In 1878, the Turks finally had to concede defeat and northern Dobrogea was added to the new country. After the second Balkan War southern Dobrogea was added as well. Romania is a cross-roads. It has been a trading center and a battleground, but Romanized vlach peasants have assimilated the intruders they could not repel. Their Latin-based language continues to this day.
Romanian pottery is among the richest and most diversified in Europe.
There are currently some thirty pottery centers throughout Romania, each with its own distinctive style. The most active are in Horezu in the Vilcea district, Miercurea-Ciuc and Corund in Western Transylvania, Baia Mare in Northern Transylvania, and Radauti and Marginea in Moldova. Ceramic objects are still used in rituals that mark important events such as birth, marriage, baptism, funerals, and funeral feasts. In the southern part of the country, families with a daughter of marriage-age display a plate in the window, with the top facing the street. When the young woman becomes engaged, her family announces her change in status by turning the plate to face away from the street.