ILONA ZRÍNYI, THE SYMBOL OF FREEDOM AND COURAGE

Abstract

The article describes the important moments of life and active political activity of one prominent female figure in the history of Transcarpathian region – Countess Ilona Zrínyi, who lived in Mukachevo in the 17th century and protected Mukachevo Castle from the Austrian invaders. The Countess' personality is also shown as a symbol of freedom and courage, which was especially emphasized during the siege of Mukachevo Castle by the Habsburgs in the second half of the 17th century (1685–1688). The article analyses eleven original letters written by Ilona Zrínyi before the siege of Mukachevo Castle. They testify to the connection between the Countess and the leadership of the Uzhanskyi and Berezhskyi counties (present-day territory of Transcarpathian region). They are stored in the Berehove Branch of the State Archives of Transcarpathian Oblast. These letters are important sources of evidence of Europe-wide history of our region. In the final part of the present article we have collected evidence based on press material and documents in the State Archives of Transcarpathian Oblast describing the so-called «Ilona-days», i.e. celebrations commemorating the personality of the great political and historical figure, Countess Ilona Zrínyi. All the official documents provide proof of the fact of how local people of Uzhanskyi and Berezhskyi counties (present-day Transcarpathia) loved and deeply respected the countess for her courage to fight for freedom against the Habsburgs, for her never-ending feeling of responsibility for her nation, and attentive care for her own motherland. During the siege of Mukachevo Castle with Ilona Zrínyi had her son, Ferenc Rákóczi II with her, who was still a child. The siege at that time taught the future leader of the liberation struggle of 1703–1711 to be courageous, and to love his motherland. Further research into sources related to Ilona Zríny’s activities may continue in the archives of Hungary and other countries as she unsuccessfully sought to form an international anti-Habsburg coalition. Keywords Countess Ilona Zrínyi, Mukachevo Castle, Transcarpathian history.