History

The history of the Regional Association “Handrij Zejler” is shaped by deeply rooted Sorbian language and culture, significant historical developments and major challenges. Since 1921, the association has been committed to language, identity and community in the Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda area – and continues to play an active role in shaping the region today.

The umbrella organisation Domowina – Federation of Lusatian Sorbs brings together around 7,500 members organised in five regional associations as well as numerous local groups and member associations. They form the foundation of our work and contribute to the vitality of Sorbian life.

Formation of the Domowina Regional Association “Handrij Zejler” at the “Ratskeller” inn on 2 February 1922
After the First World War and the failure of efforts to achieve state autonomy for Sorbian Lusatia, Domowina was reconstituted at a meeting held on 5 January 1921 at the “Ratskeller” in Hoyerswerda. At the delegates’ conference on 24 July 1921, held at the same venue, representatives of Domowina’s member associations resolved to establish four regional sub-associations — two in Saxony and two in Prussia. The seat for the Prussian Upper Lusatia was to be located in Hoyerswerda. Each sub-association was required to constitute itself and elect its executive board.

On this basis, representatives of Sorbian associations from Prussian Upper Lusatia met again on 2 February 1922 at the “Ratskeller” in Hoyerswerda. They unanimously resolved to form the Hoyerswerda sub-association.
The Domowina Regional Association Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda was founded on 24 July 1921. It was named after the Sorbian Protestant pastor and poet Handrij Zejler (1804–1872), who served in Lohsa | Łaz near Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda and was also laid to rest there. Mr Johann Hajesch, a merchant from Lohsa, was elected Chair (župan).

Domowina – the Federation of Sorbian (Wendish) Associations – and its Hoyerswerda sub-association, or Regional Association (župa) “Handrij Zejler”, continued to use the “Ratskeller” for further important meetings and events.

Learn more about Handrij Zejler

The Regional Association has its registered office at Dresdner Straße 18 in Hoyerswerda and forms part of the umbrella organisation Domowina – Federation of Lusatian Sorbs, based in Bautzen.

Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda was a district capital from 1821 to 1993. Until the mid-20th century, it was a small town with around 7,000 inhabitants. After 1953, the population increased rapidly, reaching approximately 70,000 residents by the time of German reunification. The reason for this sharp growth was the establishment of the Schwarze Pumpe lignite power plant.

This rapid development brought significant changes for the surrounding, predominantly Sorbian villages. Many families from across the GDR moved to Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda in search of work and housing. As a result, the Sorbian language, culture, traditional dress and customs were increasingly marginalised.

The expansion of mining over the past one hundred years, in particular the construction of the Schwarze Pumpe lignite power plant, has left deep scars within the territory of our Regional Association.

The northern and eastern parts of the former district of Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda were especially affected by mining activities. Thousands of hectares of forest and agricultural land were lost. Numerous Sorbian villages were excavated and subsequently disappeared. As a result, the rural and Sorbian character of the district was significantly diminished, accompanied by a further decline in Sorbian village culture, traditions, customs and, above all, the Sorbian language.

In the Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda region, the use of the Sorbian language within families and in everyday life has decreased markedly over the past 70 years.

The remaining post-mining landscape is increasingly being recultivated. Several newly created lakes are giving the area a distinct and evolving character. The Knappensee and Silbersee areas provide a clear indication of this transformation.

The south-eastern part of the former district forms part of the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape and the Lusatian Biosphere Reserve.

The Domowina Regional Association “Handrij Zejler” has its registered office at Dresdner Straße 18 in Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda and forms part of the umbrella organisation Domowina – Federation of Lusatian Sorbs, based in Budyšin | Bautzen.