Rijeka is one of the few cities that was an internationally-recognised State for at least a short period. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Free State of Rijeka (Stato Libero di Fiume – FSR). The FSR was an internationally-recognised state of 28 square kilometers with about 52,000 inhabitants, founded in 1920 under the Treaty of Rapallo – established between the Kingdom of Italy and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes – in a situation where the status of Rijeka/Fiume became a major international problem. The decisions of the two neighbouring countries were supported by the great powers and the majority of the city’s population, with Croats supporting an independent State of Rijeka rather than Italian nationalists advocating for unification with Italy.
Rijeka/Fiume had enjoyed autonomy from the surrounding states since 1779. The State existed de facto for about a year, and de jure until 1924, when it was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy.
Unlike the centenary of D’Annunzio’s entry into the city, which was celebrated in Rijeka last year with an exhibition at the Governor’s Palace, this 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Free State of Rijeka would have been missed had it not been for the Free State of Rijeka association and the Rijeka City Museum. This international scientific conference will be taking place at City Hall, despite the pandemic. 13 renowned experts from Italy, Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia will address the creation of the State of Rijeka. Historians will shed light on the circumstances in which it arose, its duration and disappearance. As part of the scientific conference, great attention will be paid to the role of Riccardo Zanella, probably the most renowned Rijeka/Fiume politician of the first half of the 20th century and the first and last elected president of the Free State of Rijeka.
This brochure was prepare in the context of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Free State of Rijeka (Stato Libero di Fiume – FSR).
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The conference for which this brochure was prepared is financially supported by the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not liable for the opinions expressed by the speakers during the event or in the content of the publication.
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