Hungarian historian, Turkologist, diplomat Hóvári dies aged 68

János Hóvári, a historian, Turkologist, former diplomat and professor at the University of Pécs, has died, aged 68, the university said on Tuesday.

His colleagues and students learnt with deep sorrow about Hóvári’s sudden and untimely death, the university said on its website. As a researcher and expert of Ottoman history and global geopolitics, János Hóvári had been a dedicated supporter for decades of the university and the students helping their advancement and had contributed to their success, it said.

Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), has expressed condolences over the death of Hóvári, who served as executive director of OTS’s Representation Office in Hungary in the rank of ambassador.

“As a person who has dedicated his life to Turkology and gained a respected position in the Hungarian diplomacy with his distinguished service as an Ambassador, Mr. Hóvári has made great contributions to enhance comprehensive cooperation between Hungary and the Turkic States in his entire life.”

Hóvári earned his degree in History-Turkish Studies at the Budapest ELTE University in 1979. He began his diplomatic career in 1992 at the foreign ministry to serve as Hungary’s ambassador to Israel, Kuwait and Turkey.