Peasant life in the highland farms on the case of the river Topla Valley in the 19th century

Abstract

The river Topla valley was colonised in the 15^th century and reached the highlands as well. On the steep slopes above the river Topla, which rises above the valley of the same name and meanders from north-west towards south-east of the cadastral commune territory, the settlers formed at the beginning of the colonisation five large highland farms, each of them comprising an expansive concluded territory. Because of climatic circumstances unfavourable for living and farming, the seats of farms as centres of economic units formed into celek (integral land) with unique architecture, where families were able to completely satisfy their needs during the time when the valley was cut from the rest of the world (especially in winter).