Online Encyclopedia
Szczecin
| Szczecin | |||||
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| Motto: none | |||||
| Voivodship | West Pomeranian | ||||
| Municipal government | Rada miasta Szczecina | ||||
| Mayor | Marian Jurczyk | ||||
| Area | 301,3 km² | ||||
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Population - city - urban - density |
413 600 1372/km² |
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| Founded City rights |
8th century 1243 |
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| Latitude Longitude |
14°34'E 53°26'N |
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| Area code | +48 91 | ||||
| Car plates | ZS | ||||
| Twin towns | Berlin-Kreuzberg, Bremerhaven, Dalian, Esbjerg, Hull, Lubeck, Malmö, Murmansk, St. Louis | ||||
| [http://www.szczecin.pl/inwestor/uk/index.html Municipal Website] | |||||
Szczecin (pronounce: 
['ʃʧεtɕin], Latin: Stetinum, German: Stettin) is the 7th largest city in Poland and the second largest Polish seaport on the Baltic. It is also the capital of the West Pomeranian Voivodship. There are 419,000 inhabitants in Szczecin (as of 2004).
Szczecin is situated in the north-west corner of Poland, on both banks of the Oder River, close to Baltic Sea and the German border. The city is situated to the south of and around the greater bay into which the Oder river flows. The Western side is commonly called the Left Bank (Lewobrzeże), and the Eastern side the Right Bank (Prawobrzeże). Between them is an archipelago with many islands (mainly industrial areas with shipyards and sea-port infrastructure).
City name
Early medieval sources show: Stetin 1133, Stetyn 1188, Priznoborus vir nobilis in Stetin, Symon nobilis Stettinensis 1234, in vico Stetin 1240, Barnim Dei gratia dux Pomeranorum... civitati nostri Stetin 1243, Stityn 1251, Sigillum Burgoncium de Stitin municipal seal of the 13th century, which is the same to the modern Polish spelling of Szczecin. The name is almost certainly of the same origin as others Polish names such as Szczytno, Szczucin and Szczuczyn .
There are several possible etymologies of the city name:
- Szczecin comes from the word szczyt which means peak, hill top in modern Polish, but also a long shield in Old Polish. So Szczecin means a town located on a hill top, or a town fortified as a stronghold.
- Szczecin comes from a personal name Szczuka and means Szczuka's town
- Szczecin comes from a personal name Szczeta/Szczota and means Szczota's town
- Szczecin comes from a word szczecina which means bristle. So Szczecin is a town with many swines, or a town fortified like bristle. If this is true Szczecin could be identified with Burstaborg mentioned in the Scandinavian chronicles.
Because in 1310 duke Warcislaw IV has founded a new city called New Szczecin and today Szczecinek modelled after the Szczecin municipality, the original Szczecin was sometimes called the Old Szczecin (Latin: Stetinum Antiqua, Polish: Stary Szczecin, German: Alten Stettin.)
In the 16th century Polish literature used two alternative spellings: Szczecin (seems to be the exact pronunciation of the city name used by its Slavonic inhabitants, previously spelled in Latin as Stetin since the 12th century) and Sztetyn (seems to be a copy of the German pronunciation). The first form of Szczecin prevailed in the following years and was officially confirmed in the 19th century, long before the city was again in Polish hands.
History
Full article: History of Szczecin
Historical summary
A stronghold of the Lusatian culture was here in the early Iron Age period. Another stronghold of the Pomeranians was built in the 8th century at the ford of the Oder river. The city was already a flourishing trading centre with 10,000 inhabitants when it was subjugated and baptized by Boleslaus III of Poland. A medieval municipality was granted autonomy in 1243. Till the 1630s it was the capital of the Polish Duchy of Pomerania ruled by the Slavonic Griffin dynasty. After their extinction Szczecin fell to Sweden till 1720 (despite the Polish protests), then to Prussia, from 1870 part of the nation-state Germany, until 1945, when it was occupied by the Red Army and returned to Poland, while its German inhabitants either escaped or were resettled to Germany and the city colonized with Poles, mainly from Poznan area. It was rebuilt and made a major industrial centre, the capital of Szczecin Voivodship. It witnessed anti-communist revols in 1970 and 1980 adding its share to the birth of Solidarity movement. Since 1999 Szczecin is the capital of Western Pomeranian Voivodship.
Dukes of Szczecin
- 1160-1187 Boguslaw I
- 1156-1180 Boguslaw I , Kazimierz I
- 1202-1220 Boguslaw II
- 1220-1278 Barnim I Dobry
- 1278-1295 Barnim II , Otto I and Boguslaw IV
- 1295-1344 Otto I
- 1344-1368 Barnim III Wielki
- 1368-1372 Kazimierz III
- 1372-1404 Swietobor I and Boguslaw VII
- 1404-1413 Swietobor I
- 1413-1428 Otto II and Kazimierz V
- 1428-1435 Kazimierz V
- 1435-1451 Joachim I Mlodszy
- 1451-1464 Otto III
- 1464-1474 Eryk II
- 1474-1523 Boguslaw X
- 1523-1531 Jerzy I and Barnim X
- 1531-1569 Barnim IX
- 1569-1600 Jan Fryderyk
- 1600-1603 Barnim X
- 1603-1606 Boguslaw XIII
- 1606-1618 Filip II
- 1618-1620 Franciszek I
- 1620-1625 Boguslaw XIV
Famous people born or otherwise connected with Szczecin
- Alfred Döblin (1878 - 1957), author
- Heinrich George (1893 - 1946), actor
- Catherine the Great (1729 - 1796), empress of Russia
- Friedrich Gilly (1772 - 1800), architecht
- Carl Gustav Friedrich Hasselbach (1809 - 1882), Mayor of Magdeburg
- Carl Ludwig Schleich (1859 - 1922), author
- Manfred Stolpe (born 1936), Prime Minister of Brandenburg and Federal Minister in the government of Gerhard Schröder since 2002
- Christian Tomuschat (born 1936), expert in international law, professor at the Humboldt University of Berlin
- Friedrich Graf von Wrangel (1784 - 1877), Prussian Field Marshal
- Tadeusz Zwiefka - popular TV journalist, former manager of the Szczecin regional TV center, and a PO's Member of European Parliament.
Historical population
12th century: 5,000 inhabitants
1720: 6,000 inhabitants
1740: 12,300 inhabitants
1816: 21,500 inhabitants
1843: 37,100 inhabitants
1861: 58,500 inhabitants
1872: 76,000 inhabitants
1890: 116,228 inhabitants
1910: 236,000 inhabitants
1939: 382,000 inhabitants
1945: ?
1950: ?
1960: 269,400 inhabitants
1970: 338,000 inhabitants
1975: 369,700 inhabitants
1980: 388,300 inhabitants
1990: ?
2000: ?
2002: 413,600 inhabitants
2004: 419,000 inhabitants
Architecture and urban planning
Szczecin's architectural style is mainly influenced by those of last half of 19th century and first twenty years of the 20th century mostly by Academic art and Art Nouveau. In many areas build after 1945 Social realism is prevalent.
Urban planning of Szczecin is unusual. The first thing observed by a newcomer is abundance of green areas: parks and avenues – wide streets with trees planted in the island separating opposite traffic (where often tram tracks are laid); and roundabouts. This makes Szczecin's city project quite similar to that of Paris. The reason is, Szczecin (like Paris) was rebuild in 1880s using a design by Georges-Eugčne Haussmann.
This course of designing streets in Szczecin is still used, as many recently build (or modified) city areas include roundabouts and avenues.
Politics and Administartion
Municipal politics
Szczecin is governed by city council and mayor. Mayor (prezydent miasta), as well as council, is elected by city's citizens every four years.
Marian Jurczyk , Solidarity icon, is Szczecin's mayor. His achievements are however widely criticised and he is blamed for over 10 millions zlotys compensations which city must pay for canceling the land selling deal, his lack of formal education, and his apparent cluelessness in many important matters. Mr Jurczyk famous errors includes forgetting the name of his own deputy he just nominated or quoting Jesus in his speech to the council.
Because of this criticism recall voices of recall were raised. On 23 March 2004 necessary 32 000 signatures were received by Recall Committee. Recall referendum took place on 23 May 2004. However the necessary 30% turnout wasn't reached as only 19% of voters cast their ballots. An overwhelming majority of those voting (92%), supported mayor's recall. This means that current political situation is quite difficult.
Municipal administration
Szczecin is divided into the auxiliary local government districts called neighbourhood councils (rady osiedla). Those districs elects it's own councils, and are responsible mainly for small infrastructure like trees, park benches, playgrounds, etc. Other functions are mostly advisory. Official list of districts http://www.szczecin.pl/rada/rady/adres.htm
Dzielnica Śródmieście (Middle Town)
Centrum , Drzetowo-Grabowo, Łękno, Międzyodrze-Wyspa Pucka, Niebuszewo-Bolinko, Nowe Miasto , Stare Miasto, Śródmieście Północ, Śródmieście-Zachód, Turzyn
Dzielnica Północ (North)
Bukowo, Golęcino- Gocław, Niebuszewo, Skolwin, Stołczyn, Warszewo, Żelechowa
Dzielnica Zachód (West)
os.Arkonskie-Niemierzyn, Głębokie-Pilchowo, Gumieńce, Krzekowo-Bezrzecze, Osów, Pogodno, Pomorzany, Świerczewo, os.Zawadzkiego-Klonowica
Dzielnica Prawobrzeże (Right-Bank)
Bukowe -Klęskowo, Dąbie, Majowe-Kijewo, Płonia, Podjuchy, os.Słoneczne, Wielgowo-Sławociesze, Załom, Zdroje, Żydowce-Klucz
other historical neigbourhoods
Babin, Barnucin, Basen Górniczy,Błędów, Boleszyce, Bystrzyk, Cieszyce, Cieśnik, Dolina, Dunikowo, Glinki, Podbórz, Jezierzyce, Kaliny, Kępa Barnicka, Kijewko, Kluczewko, Kłobucko, Kniewo, Kraśnica, Krzekoszów(1), Krzekoszów(2), Lotnisko, Łasztownia, Niemierzyn, Odolany, Oleszna, Podbórz, Port, os.Przyjaźni, Rogatka, Rudnik, Sienna, Skoki, Słowieńsko, Sosnówko, Starków, Stoki, Struga, Śmierdnica, os.Świerczewskie, Trzebusz, Urok, Widok, Zdunowo.
Members of European Parliament (MEPs) from Szczecin
- Zdzislaw Chmielewski, PO, historian, rector of University of Szczecin
- Boguslaw Liberadzki, SLD-UP, economist, minister of transport
- Sylwester Chruszcz , LPR, architect and politician, elected in Silesian constituency, but lives in Szczecin
Members of Sejm from Szczecin constituency
Members of Parliament (Sejm) elected from Szczecin constituency
- Artur Balazs , PO
- Wojciech Długoborski , SLD-UP
- Wacław Klukowski , Samoobrona
- Bohdan Kopczyński , LPR
- Stanisław Kopeć , SLD-UP
- Bożena Kozłowska , Samoobrona
- Bogusław Liberadzki , SLD-UP
- Czesław Marzec , SLD-UP
- Jacek Piechota , SLD-UP
- Elżbieta Piela-Mielczarek , SLD-UP
- Elżbieta Romero , SLD-UP
- Jacek Sauk , PiS
- Krzysztof Zaremba , PO
Economy
Szczecin has the biggest shipyard in Poland, which recently went bankrupt and was successfully reinstated. It has a fishing industry and a steel mill.
Major companies:
- Swedwood Poland SA, Szczecin
- Zespół Elektrowni Dolna Odra SA, Nowe Czarnowo
- Stocznia Szczecińska Nowa sp. z o.o., Szczecin
- Polska Żegluga Morska SA, Szczecin
- Netto Artykuły Żywnościowe sp. z o.o., Kobylanka
- Komfort sp. z o.o., Szczecin
- Petrocargo/OW Bunker sp. z o.o., Szczecin
- Vobis Microcomputer sp. z o.o., Szczecin
- PZE Cefarm-Szczecin SA, Szczecin
See also Baltic Sea Ports of 2002.
Culture
Major cultural events in Szczecin are:
- Days of the Sea (Dni Morza) held every June
- Days of The Ukrainian Culture (Dni Kultury Ukraińskiej) held every May.
- Air show on Dabie airport held every May
Museums
- National Museum in Szczecin (Muzeum narodowe w Szczecinie) collects arts, old jewelry, military equipment. It has three branches:
- Museum of the City History (Muzeum Historii Miasta)
- Maritime Museum (Muzeum Morskie)
- Gallery of the Contemporary Arts (Galeria Sztuki Współczesnej)
- Museum of the Szczecin Archidiocese (Muzeum Archidiecezjalne w Szczecinie) collects sacral arts and historical documents
Arts and Entartainment
The are 5 theaters in Szczecin and a philharmonic orchestra.
- Opera in the Castle (Polish Opera na Zamku)
- Polish Theatre (Polish Teatr Polski)
- Modern Theatre (Polish Teatr Współczesny)
- Kana Theatre (Polish Teatr Kana)
Education and Science
- University of Szczecin (Polish Uniwersytet Szczeciński) with 35.000 students, rector Zdzislaw Chmielewski
- Technical University of Szczecin (Polish Politechnika Szczecińska)
- Pomeranian Medical University (Polish Pomorska Akademia Medyczna)
- University of Agriculture in Szczecin (Polish Akademia Rolnicza w Szczecinie)
- Branch of Academy of Music in Poznan (Polish Adademia Muzyczna w Poznaniu)
- Maritime University of Szczecin (Polish Akademia Morska w Szczecinie)
- The West Pomeranian Business School (Polish Zachodniopomorska Szkoła Biznesu)
- Higher School of Public Administration in Szczecin (Polish Wyższa Szkoła Administracji Publicznej w Szczecinie)
- High Theological Seminary in Szczecin (Polish Arcybiskupie Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Szczecinie)
- Higher School of Applied Arts (Polish Wyższa Szkoła Sztuki Użytkowej)
- Academy of European Integration (Polish Wyższa Szkoła Integracji Europejskiej)
- Wyższa Szkoła Ekonomiczno-Turystyczna
- Wyższa Szkoła Humanistyczna TWP
- Wyższa Szkoła Języków Obcych
- Wyższa Szkoła Techniczno-Ekonomiczna
- Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa- Collegium Balticum
- Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa "OECONOMICUS" PTE
- Wyższa Szkoła Zarządzania
Scientific and regional organizations
- Western Pomeranian Institute (Polish Instytut Zachodnio-Pomorski)
- Szczecin Scientific Society (Polish Szczecińskie Towarzystwo Naukowe)
Sports
There are many popular professional sports team in Szczecin area. The most popular sport today is probably football (thanks to Pogon Szczecin just promoted to play in the 1st league in season 2004/2005). Amateur sports are played by thousands of Szczecin citizens and also in schools of all levels (elementary, secondary, university).
Professional teams
- Pogon Szczecin - football team (2nd league 2003/2004, promoted to 1st league in 2004/2005),
- Arkonia Szczecin - football team (4th league in season 2003/2004)
- Pogon Szczecin II - 2nd Pogon football team (regional 4th league in season 2003/2004)
- KS Piast Szczecin - women voleyball team, (Seria A in season 2003/2004 and 2004/2005)
- Łącznościowiec Szczecin - women's handball team playing in Polish Ekstraklasa Women's Handball League: 9th place in 2003/2004 season.
Amateur leagues
- Halowa Amatorska Liga Pilkarska - Hall Amateur Fotball League [1] http://www.halp.com.pl
- Halowa Liga Pilki Noznej - Hall Fotball League
- Szczecinska Liga Amatorskiej Koszykowki - Szczecin Ameteur Basketball League [2] http://www.infoludek.pl/slak
- Szczecinska Amatorska Liga Pilki Siatkowej - Szczecin Ameteur Voleyball League [3] http://www.salps.home.pl - women league, 1st, 2nd and 3rd men league
- Elita Professional Sport - Elita Hall Fotball League [4] http://www.futsal.szczecina.pl - 1st and 2nd league, futsal cup
External links
- Szczecin City Official Website (in Polish, some material available in English, German and Danish) http://www.szczecin.pl/
Internet guides
- Open Directory Project - Szczecin - internet directory http://dmoz.org/Regional/Europe/Poland/Voivodships/Western_Pomerania/Szczecin/
- ChefMoz Dining Guide - Szczecin http://chefmoz.org/Poland/ZP/Szczecin/
- Wirtualna Polska - Szczecin http://katalog.wp.pl/www/Katalog_Regionalny/Szczecin/
- Ogólnolnopolski Katalog Onetu OKO - Szczecin http://katalog.onet.pl/8085,geo.html
Regional media
- Głos Szczeciński, regional daily newspaper http://www.glosszczecinski.com.pl/
- Kurier Szczeciński, regional daily newspaper http://www.kurier.szczecin.pl/
- Radio Plus Szczecin, regional radio station http://www.radioplus.szczecin.pl/
- Radio Szczecin, regional radio station http://www.radio.szczecin.pl/
- Regional TV station http://szczecin.tvp.com.pl/,
- local edition of Gazeta Wyborcza http://miasta.gazeta.pl/szczecin/
- Wirtualny Szczecin http://www.wirtualny.szczecin.pl/
History and culture
- Pomeranian Dukes Castle in Szczecin (Polish, German, English) http://www.zamek.szczecin.pl/
- Opera in the Castle http://www.opera.szczecin.pl/
- Polish Theatre http://www.teatrpolski.szczecin.pl/
- Modern Theatre http://www.wspolczesny.szczecin.pl/
- Kana Theatre http://www.kana.art.pl/
Economy and transportation
- Szczecin-Świnoujscie Seaport http://www.port.szczecin.pl/
- Polferries - Polska Żegluga Bałtycka http://www.polferries.com.pl/
- UnityLine http://www.unityline.pl/
- Szczecin-Goleniów Airport http://www.airport.szczecin.pl/
Education and Science
- University of Szczecin http://sus.univ.szczecin.pl/~dwz/DWZ_en.htm
- Technical University of Szczecin http://www.ps.pl/eng_index1.html
- Pomeranian Medical University http://www.pam.szczecin.pl/index_en.php
- Maritime University of Szczecin http://www.wsm.szczecin.pl/eng/
- University of Agriculture in Szczecin http://www.ar.szczecin.pl/en/
- Academy of European Integration http://www.wsie.pl/en_open_home.php?module=en_main.inc
- The West Pomeranian Business School in Szczecin http://www.zpsb.szczecin.pl/english/english.html
Sports
- Pogoń Szczecin football team (winner of 2nd league, will play in 1st league in 2004/2005 season) http://www.pogon.szczecin.pl/
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