Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM – Step Back in Time to the Phanariot Era! Join us at the Golești Manor for a journey into a fascinating period when the Romanian Principalities were ruled by illustrious princes, adorned in sumptuous robes, turbans, and elegant headgear: the Phanariot era!
The seminar, titled “Romanian Society During the Phanariot Era as Seen by Foreign Travelers and Officials,” will be presented by master’s and undergraduate students specializing in History at the Faculty of Theology, Letters, History, and Arts (National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest – Pitești University Center), under the coordination of Professor Claudiu NEAGOE, Ph.D.
Between 1711 (Moldavia) / 1716 (Wallachia) and 1821, the Romanian Principalities were governed by Greek-origin rulers appointed by the Ottoman Empire. These princes brought a wave of customs, reforms, and, inevitably, taxes. Known as Phanariots—named like that after the Phanar district of Constantinople—they deeply influenced everyday life and local institutions, introducing a partially Orientalized culture and vocabulary.
Phanariot rulers were masters of statecraft. To secure their thrones, they paid substantial sums to the sultan, and once in power, they sought to quickly recover their investments through heavy taxation. Thus, Romanians learned firsthand that “peșcheș” (a gift or bribe) was not just an exotic word but a daily reality.
Despite the burdensome taxation, some Phanariots were true Enlightenment-era reformers. For instance, Constantin Mavrocordat abolished serfdom in Wallachia in 1748 and introduced Romanian into official administration. Alexandru Ipsilanti reorganized the princely Academy of Saint Sava and drafted the “Pravilniceasca Condică,” a legal code in force until 1818. Later, Scarlat Callimachi and Ioan Caragea compiled modern civil codes for Moldavia and Wallachia.
Foreign travelers visiting the Romanian lands during this era were charmed by the picturesque landscapes and the warm hospitality of the locals, but also noted the poor infrastructure and rampant corruption.
The Phanariot period was a blend of Eastern and Western influences, heavy taxation, and Enlightenment reforms. Though often criticized for corruption and excessive fiscal pressures, it laid important groundwork for the modernization of the Romanian Principalities, preparing them for future transformations.
We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, and travel through time alongside the foreign visitors of the 18th and 19th centuries into the captivating world of the Phanariot rulers.
