Hârșova (also spelled Hîrșova; Romanian pronunciation: [ˈhɨrʃova]; Turkish: Hırsova; Bulgarian: Хърсово, Harsovo) is a town located on the right bank of the Danube, in Constanța County, Northern Dobruja, Romania.
The village of Vadu Oii is administered by the town. The village is linked with Giurgeni commune over the Danube via the Giurgeni-Vadu Oii Bridge.
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Etymology
The relationship between the current name of Hârșova and the ancient name of the city, Carsium has long been a matter of debate among historians and linguists. According to Iorgu Iordan the ancient name may have been kept under the influence of the Slavic word Круш, cliff, rock.
The current name may also derive from the ancient Slavic god Hârs (Хърс) and Slavic suffix "-ova" and it is still under debate whether it is in any way linked with the ancient name, or perhaps a common Proto-Indo-European root related to "ecstasy"/"desire", ultimately also related to the Vedic rta and Avestan arta.
History
In ancient times, a Roman settlement grew up on the site of the current town named Carsium around the Roman fort of the same name whose remains are still visible on the bank of the Danube. It was initially in Moesia and later in Scythia Minor province.