Botár István et al. (szerk.): A Csíki Székely Múzeum Évkönyve 9. (Csíkszereda, 2013)
Történelem - Balás András: Viszontagságos évek Csíkban a 16. század végén. „Ördög” Balás Mihály vezette felkelés 1599-ben
BALÁS ANDRÁS VICISSITUDINOUS YEARS IN CIUC (CSÍK) AT THE END OF THE 16. CENTURY. THE UPRISE LED BY “DEVIL” MIHÁLY BALÁS IN 1599 Abstract Since the great migration of the first millennium, the Szekler (Székely) minority, a branch of the Hungarian nation has been often noted for its readiness to fight and outstanding bravery. In rewarding their valued military services, kings and governors recognized a unique set of ancient Szekler freedoms: rotational self-governance, freedom from paying taxes and community ownership of their land in Transylvania. However, these rights were increasingly challenged by the nobles at the end of the Middle Ages. The Szeklers vigorously protested and numerous bloody uprisings ended in retaliations. After a lost battle with the incoming army of Mihai Viteazul in 1599, Endre Bathori, the Governor of Transylvania tried to escape with a group of leading nobles through Szekler Land. With remarkable speed, Mihály Balás of Ineu-Ciuc (Csíkjenőfalva) ignited a popular revolt and cut down the escaping Governor and his escort. The nobility was routed out throughout the entire Szekler Land. Subsequently, the frightened leaders of Transylvania restored the Szekler rights. As a result, the ancient Szekler freedoms that date back to the great migration of nomadic nations in the first millennium remained in effect for another 170 years, until the end of the 18th century. 114
