The historical borders and the cross-border connections' effect on Debrecen's spirituality and cultural economy

Abstract

In the current paper we wanted to investigate the historical process which resulted in Debrecen’s contemporary (cultural) traditions and formed the city’s self-image. In the course of the research which was after the city’s historic past we investigated the role of the changing borders and the possibilities of the cross-border Euroregional cooperation as well. The nearby border has effect on the city’s economic and tourist life. In the last years (during the urban regeneration), many projects were realised, which beside the reconstruction of the cityscape, promoted the increase of the city’s attractive force as well. Debrecen’s cultural economy rests partly on those infrastructure developments, which were carried out during the last one and a half decade. Both the citizens and the tourists can choose from different (cultural) programmes that are offered by the city. Although Debrecen is one of the biggest region centres of Hungary and it has a huge gravitation zone, the cross-border cooperation can strengthen the city’s leading position. Debrecen has close and good connection with Oradea. This connection rests on the two cities’ common historic past and their common interest. The analysis based mainly on own researches and the knowledge of the city’s spiritual and cultural life.