Queen Marie's personality evoked at an international symposium held at State University of Moldova

The International Symposium titled, Queen Marie – Queen of the Great Union, today took place at the State University of Moldova (USM). The event is part of a string of activities dedicated to Queen Maria's Days in Chisinau, which brought together historians, officials and diplomats from both banks of the Prut River. The symposium highlighted Queen Maria's personality and Her Majesty's role in consolidating and modernizing Romania.

The International Symposium, Queen Marie – Queen of the Great Union, was held in the Queen Marie Hall of USM. The event was opened by the USM Rector Igor Sarov.

"Queen Marie is an example of serving her peers with an iron will and unwavering faith in Romania's victorious destiny. As a representative of the State University of Moldova, I want to assure you that our efforts are conjugated, in order to form, educate and nurture young people who will become promoters of Romanian national values. I strongly believe in the importance of education, in promoting these values, because it's not the walls that make a school, but the spirit that reigns in it," said the Rector of the State University Igor Sarov.

 

AȘM President, Ion Tighineanu: "Queen Marie Put United Romania on the World Map"

"Queen Marie promoted the international recognition of a united Romania. She was a political talent and, in fact, the first head of state to place united Romania on the world map. She was a great patriot. She promoted Romanian culture and traditions, and it's not by chance that we have an exhibition of traditional costumes. Queen Marie promoted, in particular, the traditional Romanian blouse, known today as part of UNESCO's heritage. Throughout the year, we will have more events. On October 29, we mark 150th anniversary of Queen Marie's birth. The Academy of Sciences of Moldova proposes organizing a conference, because we need to return to traditions, our authentic history and most importantly, educate the younger generations," said ASM President Ion Tighineanu.

By decision of the AȘM, the "Nicolae Milescu Spătarul" medal was awarded to the president of the Monumentum Association, Iulian Rusanovschi, and Romanian diplomat Dumitru Preda, PhD in history, as token of gratitude for significant contributions to the development of diplomatic art and historic science.

Sorin Șipoș, University Professor, PhD (Romania): Queen Marie was the Symbol that United Romanians

Queen Marie was a symbol of unity for Romanians on both sides of the Prut, appreciated for her love, empathy and generosity, says Sorin Sipos, Vice-Rector of the University of Oradea.

"Queen Marie is an important symbol uniting Romanians from both sides of the Prut. Her visits to the front, visiting wounded soldiers, as well as her visits to the provinces that united with Romania in 1918, are important. Queen Marie, called 'our mother' by Transylvanian Romanians, was named so not by coincidence, as Transylvanian Romanians came from centuries of humiliation and exploitation, and Queen Maria approached them with much love, empathy and generosity,"  Sorin Sipos said.

During the Queen Marie – Queen of the Great Union symposium, historians and researchers from both sides of the Prut River discussed the influence of monarchy on society. They presented aspects of Queen Maria's medical file, her and King Ferdinand's relationship with the Orthodox Church, the monarchy's role in education and European integration and the royal couple's impact on the consciousness of Bessarabians 100 years after the historical events.

Queen Marie – the Most Beautiful Face of Romanian Diplomacy

Queen Maria played a crucial role in Romania's destiny and evolution. During the war, she was involved in medical assistance, visited hospitals for the sick, lifted troop's morale and cared for wounded soldiers on the Romanian Army front lines. For her courage displayed, she was nicknamed The Soldier Queen and Mother of the Wounded. Queen Maria believed in a modern and united Romania, consolidating Romania's relations with the West and being considered the most beautiful face of Romanian diplomacy.

The Queen and King Ferdinand had a close relationship with the Romanian Orthodox Church, supporting the spiritual unity of the Romanian people. Though originally Anglican, Queen Maria deeply adopted and respected Orthodoxy, participating in services and supporting the construction of churches. King Ferdinand of Greater Romania, during an Orthodox religious ceremony in Alba Iulia, reaffirmed the monarchy's connection to national tradition and faith.

Queen Marie's creative talents were appreciated for her contribution to promoting Romanian traditional arts and crafts. She supported literature, painting and architecture, influencing Romania's royal and cultural style. Her books reflect both the experiences during the war and her vision of Europe.

The monument of Queen Maria of Romania was inaugurated in Chisinau on March 27, as part of Queen Marie's Days held in Chisinau on March 27-28. The Queen's statue was erected on the square of the Gheorghe Asachi Lyceum from the capital, where once stood the girls' lyceum which bore her name. The event marked the 107th anniversary of Bessarabia's Union with Romania.