The heroism of the Nándorfehérvár victory is still needed today

“The heroism displayed at the victory at the Battle of Nándorfehérvár in 1456 is still needed today”, the Ministry of Defence’s Parliamentary State Secretary, Szilárd Németh said on Sunday in Budapest on the anniversary of the famous Siege of Belgrade.

In his speech at the statue of János Hunyadi at Buda Castle following the midday ringing of the bells, which was originally introduced to commemorate the victory against the Ottoman Empire at the battle, Mr. Németh recalled: “At the time, Europe didn’t take the threat too seriously either, as a result of which the conquerors were able to advance without major resistance”.

“The Hungarians recognised the danger, however”, he added.

According to the State Secretary it is a warning to the whole of Europe that the continent must not forget its history. “Europe will be lost if it does not protect its own borders and its Christian culture”, he said, adding: “The Hungarians believe in their culture and in their thousand-year traditions, and are ready to defend them again and again”.

In the 15th century the army of the Ottoman Empire was one of the strongest of the age with relation to its organisation and combat level. This army occupied Byzantium and the Kingdom of Serbia, after which it planned to occupy Nándorfehérvár, he emphasised.