How was Turanism present throughout Hungary’s history?

In the vast array of ideologies that shape nations, one controversial concept is Turanism, a multifaceted belief system with a distinctive manifestation in Hungary. This blend of orientalism and nationalism challenges the conventional European narrative, advocating for a Hungarian identity rooted in Asia. 

Tracing roots

TikTok creator, Turan Explorer made multiple compelling videos about Turanism in Hungary. According to him, understanding Turanism necessitates a closer look at Hungary’s linguistic and historical background. More than a millennium ago, Hungarians, akin to nomadic leaders like Attila the Hun, roamed Central Asia. Despite subsequent Europeanisation and Christianisation, the 18th to 20th centuries witnessed a resurgence of interest in Hungary’s Asian roots, spurred by the distinct Finno-Ugric nature of the Hungarian language.

Linguistic ties and cultural kinship

Proponents of Hungarian Turanism argued that the Finno-Ugric Hungarian language bore Turkic influences, suggesting historical ties between the Magyars and Turkic-speaking peoples. Emphasising shared cultural elements, folklore, and traditions, Turanism fostered a sense of kinship between the Magyars and Turkic nations. Ármin Vámbéry, a prominent Turanist, played a pivotal role in popularising these ideas, proposing a narrative of Hungarian origins in Central Asia.

Nationalism and Turanism

The roots of Hungarian Turanism delve into the nationalist sentiments that surged during the 19th century in Hungary, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Striving for greater autonomy and national identity, Hungarians sought an alternative narrative beyond European influences. Turanism emerged as a compelling ideology linking Hungarians to a broader, non-European heritage.

An academic perspective

Balázs Ablonczy’s work, “Keletre, Magyar! A magyar turanizmus története“, also delves into Hungarian Turanism. Ablonczy, an expert in Hungarian society and politics, navigates the complex landscape of Turanism. Around 1900, Hungarian Turanism evolved beyond a mere intellectual pursuit, becoming a financially rewarding venture. Key figures, including politicians like Mihály Károlyi and István Tisza, actively embraced Turanism, aligning scientific, political and economic interests. The Turanian Society, founded in 1910, played a pivotal role in Hungarian intellectual life and Balkan Hungarian politics between 1916 and 1918.

Post-Trianon and Post-1945

The aftermath of the Trianon Treaty marked a transformative period for Hungarian Turanism, as a traumatised society sought solace in Eastern roots. Post-World War II presented challenges, forcing certain Turanist branches into illegality, while the influence of radical Turanists grew within the Hungarian emigration. Despite periodic transformations, Turanism’s enduring impact, particularly in the realm of art, remained positive for Hungarian cultural diplomacy.

Turanism and commercialisation

In the first half of the 20th century, Turán became a popular term, not only in intellectual circles but also as a brand name and part of everyday language. The right-wing nationalistic government, led by Miklós Horthy, had a complex relationship with Turanism, embracing some elements while distancing from the more fringe aspects. Turanism’s popularity even trickled down to the business class. The commercialisation of the word Turán in Hungary’s marketplace yielded amusing anecdotes. Turán Cinema, formerly Edison Cinema, faced a lawsuit from Edison, prompting a name change. A Turán Goldsmith workshop sought government support for medallions, and various trade companies, from coal to shoes, adopted the Turán label. If you hunt around antique stores long enough, you can still find compasses produced by the Turanian Stationary Company. Did they perhaps make them for mapping out the territory envisioned in Turanist ideals?

Is Turanism still around?

Despite its popularity, Hungarian Turanism faced challenges from historians and scholars who questioned its theories, citing a lack of concrete archaeological and historical evidence. In the modern era, Turanism’s prominence in Hungary has diminished, and the prevailing narrative emphasises the nation’s European roots. The Hungarian people have embraced their unique cultural heritage within the broader context of a European identity, leaving Turanism as a debated and controversial aspect of Hungary’s history and identity.

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Source: Turan Explorer