The regional association in transition

Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda is of outstanding importance for Sorbian history, because it was here that 60 representatives from 31 Sorbian associations from all over Lusatia founded the Domowina, the Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Union of Lusatian Sorbs, on 13 October 1912. The founding meeting took place at the Hoyerswerda Ball and Social Club in Braugasse, now the headquarters of the ‘Kulturfabrik’ (Kufa).
On 19 July 2021, a ceremony was held at Hoyerswerda Town Hall to commemorate the founding of four Domowina regional associations a hundred years ago. A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the town hall.

Sorbs and Germans live together as equals. In Saxony and Brandenburg, the protection of the Sorbian language and culture is expressly enshrined in the respective state constitutions. This shows that both federal states are very aware of their special, living cultural treasure. 

The biculturalism and bilingualism of the Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda region are unique features. The Domowina regional association ‘Handrij Zejler’ is working steadily to preserve and promote this treasure together with its member associations and partners. The Saxon Sorbian Act provides the legal framework.

The Domowina – Regional Association ‘Handrij Zejler’ stands for a living community between the majority and minority and is committed to keeping the Sorbian language and culture alive in a modern society.

Commitment to language areas and culture

The regional association currently comprises five local groups and 14 associations. These organise a diverse programme:

• Language courses
• Sorbian conversation circles
• Public readings, lectures, local festivals and autumn concerts
• Family afternoons focusing on the Sorbian language

In many families, the Sorbian language has hardly been passed on. The events offer opportunities to reconnect with the language, refresh language skills, and utilise and further expand existing language areas. Language motivators are currently providing support in this endeavour.

Historical development

In 1912, Domowina, the Federation of Lusatian Sorbs, was founded in Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda as an umbrella organisation for 31 Sorbian associations.
Due to the ongoing mining in Lusatia, a number of Sorbian villages disappeared, especially in Central Lusatia, which was associated with a further decline in Sorbian village culture, traditions, customs and, above all, the Sorbian language.

The Sorbs have their own vibrant language and culture. The Upper Sorbian spoken around Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda  and Budyšin | Bautzen has stronger similarities with Czech, while the Lower Sorbian spoken around Chóśebuz | Cottbus tends more towards Polish.

The ongoing mining industry over the last hundred years, in particular the construction of the Schwarze Pumpe lignite-fired power station, has left many wounds and scars. 
The northern and eastern parts of the former district of Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda have been particularly affected by mining. Thousands of hectares of forest and agricultural land have fallen victim to it. Many Sorbian villagers were displaced. The rural and Sorbian identity of the district has been greatly diminished as a result. These are the reasons why the Sorbian language has gradually been lost in families and everyday life in the Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda region over the last 70 years.