The history of the Regional Association “Jan Arnošt Smoler” Budyšin | Bautzen reflects the development of the Sorbian people and their cultural achievements. Here are the key milestones and events that have shaped Sorbian life in the region.
The Bautzen Regional Association is inseparably linked with the name Jan Arnošt Smoler (1816–1884). Smoler was one of the leading Sorbian figures of the 19th century. He was an important publisher, editor and journalist. He carried out most of his cultural and publishing work in Bautzen, thereby making a significant contribution to strengthening Sorbian identity.
Learn more about Jan Arnošt Smoler here:
13 October 1912: Foundation of the Domowina as the umbrella organisation of Sorbian associations.
21 July 1921: Establishment of the regional associations, including the Regional Association “Jan Arnošt Smoler”. During this period, numerous new Sorbian associations were founded.
1923: Foundation of the Association of Sorbian Visual Artists on the initiative of Měrćin Nowak-Njechorński.
15 June 1926: Central Domowina meeting in Bukecy | Hochkirch with 4,000 participants from 37 Sorbian associations.
20 February 1927: Main Assembly of the Domowina in Njeswačidło | Neschwitz; Jakub Šewčik from Baćon | Storcha is elected Chair.
27 July 1927: Domowina meeting in Radwor | Radibor with 5,000 participants from 48 associations.
2 July 1928: Domowina meeting in Budestecy | Großpostwitz featuring the first public performance of the poem “Lubin a Sprjewja” by Józef Nowak.
1933–1936: Reorganisation of the Domowina; transformation of local associations into local branches with individual membership.|
18 March 1937: Ban on events organised by the Domowina and its associations. Prohibition of the public use of the Sorbian language.|
10 May 1945: Re-establishment of the Domowina after the Second World War.
25 May 1945: Dr Jan Cyž becomes the first Sorb to serve as District Administrator of the Budyšin | Bautzen district.
6 January 1946: Foundation of the Sorbian Teacher Training Institute in Radwor | Radibor.
23 April 1946: First post-war meeting of Sorbian students in Radwor | Radibor; commemorative event for the Sorbian priest Alojs Andricki, who was murdered in Dachau concentration camp in 1943.
8 September 1947: Establishment of the Sorbian Secondary School in Budyšin | Bautzen (today the Sorbian Grammar School).
1 June 1950: Opening of the first Sorbian nursery, “Jan Radyserb-Wjela”, in Budyšin | Bautzen.
8–10 July 1950: Sorbian gathering in Bautzen with 150,000 participants – the guest of honour was Wilhelm Pieck, the first President of the GDR.
August 1953: Opening of the Sorbian Language School in Minakał | Milkel.
7–8 July 1956: 2nd Sorbian gathering in Budyšin | Bautzen and inauguration of the new House of the Sorbs at Postplatz.
September 1956: First Heath Festival in Komorow | Commerau near Klukš | Klix, celebrated annually in September until 1990.
1991: Commemorative event marking the 70th anniversary of the Regional Association at the Sorbian Museum, as well as Days of Sorbian Culture in Radwor | Radibor.
1994 and 1997: Further Sorbian Cultural Days organised by the Regional Association in Radwor | Radibor and Njeswačidło | Neschwitz.
Since 1997: The International Folklore Festival “Łužica–Łužyca–Lausitz” has been held regularly in Budyšin | Bautzen, Chrósćicy | Crostwitz and Hochoza | Drachhausen.
2012: Commemorative event marking the 100th anniversary of the Domowina in Hoyerswerda.
2016: Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Jan Arnošt Smoler at the memorial in Budyšin | Bautzen.
Since 2020: The Domowina has organised annual autumn concerts in Lusatia.
2022: Events during the Zejler–Kocor Year in honour of Handrij Zejler (150th anniversary of his death) and Korla Awgust Kocor (200th anniversary of his birth).
2024: Inauguration of a commemorative stone for Jan A. Miertsching in Gröditz – missionary, interpreter and participant in an expedition.
2026: 100th anniversary of the death of Jurij Pilk, 50th anniversary of the death of Maria Kubasch, and 130th anniversary of the death of Maria Kubasch. Maria Grollmuss's birthday
| 1921 – 1933 | Pawoł Krječmar (1898–1979) from Budyšin | Bautzen |
| 1945 – 1949 | Korla Wirt (1900–1981) from Cokowa pola Hodźij | Zockau near Göda |
| 1949 – 1951 | prof. dr. Pawoł Nowotny (1912–2010) from Budyšina | Bautzen |
| 1951 – 1952 | Herman Šudak (1900–1976) from Komorowa pola Rakec | Commerau near Königswartha |
| 1952 – 1962 | Gusta Haža (1895–1982) from Pomorc | Pommritz |
| 1962 – 1966 | Alfred Krupaŕ (1908–1970) from Krakec | Kreckwitz |
| 1966 – 1974 | Bjarnat Zarjeńk (*1913) from Časec | Tschaschwitz |
| 1974 – 1982 | Erich Křižan (1931–2000) from Rodec pola Bukec | Rodewitz near Hochkirch |
| 1982 – 1990 | dr. Helmut Faska (1932–2024) from Komorowa pola Rakec | Commerau near Königswartha |
| 1990 – 1991 | Hilža Nukowa (1941–2023) from Budyšin | Bautzen |
| 1991 – 1993 | No Chair (acting leadership only) |
| 1993 – 1995 | Bjarnat Nowak (1925–2022) from Budyšin | Bautzen |
| 1995 – 1997 | dr. Hilža Elina (*1954) from Rachlowa pod Čornobohom | Rachlau |
| 1997 – 2003 | Měrćin Škoda (1932–2010) from Hodźij | Göda |
| 2003 – 2005 | Hilža Nukowa (1941–2023) from Budyšin | Bautzen |
| 2005 – 2007 | No Chair (four board spokespersons) |
| 2007 – 2009 | Měrćin Škoda (1932–2010) from Hodźij | Göda |
| 2009 – 2019 | Jana Pětrowa (*1965) from Lemišowa | Lömischau |
| 2019 – 2023 | Hilža Mehrowa, Leńka Thomasowa and Jana Pětrowa |
| since 2023 | Leńka Thomasowa (*1959) |
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In the following privacy information, we, as the controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), explain which personal data we process when you visit our website and use our online services.
Please note that, as a standard, all data transmissions in connection with our website take place via an encrypted connection.
We reserve the right to amend this privacy information from time to time to ensure that it always complies with current legal requirements or to reflect changes to our services. We therefore recommend that you read the privacy information regularly to stay informed about the protection of the personal data we process.
Domowina – Zwězk Łužyskich Serbow | Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Bund Lausitzer Sorben e. V.
Póstowe naměsto | Postplatz 2
Serbski dom | Haus der Sorben
02625 Budyšin | Bautzen
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)3591 550-102
Fax: +49 (0)3591 42408
Email: sekretariat@domowina.de
Dresdner Institut für Datenschutz
Hospitalstraße 4
01097 Dresden
Telephone: +49 351 6557720
Fax: +49 351 65577222
Email: zentrale@dids.de
Access to the Website, Logging and Log Files
In order to access our website, the processing of your IP address and further access information is technically necessary for the duration of your session. In addition, access information is logged and stored in the server log files.
This includes:
Personal data is processed for the purpose of providing the website (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) and to ensure the security of our information technology systems (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR in conjunction with Art. 32 GDPR).
Log files are deleted after seven days at the latest.
Use of Cookies
We use cookies on our website. Cookies allow us to optimise the information and services on our website for users. They enable us to recognise users of our website in order to make it easier for them to use.
Cookies are used on our website in connection with the following services:
Other Integrated Services
Darüber hinaus sind auf unserer Internetseite weitere folgende Dienste eingebunden:
Newsletter
To provide our newsletter service, we integrate a form provided by our service provider Positive Group Deutschland GmbH (Rapidmail) on the basis of legitimate interest pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. A data processing agreement pursuant to Art. 28 GDPR has been concluded.
Subscription to the newsletter is based on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Only your email address is required. To verify your details and consent, you will receive a confirmation email (double opt-in). We log:
You may withdraw your consent at any time with future effect by using the unsubscribe link included in every newsletter email. Your stored email address will then be deleted.
Contact Form
Our website provides a contact form and contact via email.
When you contact us, we process the personal data you provide (in particular name, email address and message) for the purpose of responding to your enquiry. Processing is based on legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or, in the case of contractual matters, Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR.
Your data will be treated confidentially and will not be passed on to third parties unless necessary to handle your enquiry. Data is deleted once your enquiry has been fully resolved, unless statutory retention obligations apply.
Use of Service Providers
We use service providers for hosting and technical support who may process personal data on our behalf or have access to it. Data processing agreements pursuant to Art. 28 GDPR have been concluded with all such providers. In addition to those already mentioned, these include:
Data Subject Rights and Right to Lodge a Complaint
You have the right to:
Where processing is based on legitimate interests, you also have the right to object. Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw your consent at any time with future effect.
You may exercise your rights using the contact details provided above.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority pursuant to Art. 77 GDPR if you believe that your personal data is being processed unlawfully.
If you would like, I can also adapt the tone slightly (more formal UK institutional, or more EU-legal neutral).
Domowina – Zwězk Łužyskich Serbow | Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Bund Lausitzer Sorben e. V.
Serbski dom | Haus der Sorben
Póstowe naměsto | Postplatz 2
02625 Budyšin | Bautzen
Germany
Register of Associations: VerR 30317
Registered Court: Dresden Local Court
Bank details:
Deutsche Bank AG
IBAN DE42 8 707 0000 0612 3269 00
BIC DEUTDE8CXXX
Tax number: 204/140/0277
(The association is recognised as a non-profit organisation and is exempt from corporation tax.)
Represented by
Judit Šołćina
Chief Executive
(authorised to represent the association in accordance with its statutes)
Telephone: +49 (0)3591 550-102
Fax: +49 (0)3591 42408
Email: sekretariat@domowina.de
Responsible for editorial content in accordance with Section 18 (2) of the German State Media Treaty (MStV):
Božena Šimanec | Schiemann
Press Officer
Domowina is the provider of the domain www.domowina.de and is responsible for the central content of the main website as well as for the technical structure of the website.
Responsibility for the content (in particular texts, images, media, downloads, and external links) of the respective subpages within the multisite structure lies with the respective member organisations and regional associations.
The following organisations are responsible for the content of their respective subpages:
Overall Project Management and Coordination: Veronika Bjarš | Bjarsch
Design, concept, technical implementation and maintenance: STARKAD
Hosting: Neue Medien Muennich GmbH (all-inkl.com)
Texts (Domowina main website)
Jan Diedrichsen
Judit Šołćina
Editing and Translations (Upper Sorbian and German)
Michaelis Šusterowa | Schuster
Michaelis Korjeńkowa | Koreng
Mira Nowakec | Noack
Katja Liznarjec | Ließner
Editing and Translations (Lower Sorbian)
Jan Měškank | Meschkank
Erwin Hanuš | Hanusch
Franz Georg Deuse | Franc Deuse
Editing (English)
Pingpong Translation & Subtitling
Liability for Content
The contents of this website have been created with the greatest possible care. However, Domowina – Zwězk Łužyskich Serbow | Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Bund Lausitzer Sorben e. V. accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information provided.
We reserve the right to amend, supplement or delete content at any time.
Liability for Links
This website contains links to external third-party websites over whose content we have no control. We therefore accept no liability for such external content. The respective operators of the linked sites are solely responsible for their content.
At the time the links were created, no unlawful content was identifiable.
Content and Copyright: The layout, design, photographs and editorial contributions on this website are protected by copyright.
Any reuse or reproduction is permitted for private purposes only. Alterations to the content are not permitted.
Public use, publication or distribution of content requires prior consent from Domowina – Zwězk Łužyskich Serbow | Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Bund Lausitzer Sorben e. V.
Official announcements and press releases issued by Domowina may be used provided the source is acknowledged.
The regional and member associations of Domowina are solely responsible for the content of their respective websites.
Consumer Dispute Resolution / Universal Arbitration Board
We are neither willing nor obliged to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.
Data Protection
Information on data protection can be found in our Privacy Policy.
The Domowina – Federation of Lusatian Sorbs is institutionally funded by the Foundation for the Sorbian People, which receives annual grants from public funds on the basis of the approved budgets of the German Bundestag, the Brandenburg State Parliament, and the Saxon State Parliament. www.stiftung.sorben.com
These include essential cookies that are necessary for the operation of the site, as well as others that are used only for anonymous statistical purposes, for comfort settings or to display personalized content. You can decide for yourself which categories you want to allow. Please note that based on your settings, not all functions of the website may be available.
In the following privacy information, we, as the controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), explain which personal data we process when you visit our website and use our online services.
Please note that, as a standard, all data transmissions in connection with our website take place via an encrypted connection.
We reserve the right to amend this privacy information from time to time to ensure that it always complies with current legal requirements or to reflect changes to our services. We therefore recommend that you read the privacy information regularly to stay informed about the protection of the personal data we process.
Domowina – Zwězk Łužyskich Serbow | Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Bund Lausitzer Sorben e. V.
Póstowe naměsto | Postplatz 2
Serbski dom | Haus der Sorben
02625 Budyšin | Bautzen
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)3591 550-102
Fax: +49 (0)3591 42408
Email: sekretariat@domowina.de
Dresdner Institut für Datenschutz
Hospitalstraße 4
01097 Dresden
Telephone: +49 351 6557720
Fax: +49 351 65577222
Email: zentrale@dids.de
Access to the Website, Logging and Log Files
In order to access our website, the processing of your IP address and further access information is technically necessary for the duration of your session. In addition, access information is logged and stored in the server log files.
This includes:
Personal data is processed for the purpose of providing the website (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) and to ensure the security of our information technology systems (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR in conjunction with Art. 32 GDPR).
Log files are deleted after seven days at the latest.
Use of Cookies
We use cookies on our website. Cookies allow us to optimise the information and services on our website for users. They enable us to recognise users of our website in order to make it easier for them to use.
Cookies are used on our website in connection with the following services:
Other Integrated Services
Darüber hinaus sind auf unserer Internetseite weitere folgende Dienste eingebunden:
Newsletter
To provide our newsletter service, we integrate a form provided by our service provider Positive Group Deutschland GmbH (Rapidmail) on the basis of legitimate interest pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. A data processing agreement pursuant to Art. 28 GDPR has been concluded.
Subscription to the newsletter is based on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Only your email address is required. To verify your details and consent, you will receive a confirmation email (double opt-in). We log:
You may withdraw your consent at any time with future effect by using the unsubscribe link included in every newsletter email. Your stored email address will then be deleted.
Contact Form
Our website provides a contact form and contact via email.
When you contact us, we process the personal data you provide (in particular name, email address and message) for the purpose of responding to your enquiry. Processing is based on legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or, in the case of contractual matters, Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR.
Your data will be treated confidentially and will not be passed on to third parties unless necessary to handle your enquiry. Data is deleted once your enquiry has been fully resolved, unless statutory retention obligations apply.
Use of Service Providers
We use service providers for hosting and technical support who may process personal data on our behalf or have access to it. Data processing agreements pursuant to Art. 28 GDPR have been concluded with all such providers. In addition to those already mentioned, these include:
Data Subject Rights and Right to Lodge a Complaint
You have the right to:
Where processing is based on legitimate interests, you also have the right to object. Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw your consent at any time with future effect.
You may exercise your rights using the contact details provided above.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority pursuant to Art. 77 GDPR if you believe that your personal data is being processed unlawfully.
If you would like, I can also adapt the tone slightly (more formal UK institutional, or more EU-legal neutral).
Domowina – Zwězk Łužyskich Serbow | Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Bund Lausitzer Sorben e. V.
Serbski dom | Haus der Sorben
Póstowe naměsto | Postplatz 2
02625 Budyšin | Bautzen
Germany
Register of Associations: VerR 30317
Registered Court: Dresden Local Court
Bank details:
Deutsche Bank AG
IBAN DE42 8 707 0000 0612 3269 00
BIC DEUTDE8CXXX
Tax number: 204/140/0277
(The association is recognised as a non-profit organisation and is exempt from corporation tax.)
Represented by
Judit Šołćina
Chief Executive
(authorised to represent the association in accordance with its statutes)
Telephone: +49 (0)3591 550-102
Fax: +49 (0)3591 42408
Email: sekretariat@domowina.de
Responsible for editorial content in accordance with Section 18 (2) of the German State Media Treaty (MStV):
Božena Šimanec | Schiemann
Press Officer
Domowina is the provider of the domain www.domowina.de and is responsible for the central content of the main website as well as for the technical structure of the website.
Responsibility for the content (in particular texts, images, media, downloads, and external links) of the respective subpages within the multisite structure lies with the respective member organisations and regional associations.
The following organisations are responsible for the content of their respective subpages:
Overall Project Management and Coordination: Veronika Bjarš | Bjarsch
Design, concept, technical implementation and maintenance: STARKAD
Hosting: Neue Medien Muennich GmbH (all-inkl.com)
Texts (Domowina main website)
Jan Diedrichsen
Judit Šołćina
Editing and Translations (Upper Sorbian and German)
Michaelis Šusterowa | Schuster
Michaelis Korjeńkowa | Koreng
Mira Nowakec | Noack
Katja Liznarjec | Ließner
Editing and Translations (Lower Sorbian)
Jan Měškank | Meschkank
Erwin Hanuš | Hanusch
Franz Georg Deuse | Franc Deuse
Editing (English)
Pingpong Translation & Subtitling
Liability for Content
The contents of this website have been created with the greatest possible care. However, Domowina – Zwězk Łužyskich Serbow | Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Bund Lausitzer Sorben e. V. accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information provided.
We reserve the right to amend, supplement or delete content at any time.
Liability for Links
This website contains links to external third-party websites over whose content we have no control. We therefore accept no liability for such external content. The respective operators of the linked sites are solely responsible for their content.
At the time the links were created, no unlawful content was identifiable.
Content and Copyright: The layout, design, photographs and editorial contributions on this website are protected by copyright.
Any reuse or reproduction is permitted for private purposes only. Alterations to the content are not permitted.
Public use, publication or distribution of content requires prior consent from Domowina – Zwězk Łužyskich Serbow | Zwjazk Łužiskich Serbow | Bund Lausitzer Sorben e. V.
Official announcements and press releases issued by Domowina may be used provided the source is acknowledged.
The regional and member associations of Domowina are solely responsible for the content of their respective websites.
Consumer Dispute Resolution / Universal Arbitration Board
We are neither willing nor obliged to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.
Data Protection
Information on data protection can be found in our Privacy Policy.
The Domowina – Federation of Lusatian Sorbs is institutionally funded by the Foundation for the Sorbian People, which receives annual grants from public funds on the basis of the approved budgets of the German Bundestag, the Brandenburg State Parliament, and the Saxon State Parliament. www.stiftung.sorben.com