Șomcuta Mare

Șomcuta Mare (Hungarian: Nagysomkút; German: Großhorn) is a town in Maramureș County, Romania. The town administers seven villages: Buciumi (Törökfalu), Buteasa (Bucsonfalva), Ciolt (Csolt), Codru Butesii (Kodrulytelep), Finteușu Mare (Nagyfentős), Hovrila (Hávord) and Vălenii Șomcutei (Somkútpataka). It was declared a town in 2004.

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
2002	7,708	—
2011	7,455	−3.3%
Source: Census data

Șomcuta Mare
Town
Coat of arms
Location in Maramureș County
Șomcuta Mare Location in Romania
Coordinates: 47°31′N 23°28′E
Country	Romania
County	Maramureș
Government
• Mayor	Gheorghe-Ioan Buda[1] (PSD)
Population  (2011)[2]	7,565
Time zone	EET/EEST (UTC+2/+3)
Vehicle reg.	MM

History

Șomcuta Mare on the Josephine Map of Transylvania

Wooden church in Buteasa village

The exact founding date of Șomcuta Mare is unknown; however, it is first mentioned in 1319 as part of "Cetatea de piatră" (Stone Fortress) realm. In the 14th century, the locality, along with the "Chioar Domain" enters the possession of Romanian voivodes (rulers) of Maramureș. As of 1566, the "Chioar Domain" is divided in 12 voivodeships, of which those led by voivode Dan Butean are administrated from Șomcuta Mare, covering 14 villages. In the year of 1599 Șomcuta Mare along with the remaining "Chioar Domain" is transferred to the rule of Mihai Viteazul.

In 1713 "Cetatea de piatră" is destroyed. Later, in 1738, the "Chioar Domain" is transformed into a "Ținut" (Land of), leading to an increased administrative importance of Șomcuta Mare. With the help of Gheorghe Șincai a school is founded in the year of 1784; a primary school is opened between 1835-1838 and girl school between 1867-1889.

At the end of the 19th century the locality becomes an important trading point, with well established markets. The area had 3 operating banks: "Casa de Economii a Districtului Chioar" (Savings House of Chioar District), "Casa de Economii Chioreană" (Chiorean House of Savings) and "Banca de Comerț" (Commerce Bank); as well as a train station, post office, telegraph, library and fireman house.

During the inter-war oil presses, mills, and 3 leather processing factories operate in the area as well as an agriculture school is opened. Between 1922 and 1929 a gymnasium is opened. In the years of 1930-1931 the newspaper "Chioar" is published.

After World War II, the locality reached a higher urbanisation level. Its status was changed from commune to town in 2004.

In the village of Finteușu Mare, the song Dac-am plecat, Ardealule, din tine is interpreted by the local male choir.[3]

Geography

The city of Șomcuta Mare covers an area of 12,040 ha, of which:

Agricultural land: 7,949 ha

• arable land: 2,799 ha
• pastures: 1,855 ha
• hay fields: 2.585 ha
• vineyards: 5 ha
• orchards: 705 ha

Non-agricultural land: 4.091 ha

• forests: 3.177 ha
• water: 107 ha
• roads: 201 ha
• buildings: 517 ha
• vacant land: 89 ha

Demographics

Following the 2002 population census, the cities population is of 7,708 people; of which: 6,810 Romanians, 167 Hungarians, 3 Germans, 3 Italians, 1 Ukrainian, 1 Jew and 1 Serbian. Compared against the 1992 population census, the population declined from 8,079.

Tourism

• Natural Reserve "Peștera Vălenii Șomcutei" (Cave of Vălenii Șomcutei) (5 ha).

References

1. "Results of the 2016 local elections". Central Electoral Bureau. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
2. "Populaţia stabilă pe judeţe, municipii, oraşe şi localităti componenete la RPL_2011" (in Romanian). National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
3. "EMOȚIONANT! Corul barbatesc din Finteusul Mare: Ardealul". Știri Botoșani (in Romanian). 17 December 2015.