 Prekmurje – Where the Heck is that?!
Since Prekmurje was under Hungarian rule for so long, separated from the other Slovenian provinces, it was almost completely unknown to them before unification – even to those Slovenians in the highest of positions. An excellent example is the story from December of 1918, immediately following World War I. Prominent Prekmurje figures Ivan Jerič and Mihael Kühar met with Josip Pogačnik, the president of the provincial government, in Ljubljana. When they asked him to occupy Prekmurje with the Yugoslav army, he first asked where this region was and if Slovenes lived there.
#5 Prekmurje people could have been Hungarians today
After World War I, not all Prekmurje inhabitants were in agreement on the question of where they wanted to belong. Intellectuals and clergymen advocated annexation to Yugoslavia, while part of the population was more in favor of Hungary or even its own autonomy. During the Paris Peace Conference, at which the territories were divided in the aftermath of the war, the majority of Prekmurje inhabitants chose Yugoslavia.
However, the unification of Prekmurje with the mother nation was eventually facilitated by a great deal of diplomatic luck. During the Peace Conference meetings, at which the fate of Prekmurje was being decided, precisely those delegates who were in favor of belonging to Slovenia were present.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the historical development of Prekmurje so unique?
The history of Prekmurje differs in many ways from that of other Slovenian regions, as this area belonged to Hungarians from the 11th century until the end of World War I. This means that Prekmurje people were administratively, culturally and politically cut off from their countrymen.
2. Is Prekmurje dialect an independent language?
Between the 18th century and World War II, Prekmurje language had the status of a literary language and developed in parallel with the Carniolan literary norm. Literary works were also written in it. After the war, it lost its status as a literary language, as the Prekmurje region adopted the general Slovenian literary norm. Today, Prekmurje is considered a dialect.
3. What is The Republic of Mur?
The Republic of Mur was a republic that was proclaimed in the Prekmurje region in May 1919, expressing its desire to secede from Hungary. The Hungarian army successfully suppressed the establishment of an independent state after merely a week.
4. When did Prekmurje join its motherland?
On August 17, 1919, Prekmurje officially became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. This day is a national holiday in Slovenia, although it is not a non-working day.
