(source: Hej, Ty!)
Welcome back Slovak Roots fans!
It is time for another edition of our Slovak Roots newsletter, dedicated to the community of people with ties to Slovakia.
In this newest instalment, you will learn about Slovak priest and inventor Jozef Murgaš, who contributed greatly to the development of technology we today take for granted. Our colleague Jozef Ryník continued his exploration of western Slovakia, this time visiting the region of Záhorie, which he called a storybook waiting to be pedalled through.
And last but not least, you will meet American Gregory Stein, who was able to track his Slovak ancestors all the way to the early 19th century. His great-grandfather emigrated in early 20th century, but the family lost contact with their relatives back home during the Holocaust. Although many perished in the genocide, those that survived moved away and found home in various places around the world and did not know much about their family history. He was able to track them and help organise a huge family reunion.
A quiet place full of surprises
"Most people know Malacky for its factories. Travelling northwest from Bratislava, it is the vast production halls in the fields—serving the automotive industry—that first catch the eye. But beyond this industrial façade lies a town with unexpected architectural and historical treasures," writes Jozef Ryník in his account of the region, adding that as the centre of the Lower Záhorie region in western Slovakia, it offers more than meets the eye.
According to him, Záhorie is a storybook waiting to be pedalled through.
The synagogue in Malacky is one of the best preserved in Slovakia. (source: SME/Jozef Ryník)
Closing the loop
The Holocaust was an extreme tragedy that caused immense suffering. American Gregory Stein's family is one of those affected. His ancestors emigrated from Slovakia at the beginning of the 20th century. After World War II, all contact with family and relatives in Europe was lost and it was assumed that they had perished in the Holocaust, and with them the connection to this part of the world. He only had an old postcard and a Hebrew Bible.
As is a recurring theme in these series, things changed during the pandemic.
In early 2020, he got a call from a man in San Francisco that set him on a path to discover not only several dozen living relatives scattered across the world, but to trace his family origin back to early 19th century Slovakia.
Gregory Stein at the Štrbské Pleso resort in the High Tatras. (source: Archive of G. S.)
The priest-scientist that went wireless
Communication, data, money, connection of devices - the amount of technology that works wireless today is staggering. But it was already more than a century ago that the basics of the technology were laid.
Among the pioneers of wireless technology is Slovak priest, painter, inventor, and botanist Jozef Murgaš, who earned nicknames such as "radio's forgotten genius" and "priest-scientist" for his groundbreaking work in this field. He is considered to be the first to wirelessly transmit human voice.
A bust of Jozef Murgaš on Jarošova Street in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
A selection of feature stories published by The Slovak Spectator that we recommend reading:
There's a moment that many Slovak descendants describe when they first set foot in the villages of their ancestors—a curious sensation that science can’t fully explain but the heart instantly recognizes. It's the feeling of coming home to a place you've never been.
A granddaughter’s pilgrimage to Slovakia, fuelled by stories, slivovica and a love that never faded. “Return not,” the ocean cried. But I returned for her.
If you are a foreigner living in Slovakia, you have probably marvelled at its rich history, dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture. But have you discovered its cinematic heritage? The British Film Institute recently published a compelling feature, 10 Great Slovak New Wave Films, spotlighting a lesser-known but significant chapter in Slovak filmmaking.
Slovak singer Adam Pavlovčin, also known as Adonxs, will represent the Czech Republic at the upcoming Eurovision. He cannot represent Slovakia because the country does not participate in the competition. "It is quite common to represent another country," he says, adding he wants to help Czechia achieve its best result.
Originally from Mexico, Tanya Benito moved to Slovakia for a job with her American company. Little did she know that within just a few days of her arrival, she would meet her future husband.
By the time confetti fell and chants of "MVP, MVP" (Most Valuable Player) echoed around the arena, Slovak coach Natália Hejková had already done something no one in women's basketball ever has – she had just won her sixth EuroLeague title and maintained a perfect record in finals.
When Jurassic Park roared its way into cinemas in 1993, it didn't just leave a lasting impression on a whole generation of researchers; it sparked a new generation of dinophiles as well. It's scientific premise sounded intriguing, but there were three objections. Now, an international team of scientists led by Slovaks tore down two objections.
Not long ago, this narrow stone corridor in north-western Slovakia was utterly impassable. Today, the Manínska Tiesňava gorge is one of the country's most extraordinary natural landmarks – a magnet for hikers, climbers and cyclists drawn to its towering limestone cliffs and serpentine paths.
Would you like to share your story with us? Did you enjoy the newsletter? I would love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: matus.beno@spectator.sk or spectator@spectator.sk.
