Ch.1. About the Writer and Origins

A study of Brăila’s origins shows that the region has been inhabited since time immemorial, a fact attested by numerous archaeological artifacts dating back to 5000 BC, artifacts that prove the permanence of life and civilization in this region. The city of Brăila was first documented 650 years ago, when the ruler of Wallachia, Vladislav I, offered traders in Braşov the privilege to sell their merchandise in Brăila. Since ancient times, the people of Brăila have practised agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing on the western bank of the Danube. A sailboat— Brăila’s coat of arms—was the symbol of commerce, which was the main occupation of this area’s inhabitants. In 1836, the port was declared a free-trade zone.

• The first Court of International Commercial Arbitration (1836),

• the Market of Grains and Goods (1882),

• the Court of Commerce and the Commercial Bank were opened in Brăila.

Due to its booming economic life, Brăila became one of the most important commercial centers in Romania. The flourishing trade and industrial development throughout the 18^th Century and in the early 19^th Century have marked Brăila’s history. This development meant steam mills, a pasta factory, a shipyard (1864), a brewery (1872), and docks (1883). The first foreign investment in Brăila was made in 1924—the Franco-Romanian Society. As an important port, Brăila was chosen by many ethnic groups—Greeks, Turks, Russians, Bulgarians, Jews, Armenians, and Saxons—who live in peace and harmony. Their traditions, customs, and beliefs were integrated into the city’s cultural and spiritual life. Panait Istrati, Panait Cerna, the Minovici brothers, Maria Filotti, Ana Aslan, Mihail Sebastian, and Perpessicius are only a few of the influential and world-renowned figures of science and culture that have given the city its reputation and are the pride of its population. While not famous for its museums, the city’s visitors can feel its magic, legends, and history all around.