TERRITORIAL IDENTITY, A DYNAMIC PROCESS AND VECTOR OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT. CASE STUDY: BUKOVINA (ROMANIA)

Bukovina's identity is a complex construction that reflects the historical, cultural and social influences that have marked the Bukovina region over time and that are often summarized in the period of flourishing when this territory belonged to the Habsburg and then to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The present study uses data collected through an online survey and aims to highlight aspects of Bukovina's identity based on the perceptions of the population living in the southern part of the former province of Bukovina, as well as of the inhabitants of the extra-Bukovina area. The results of the research reveal that the strongest identity is that of belonging to a clearly defined administrative-territorial unit - Suceava County. However, the territorial self-identification as Bukovinian was indicated by a significant proportion of respondents, very little different from those who self-identify themselves as Suceveni. Among the elements on which the perceived Bukovinian identity is based, we explore: self-identification, differentiation from Moldovans, the way of relating to the authorities and traditions, sharing common values. The territorial component is less important in shaping a Bukovinan identity, which could be a result of the transformation of this real identity by local authorities into a regional brand for a territory with blurred boundaries.