Interesting facts from history of the Czech-Lithuanian relations
10.07.2013 / 09:42 | Aktualizováno: 10.07.2013 / 10:05
(This article expired 11.07.2014 / 02:00.)
Moments in history that the Czech Republic shares with Lithuania
- 1397: Lithuanian college at the Charles University in Prague was established. Central European oldest university had become an important center of Baltic studies for several centuries.
- 1410: Czech soldiers under the leadership of Jan Zizka z Trocnova and Jan Sokol z Lemberka, significantly helped Vytautas, the ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, to defeat Teutonic Knights during the battle of Grunwald.
- 1422: Vytautas accepted the Czech crown from the Hussite and sent his deputy Zikmund Korybutovič to the Lands of the Bohemian Crown.
- 1471-1526: Originally Lithuanian Jagielonian dynasty ruled the Lands of the Bohemian Crown.
- 19th century: Czech writers belonging to the Czech National Revival were strongly interested in Lithuania. Poet Frantisek Ladislav Celakovsky translated and later on in 1827, published collection of Lithuanian national songs.
- 1856: professor of Charles University, August Schleider, published a book called „Litauische Gramatik“. His work, written in German is considered to be the first scientific grammar book of Lithuanian language.
- 1882: Lithuanian national revivalist Jonas Basanavičius lived in Prague, where he also found his wife. Lithuanian national movement was strongly inspired by the Czech National Revival.
- 1880’s: First issues of the Lithuanian magazines “Aušra” were prepared in Prague. Lithuanian revival groups functioned on the basis of Czech examples.
- 19th-20th century: Czech diacritic (č, š and ž) was partly incorporated into Lithuanian language and hence replaced digraph system influenced by Polish.
- 1922: Diplomatic relations between Czechoslovakia and Lithuania were established. Czechoslovakia opened her first consulate in Kaunas, which was transferred into embassy in 1927. First ambassador who resided in Lithuania from 1936 was J. Skalický.
- 1925: Lithuanian was the first state to which Czechoslovakia exported her fighter jets Letov Š20-L.
- 1930’s: Czechoslovakia belonged to a group of the most significant exporters to Lithuania. Czechoslovaks were exporting especially machines, sugar and clothes.
- Since 1980’s: illegal cooperation between Czech and Lithuanian dissidents started to evolve. Main political figures stayed in close touch even after Velvet Revolution. Vaclav Havel was in close contact with the chairman of reform movement Sajudis, Vytautas Landsbergis.
- Since 1989: Lithuanian language is taught at the Charles university in Prague. Ten years later, Masaryk University in Brno started to offer Lithuanian language to her students. At the Vilnius University, Czech language was given between 1995 - 2007.
- 1991: Diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and Lithuania were reestablished. J. Nemes was named as the first ambassador.
- 1. 1. 1993: Lithuania recognized independent Czech Republic. J. Jeslinkova was named the first Czech ambassador.
- 1996: book about history of Baltic states called “History of Baltic states” was firstly published in Czech language by L. Švec.
- 2009: fighter jets of Czech army were safeguarding the air space of Baltic states within the frame of NATO mission.
- 2009/2010: so far the most significant work about Czechoslovak-Lithuanian relations was published (D.Bukelevičiute, „Lietuvos ir Čeksolovakijos dvišaliu santykiu dinamika 1918-39 metais“).
- Nowadays:
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- Successful cooperation between Czech and Lithuanian cities is going on. For instance: Brno-Kaunas, Děčín-Jonava, Havířov-Mažeikia, Slaný-Rokiškis, Třeboň-Utena, Prachatice-Ignalina, Nepomuk-Anykščiai, Krnov-Telšiai, Bruntál-Plunge, Františkovy Lázně-Druskininkai, Tábor-Alytus, Krtetinga-Jeseník, Chomutov-Ukmerge.
- Czech Republic continues to be significant trade partner for Lithuania. Czechs are exporting mainly transport vehicles, chemical products, artificial substances, industrial devices, boilers, medicine, glass, etc.