The thesis deals with the role of mineral water and other kinds of water in the historical development of the town Rogaška Slatina. The area is rich with waters, which have played a significant role in the origins and transformation of the town. The thesis is devided into three main chapters: 1) the formation of the spa town of Rogaška Slatina, 2) the development of water industry, and 3) water-related local identity. In the chapter about the spa town of Rogaška Slatina, the urban development of the spa town throughout the 19th and 20th century is presented. The emphasis is placed on the health resort and the development of mineral water uses for various health purposes. The discovery of mineral water springs, around which the spa tourism has later been developed, was crucial for the development of the spa town. Additionally to providing employment opportunities for the locals in activities related to mineral waters (the mineral water bottling plant and tourism), the development of a health resort in Rogaška Slatina has also enabled the development of balneology and a detailed understanding of the therapeutic effects of mineral water on people. The water industry (bottling) in Rogaška Slatina, which is the topic of the second chapter, has developed at the beginning of the 19th century, with the first organized bottling plant. In the following 200 years, the development of the water industry has considerably affected the place itself and the people. The (mineral) water industry has resulted in creating Tempel and Donat trademarks and in building five bottling plants. In the subchapters about ecology and water ownership, the negative effects of the water industry are discussed, such as unsuccessful restorations of springs and the privatization of water sources. In the last chapter, the symbols which are representing the town and are related to water are analysed with the concept of local identity. Local belonging of quite some residents of the town is leaning on these. As an important part of local identity, the practical level and local knowledge of water use is also discussed, such as water drinking and pouring, which is a foundation for the expression or experience of local affiliation. Especially those mineral water springs, which are mainly used by the locals, turn out to be an important part of this practical expression of belonging.
|