People in Prague tend to share similar values and lifestyles. The vast majority of the people living there are Czech. However, there is a sizable Slovak minority.
But what are the inhabitants of Prague called? The Czech people, sometimes known as the Czechs, are the inhabitants of Prague, the Republic of the Czech, located in Central Europe. They are the West Slavic Prague population with a common linguistic and cultural heritage.
The central location of the Czech Republic in Europe, the impact of its neighbors, the upheavals of politics and society, and the ups and downs of peace and conflict have all left their marks on the culture of people in Prague. Prague’s status as a significant cultural hub in Europe fluctuated over the course of history, but the country’s unique culture has endured.
The Origins of Ethnicity and Culture of the People in Prague
The people in Prague are ethnolinguistically and culturally Slavic, specifically West Slavic.
When East Germanic peoples fled Central Europe over the migration era, early Slavic tribes moved in. These people eventually became known as the West Slavs. The Czechs, a West Slavic people, arrived in the Bohemia region during migration and absorbed the region’s remaining Celtic and Germanic inhabitants. Under Svatopluk I’s reign, the region now known as the Duchy of Bohemia was established.
Forefather ÄŚech is credited in folklore as the one responsible for relocating the Czech people to their current homeland.
The Czech people have deep ties to their Slovak neighbors, with whom they formed Czechoslovakia between 1918 and 1992.
The Czech and Slovak languages are not entirely separate from one another but rather exist on a continuum of dialects. It is widely acknowledged that Czech culture has had a far greater impact on Slovak culture than vice versa. The Slavic Czechs have lived peacefully alongside the Germanic peoples for centuries.
The German language replaced the Czech language in regional and local administration in the seventeenth century. The upper classes in Bohemia and Moravia became Germanized and adopted a political identity, but the poor and middle classes retained their Czech ethnic identity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Czech National Revival occurred with the goal of reinvigorating Czech life and identity. Pan-Slavism had its origins in Czech politics.
5 Most Famous People in the Czech Republic
Historically, the region presently referred to as the Czech Republic was called Bohemia. Despite its small stature, its history is long and eventful.
The people in Prague, Czech, have always been known for their revolutionary spirit and the many ways in which they have changed the world.
Some of the most famous people from the Czech Republic who have made important contributions to their respective disciplines, including prominent politicians, elite athletes, Nobel Prize winners, and internationally acclaimed authors and singers, are on our list. Here are just a few of the Czechs who have achieved international renown and secured an indelible spot in their country’s history.
King Charles IV (1316-1378)
The former ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, King of the Bohemians, and primary benefactor of Prague is the most famous Czech person. When Charles I assumed power in 1346, he transformed Prague into the capital of the Roman Catholic Church as well as one of the continent’s most advanced metropolises.
During his rule, several important landmarks in the nation were built, including the earliest college in Prague (Charles University), the famous Charles Bridge, the biggest park in Karlovo námst, and the wellness town of Karlovy Vary.
Jan Hus, the Great (1369 or 1370–1415)
This famous person in the Czech Republic was a scholar and professor who became a symbol of Czech nationalism for his work reforming the church. Hus challenged the pope’s supremacy and advocated for building a Bohemian National Church in reaction to what he saw as the abuse of power by the Vatican and the German priests in Prague. In 1414, he was taken into custody after arriving at the Ecclesiastic Council in Germany, where he had been invited to explain his ideas. In 1415, he was publicly executed for heresy, marking the beginning of what is now known as the Hussite Wars and being celebrated as a national holiday in the Czech Republic. The Czech Brethren are a continuation of his church.
Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939)
This French artist dedicated his life to creating art nouveau paintings, illustrations, and posters. Mucha’s work, which included illustrations, ads, ornamental panels, and designs, quickly became iconic and is among the Czech famous people. Today, there is a Mucha museum dedicated to the artist’s work.
The Author, Franz Kafka (1883–1924)
Václav Havel (1936- 2011)
A playwright, essayist, and ex-dissident who also served as the country’s first president is among the list of famous people from the Czech Republic.
The nature of humanity and the mechanics of dehumanized power are key to his literary works. Havel was a major figure in the Charter 77 campaign for democracy in the 1970s and 1980s. Havel was the recipient of a plethora of posthumous medals and honors from the Czech Republic. In 2012, the moniker of Prague’s international airport was changed to honor former Czech president Václav Havel.
Franz Kafka was one of the most famous people in the Czech Republic and an influential author of 20th-century German literature. He was born in Prague to a Jewish family. The Trial, Metamorphosis, The Castle, and America are among some of his most well-known books. Kafka’s writing frequently depicted bizarre, claustrophobic, and confusing environments.
The term “Kafkaesque” is now commonly used to describe those who are “living in absurdity.” The Franz Kafka Museum is a must-see for any traveler to Prague.
Explore the Artistic World of Alphonse Mucha at Prague’s Municipal House
Step into the captivating world of Alphonse Mucha, a renowned artist of the Art Nouveau movement, at the iMucha Exhibition held in Prague’s Municipal House. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance as you discover over 200 original works by Mucha, including mesmerizing posters, paintings, and drawings, all presented with cutting-edge technology.
Highlights
- Experience over 200 original works by the iconic artist Alphonse Mucha
- Witness the state-of-the-art technology that breathes life into Mucha’s art
- Engage with a multimedia exhibition featuring the Slav Epic
- Hear the voice of Alphonse Mucha emanating from his captivating self-portrait
- Browse the original souvenir shop for unique mementos
Included
- Admission ticket to the iMucha Exhibition
- Optional guided tour for a deeper insight into Mucha’s artistry
Experience the cultural hub of the world
People from many walks of life can find common ground in Prague. Old and new meet in Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital. Different kinds of people in Prague blend in everywhere. As a result, a wide variety of cultures have been able to live and flourish in Prague. It’s the country’s largest metropolis, with a population of over a million people.
For more than a thousand years, Prague has served as the heart and largest city of the Czech lands, and it is now the capital of the modern Czech Republic. Some of the most famous people in Prague’s history were either born or died in Prague, attended university there, or achieved some fame or fortune there.
