Hunor Szász – Book Launch Series

Hunor Szász – Book Launch Series
Administration and the Exercise of Power in the Seats of Csík, Gyergyó, and Kászon in the 18th Century (1708–1780)

Venue: Kájoni János County Library, Miercurea Ciuc
Date: June 12, 5:00 PM
Discussion partner: Prof. Dr. Judit Pál
Additional dates and venues will be announced soon.

The book explores the administrative history of the Csík, Gyergyó, and Kászon Seats between 1708 and 1780, focusing on the development, characteristics, and jurisdiction of institutions (such as the seat assembly, bench of jurors, vice-seat, joint assemblies, permanent courts) and offices (chief royal judge, deputy judges, notaries, assessors, tax collectors, commissioners, legal procurators). It analyzes their interrelations, their roles within the broader social framework, and their relationship with central authority.

The study also addresses the evolving dynamics between the Gubernium (Transylvanian Government) and the Székely seats during the 18th century, offering insight into how power and office-holding were influenced by social structures, as well as the expanding reach of central Habsburg control on the periphery of the empire. Particular emphasis is placed on individual careers and mobility between administrative roles. This work represents a foundational study in the field, providing the first comprehensive synthesis of this topic with a systematic, institution-by-institution and office-by-office approach. It brings to light numerous previously undocumented aspects of Transylvanian administrative history.

About the Author:
Hunor Szász is a historian and museum curator at the Haáz Rezső Museum in Odorheiu Secuiesc. He studied history at Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca) from 2006 to 2011 and earned his PhD in 2022 with the dissertation that now forms the basis of this volume. His broader research interests include the last 150 years of the Transylvanian feudal era’s social, administrative, and political history, with a focus on the Diet of Transylvania (1708–1864), county and Székely seat structures, and the local history of Odorheiu Secuiesc. As a museum professional, he manages historical collections and curates historical exhibitions.

The presentation will be held in Hungarian.