THE DYNAMICS OF THE ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION OF THE POPULATION OF TRANSCARPATHIA IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Abstract

Relevance of the research. The present study examines the formation and indicators of the ethnic and religious composition of Transcarpathia’s population during the first half of the 20th century. It elucidates the historical prerequisites for the region’s current multinational character and religious diversity. Subject of the research: the investigation focuses on the ethnodemographic characteristics of population dynamics within the region’s present-day territory, categorizing typical groups based on ethnic and religious traits. Objective of the research: to analyze trends and shifts in the development of the region’s ethnodemographic and geographic characteristics amidst social shocks and historical developmental trends. Methodology of the research: the study utilizes data on the ethnic and religious composition of Transcarpathia’s population from the 1910 and 1941 censuses, projected onto the current administrative-territorial division of the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Eparchy according to its 1915 and 1945 schematisms. Methods of analysis, synthesis, statistical generalization, comparative characterization and that of the typology of settlements based on ethnic and religious criteria were employed. Results of the research: the processes and trends of population formation were examined at the levels of archdeaconries, deaneries and settlements. The study identifies causes and consequences regarding changes in the territorial structure and socio-geographical features. Settlement types were analyzed according to dominant ethnic and religious groups, referring to the differences in population size and structure. Practical significance of the research: the findings demonstrate that, during the period under study, the majority of the population consisted of Ruthenians (Rusyns), residing primarily in the mountainous areas. Hungarians and Germans also constituted significant portions of the ethnic landscape. In the religious structure, a key position was held by Greek Catholics: the majority of Ruthenians, as well as part of the Romanian and Hungarian population identified themselves as Greek Catholics. Conclusions: the analyzed historical, ethnodemographic and geographical processes played a substantial role in shaping the current vibrant ethnic, linguistic and religious composition of Transcarpathia’s population. Prospects for further research: the findings of this study open up prospects for subsequent investigation, specifically regarding the stability and tipping points of ethnic and religious spatial structures. Furthermore, they facilitate the analysis of the role of environmental conditions and ecclesiastical area-related organization as well as the spatial processes of urban centers and religious diffusion.