Hungarian history

Forty-five years since the first Ikarus articulated bus bid farewell to Budapest

ikarus 180 hungary magyarország

It has been 45 years since the Budapest Transport Company (BKV) withdrew the last Ikarus 180 articulated bus from service. It was the first articulated bus to be produced in-house and laid the foundations for Ikarus’ later worldwide success.

Ikarus 180

The Ikarus 180 began to take shape in 1958 when the factory set its sights on developing a new, large-capacity articulated bus inspired by the West German Henschel HS 160 USL. László Finta, a renowned designer of the period, designed the vehicle. The first working prototype was presented in 1961 at the Budapest Local Industry Fair, where the new articulated bus was a massive hit with the public, writes PestBuda.

The Ikarus 180 was considered outstanding by the standards of the time. Its engine was placed under the vehicle’s floor, providing a quieter and more comfortable passenger compartment. The 16.5-metre-long bus had three doors and a seating capacity of 180 passengers, which was particularly advantageous in congested urban traffic. The vehicle was initially powered by a Csepel diesel engine, but later, more powerful Rába engines were installed.

ikarus-180
Fotó: Fortepan / Prohászka Imre (288772)

The articulated bus revolution in Budapest

Although the idea of articulated buses did not originate in Hungary, Budapest was one of the first cities in the world to introduce this type of vehicle. The first articulated buses were home rebuilds of two scrapped buses. The Ikarus 180 was a more professional and modern solution, which entered service in 1963 at the Budapest Bus Operating Unit (FAÜ). They served passengers in Budapest from the mid-1960s and were a key element of urban transport for 16 years.

A transitional type that laid the foundations for success

The Ikarus 180 was, in fact, a transitional model. Production lasted only until 1973, with a total of 7,802 units built. Of these, only 520 remained in Hungary; the rest were destined for export to countries from Mongolia to Egypt. However, the success of the bus and the experience gained paved the way for the Ikarus 280, which became one of the world’s best-known articulated buses. More than 61,000 units of the 280 were built, and for decades, it played a major role in transport from Los Angeles to Vladivostok, according to HellóMagyar.

ikarus 180 hungary magyarország
Ikarus 180. Photo: Jácint Mayer

Farewell and remembrance

By the late 1970s, the 180s were gradually replaced by the more modern Ikarus 280s. The last 180 buses ran in Budapest on 20 January 1980. At the time, the event did not receive much press coverage, and the previous example was not preserved. However, the memory of the type has been kept alive by a fortunate coincidence: in 1990, an Ikarus 180, formerly converted into a mobile shooting range for the Communist Youth League, was restored and can still be seen today.

The heritage of the Ikarus 180

The Ikarus 180 represents an important chapter not only in the history of Hungarian bus manufacturing but also in the transport history of Budapest. Although it was only in production for a short time, its impact went far beyond its own era. By paving the way for the development of modern articulated buses, it contributed to Ikarus’ worldwide reputation and the golden age of Hungary’s transport industry. Today, we recall the 180 with nostalgia, but its legacy lives on in history and on the roads.

Read also – Ikarus buses: the most successful Hungarian products of the 20th century – details and PHOTOS

Viet Nam – Hungary: Outstanding milestones over the past 75 years of diplomatic relationship

vietnamese flag

Right after the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam) was born in 1945, Hungary was one of the first countries in the world to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam (February 3, 1950). President Ho Chi Minh is the one who laid the foundation for the traditional friendly relationship between Viet Nam and Hungary. Since then, the bilateral relations have continuously developed, and made many significant achievements.

Relations between Vietnam and Hungary:

The two countries’ relationship is built on a foundation of deep political trust, empathy, sincere sentiment and mutual understanding, which have been maintained and nurtured throughout the past period of struggle for national liberation and reunification of the country of Viet Nam and in the current period of renovation and national construction.  

Hungary has provided very significant and valuable aid to North Viet Nam through donation movements to support Viet Nam, helping Viet Nam train many military students, experts, engineers, and doctors who later have become leading experts in relevant industries to serve the national construction. 

During Viet Nam’s struggle for the reunification, Hungary continued to support Viet Nam with practical actions, such as supportive articles, telegrams of sympathy for Viet Mam, marches and demonstrations against the war, calling for peace for Viet Nam… The slogan “We are with you, Viet Nam” was popular in political life in Hungary at that time and is still deeply engraved in the memories of many Hungarians and Vietnamese people today.

The Party, State and people of Viet Nam always remember and are grateful for this very valuable and effective help from the people and government of Hungary. Currently, despite the geographical distance and changes in the world, the Party, Government and people of Viet Nam always value and wish to further develop this traditional friendship.  

Among Viet Nam’s traditional friends in the Central Eastern European region, Viet Nam always considers Hungary one of its most important partners. This is clearly demonstrated through the visit of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong in 2018, when the two countries announced a Joint Declaration to upgrade bilateral relations to Comprehensive Partnership, making Hungary the first Central Eastern European country to be a Comprehensive Partner of Viet Nam. 

Since then, the two countries have maintained high-level visits to enhance political trust and mutual understanding. In addition, the two countries have signed many cooperation documents in various fields. Notably, our Party and the ruling Fidesz party (Hungarian Civic Alliance) in Hungary signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening cooperation between the two Parties in 2017, contributing to creating a solid political foundation for relations between the countries.

In addition, regular and periodic exchange mechanisms between the two countries such as political consultations at the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs level, meetings of the Viet Nam-Hungary Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation are promoted, and people-to-people exchange, cultural, sports and tourism cooperation activities are vibrant and rich.    

Measures implemented to promote the Comprehensive Partnership in 2024 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Hungary early 2024 created a strong spillover effect at all levels and sectors of both countries, forming a new momentum to promote cooperative relations in all fields.  

Looking back one year after this important visit, despite of many complicated developments in the world and the European region, two-way trade is still growing, Viet Nam continued to be Hungary’s leading trading partner in ASEAN. 

Two-way trade turnover between Viet Nam and Hungary in 2024 reached 932 million USD; Hungary’s FDI into Viet Nam recorded 72.36 million USD, ranking 54th out of 147 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam.

Viet Nam has invested in Hungary in 2 projects with a total capital of 5.8 million USD and currently a large investment project in Hungary worth more than 80 million USD is in the stage of application for an investment license.

In the political-diplomatic field, the two sides continue to increase the exchange of high-level delegations following the Prime Minister’s visit, such as the visit to Hungary by National Assembly Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong (April 2024), the visit to Viet Nam by the Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Matrai Marta (April 2024), as well as many delegations at the level of Deputy Ministers of Ministries, Departments, branches and localities of Viet Nam to Hungary.

Cooperation in the field of education and training continues to be a bright spot. Every year, Hungary provides up to 200 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships to Vietnamese students, and currently many Vietnamese pursue their study in Hungary as self-funded students. The Memoranda of Understanding (10 MOUs) signed between the universities of the two countries during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Hungary were implemented effectively.

Other fields of cooperation such as culture, sports and tourism, justice, agriculture, health, natural resources and environment… had very positive developments with many quality and effective activities.

The two countries effectively coordinated and supported each other at multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, ASEM, and ASEAN-EU. Especially, during Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the last 6 months of 2024, Hungary always expressed support for Viet Nam in lobbying the remaining EU countries to ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the European Commission to soon remove the yellow card for Vietnamese seafood products.

New economic opportunities 

With the foundation of the long-standing traditional friendship between the two countries and the framework of Comprehensive Partnership, Hungary’s Look East policy as well as Viet Nam’s foreign policy of multilateralization, diversification, and intensive international integration, with focus on international economic integration, the two countries have become “bridges” connecting the two regions of Europe and Southeast Asia. These important guidelines and policies, along with EVFTA, have created conditions to expand economic cooperation opportunities for the two countries.

In 2024, the Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary and the Trade Office organized many trade promotion activities with positive results such as bringing ST25 rice into the Hungarian market through local major distribution channels. The Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary has also facilitated and organized many working delegations of ministries, branches as well as Vietnamese businesses to visit Hungary to find partners, business and business opportunities in fields of digital economy, green economy.

The delegations have gained many valuable information and experiences, and built relationships with many partners in fields such as water resource management, smart agriculture development using AI, development of renewable energy, solar energy, green economy, digital economy.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary and the Trade Office also organized a large business delegation of 37 Hungarian companies, distributors and retailers to come to Viet Nam to explore the market and cooperate with partners to attend Viet Nam International Sourcing Expo 2024. Through this connection activity, many Hungarian businesses have found suitable partners.

Aspirations for future 

Viet Nam-Hungary relations have gone through a history of 75 years of friendship, cooperation and development. The two countries always share aspirations for peace and progress, mutual support and close coordination in international forums, especially at the United Nations, and have now become comprehensive partners of each other.

Senior leaders of the two countries have built a high level of political trust. The Vietnamese community in Hungary has made many positive contributions to Hungary’s socio-economic development and has played a good role as a bridge, creating a solid social foundation for good friendly relations between the two peoples. With such a rich history of relations, it is highly expected that Viet Nam-Hungary relations will witness stronger, more comprehensive and deeper developments, in accordance with the wishes of the Leaders and the aspirations of people of the two countries.

In this year, the two countries will organize many activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. The President and Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary are expected to visit Viet Nam. On the Vietnamese side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son will visit Hungary. In addition, there are many delegations at the level of Deputy Ministers from ministries, branches and localities of Viet Nam scheduled to visit Hungary. In addition, the Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary also plans to organize many activities to practically celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It is strongly believed that these visits and activities will contribute to further strengthening political trust, mutual understanding as well as exchanges between the people of the two countries, creating new, positive and more effective steps for Viet Nam-Hungary Comprehensive Partnership in the near future.

Source: Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary

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5 wallet-friendly travel destinations in Hungary

Hortobágy Grey Cattle Szürkemarha Great Plain travel destinations in Hungary

Looking for an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank? Hungary offers a treasure trove of hidden gems where history, culture, and natural beauty come at a fraction of the cost. These wallet-friendly travel destinations in Hungary prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience something special and meaningful.

Hortobágy

Travelo has collected the best travel destinations in Hungary that you can visit without breaking the piggy bank. One of the most unique travel destinations in Hungary, Hortobágy National Park, offers an affordable escape into nature and tradition. Home to the iconic Nine Hole Bridge and vast puszta plains, visitors can experience Hungary’s rural heritage through traditional colt shows and scenic landscapes. The nearby Hortobágyi fish ponds are a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with budget-friendly options for exploring on foot or by bike. With reasonable entrance fees, just HUF 2,500 (EUR 6.13) for adults, free hiking trails, and affordable village guesthouses, Hortobágy is a perfect low-cost getaway.

Hortobágy Grey Cattle Szürkemarha Great Plain travel destinations in Hungary
Great Plain with Grey Cattle Photo: Pixabay

Szarvas

Szarvas, a budget-friendly travel destination in Hungary, offers culture and nature at an affordable price. Highlights include the Mini Hungary model park with low entry fees and the scenic Holt-Körös River, perfect for free walks or picnics. Affordable boat rentals and low-cost guesthouses make it an ideal wallet-friendly getaway.

Sirok and Bükkalja

Sirok and the Bükkkalja region are hidden gems among travel destinations in Hungary, offering history and nature at a low cost. Sirok Castle’s affordable entry fee grants stunning panoramic views, while nearby cave dwellings and hive stones can be explored for free. Hikers can enjoy scenic trails in the Bükk Mountains, and budget-friendly village guesthouses make this an ideal wallet-friendly escape.

Lake Tisza

Lake Tisza is a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to Lake Balaton and one of the best travel destinations in Hungary for nature lovers. Its scenic cycle path offers free exploration, while most beaches have minimal or no entrance fees. Affordable camping options and the value-packed Lake Tisza Ecocentre make it a perfect low-cost getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Tisza
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ilovetiszato/

Pannonhalma

The Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma is a must-see among travel destinations in Hungary, offering history and stunning views at an affordable price. The nearby Sokoró Hills provide free hiking opportunities, while the Pannonhalma Arboretum and canopy walkway offer budget-friendly nature experiences. Wine lovers can also enjoy reasonably priced local tastings, making this a great low-cost getaway.

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Unearthing secrets: Exploring Hungarian bunkers and their mysterious past – PHOTOS, VIDEOS

Hungarian bunker

Hungary’s long and turbulent history has left an indelible mark beneath its surface, where a network of hidden underground bunkers and shelters lies. These Hungarian bunkers offer a fascinating glimpse into the past while promising thrilling adventures for modern-day visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned urbexer, a history enthusiast, or drawn to untold stories and forgotten places, this article tells interesting stories about these bunkers covered in dust and left behind for eternity.

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Okay, we might have exaggerated a bit… Not all Hungarian bunkers are left behind for eternity; some are turned into cool museums! As Travelo writes, situated beneath Várhegy in Buda, the Hospital in the Rock (Sziklakórház) is one of the most iconic examples of Hungarian bunkers. Originally established as a hospital during World War II, it provided critical medical care amidst the chaos of the war.

During the Cold War, the facility was transformed into a nuclear bunker. Today, it is a museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore its wartime origins, Cold War adaptations, and a fascinating collection of period medical equipment. Guided tours present the facility’s historical role and architectural ingenuity, making it a must-visit site for history buffs and adventurers.

F4, Rákosi bunker

The F4 Rákosi Bunker, one of the most secretive Hungarian bunkers, was built during the early Cold War era as a covert nuclear shelter for Hungary’s communist leader, Mátyás Rákosi. Hidden deep beneath Budapest, this reinforced underground facility was designed to withstand potential attacks while serving as a command centre in case of war. Despite its high level of secrecy at the time, the bunker was never actually used for its intended purpose. Today, it remains largely inaccessible to the public, adding to its air of mystery.

Little Moscow

Little Moscow, an abandoned Cold War relic near Nagyvázsony and Tótvázsony in the Bakony Mountains, is one of the most enigmatic abandoned spots in Hungary. Little Moscow was built in the 1960s, this 36-hectare site functioned as a self-sufficient military base, complete with a cinema, theatre, sports facilities, bunkers, and residential buildings for soldiers. Behind its triple barbed wire and electric fences lay a highly restricted area believed to have housed a bunker for storing nuclear warheads. The barracks, deserted since 1990, remain in remarkably good condition due to tight security. Although there have been discussions about repurposing the site, it hasn’t happened yet.

Strázsa Hill Bunker

According to the Duna-Ipoly National Park, situated in the north-western Pilis Mountains, an area rich in history and natural beauty, lies a network of Hungarian bunkers with origins tracing back over 80 years. This region, long associated with military activities, hosted forces from the Austro-Hungarian Army to the Soviet Army. Remarkably, the exclusive military use helped preserve the area’s unique natural flora, including rare steppe plant species and protected flowers. While traces of military activity have faded, some of the hidden Hungarian bunkers remain accessible, offering a glimpse into the country’s 20th-century military history. Among approximately 17 artificial structures, many were constructed by Hungarian forces in the early 20th century, blending into the natural landscape.

Holy Crown Bunker

Természetjáró writes that one of the most historically significant Hungarian bunkers is located in Kőszeg. It once safeguarded the nation’s treasures, including the Holy Crown, during the final years of World War II. The Crown and coronation jewels were evacuated in 1944 to protect them from the conflict, moving between various locations before being stored in Kőszeg’s bunker from 20-28 March 1945. Guarded by the Crown Guards, the relics eventually left Hungary and returned decades later.

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Exploring Budapest’s street names: From gender disparities to naming after non-existent individuals

Budapest street names

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts a unique and diverse array of street names that reflect its rich history, cultural heritage, and evolving social landscape. An innovative map project by a team of dedicated experts has shed light on the intriguing patterns and peculiarities of Budapest’s street naming conventions.

Street naming statistics

Budapest’s street naming practices reveal some interesting statistics:

  • The city has 8,598 public spaces according to the Budapest Capital Public Space Register.
  • 30% (2,591) of these spaces bear personal names.
  • Of the personally named spaces:
    • 89% (2,309) are named after men
    • 11% (282) are named after women
  • 10% (249) of public spaces are named after unidentified or fictional characters, Maxinewz writes.
Budapest street names
Budapest. Photo: MTVA/Bizományosi: Nagy Zoltán

The gender gap in street names

The stark disparity between male and female representation in street names is evident, with only 224 public spaces named after women, ÉnBudapestem writes. This imbalance has not gone unnoticed, and efforts are being made to address it:

  • The 2nd District municipality named five public spaces after women in 2021.
  • In February 2023, they held a vote for naming additional spaces after notable women.
  • The 11th District (Újbuda) named four new streets after women connected to the district’s history.
  • The 14th District (Zugló) named three public spaces after prominent women on International Women’s Day in 2023.

Creative naming strategies

To avoid potential controversies associated with naming streets after historical figures, Budapest has employed several creative naming strategies:

  1. Thematic naming:
    • In the 17th District, streets are named after settlements in the Jászság region.
    • Some areas use numbered streets (e.g., 1st Street, 2nd Street).
  2. Nature-inspired names:
    • Groups of streets named after flowers, creating a “meadow” effect on the map.
  3. Personal names:
    • Some neighbourhoods feature streets with common first names, creating a friendly atmosphere.
  4. Fictional or unidentified characters:
    • About 10% of public spaces are named after unidentified or fictional characters, avoiding potential political controversies.

Changing trends and future outlook

The trend towards more inclusive and diverse street naming is gaining momentum:

  • Municipalities are actively working to improve the representation of women in street names.
  • Public voting is being used to engage citizens in the naming process.
  • There’s a growing recognition of the importance of honouring women’s contributions to history and culture through street names.

As Budapest continues to evolve, its street names serve as a reflection of its past, present, and future aspirations, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance throughout the city.

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László Almásy: The Hungarian man who served as an explorer, reconnaissance officer, and spy

László Almásy

A certain air of mystery surrounds the figure of László Almásy, and the release of the world-famous film The English Patient did little to dispel it. Almásy constantly pushed his own limits while becoming entangled in the events of World War II. Even among his contemporaries, he was something of a legend, but defamatory writings about him began to emerge early on, intensifying with the rise of the communist regime. An article by Ferenc Kanyó from Helló Magyar.

Passion for flying

László Almásy
László Almásy and Nándor Zichy. Photo: Wikimedia

László Almásy was born in 1895 in Borostyánkő (now Bernstein, Austria). Even at this early stage of his life, a minor legend formed around him—he was often addressed as a count. Although his family was of noble descent and bore the titles “of Zsadány and Törökszentmiklós,” they never actually held a count’s title. His grandfather, Eduárd Almásy, acquired Borostyánkő through purchase. According to one of László Almásy’s letters, it was suggested that his grandfather submit a petition for the title, which King Charles IV approved. However, Eduárd passed away before the process was completed, and his heirs never finalised the request in Hungary.

Borostyánkő
Borostyánkő. Fotó: Mayer Jácint/Helló Magyar

When Charles IV attempted to reclaim his throne, László Almásy took part in the events as the private secretary of János Mikes, the Bishop of Szombathely. (At this time, left-wing propaganda first accused him of homosexuality, claiming he was the bishop’s lover.) Since he had previously learned to drive, he often chauffeured key figures during important meetings, including Charles IV himself. It is uncertain whether he supported the king’s second return attempt. If he did, he remained silent about it, as the Horthy regime took harsh action against the participants of the second attempt, unlike the first.

Almásy had learned to fly while studying in Great Britain. His passion for exploration was likely inspired by his father, György Almásy, who travelled extensively in Asia. During World War I, he served on multiple fronts—first on the Eastern Front, then from 1916 on the Italian Front, and later in Albania. However, due to the restrictions imposed on aviation in Hungary following the Treaty of Trianon, he temporarily shifted his focus to automobiles.

Drawn to Africa

Almásy had already tested his limits with cars—he finished second in the Hortobágy-Balaton Tour and participated in numerous car races—but it was an African expedition that brought him true recognition. Accompanied by his brother-in-law, Antal Esterházy, he crossed the Libyan and Nubian Deserts in a Steyr automobile, travelling from Alexandria to Khartoum, the capital of present-day Sudan. Their 3,000-kilometer journey gained international attention, as they reached areas previously considered inaccessible by car. This achievement led to Almásy becoming something of a brand ambassador for Steyr, testing new models in the desert until the Great Depression shook the Austrian company’s financial stability.

Almásy László és Zichy Nándor repülő (1)
László Almásy and Nándor Zichy’s first exploring trip by plane, 21 August 1931, Mátyásföld, Budapest. Photo: Wikimedia

In 1931, he embarked on an aerial exploration with Nándor Zichy from Türkiye to Africa, but near Aleppo, their plane crashed, and the expedition they had planned to join proceeded without them. By 1932, however, László Almásy had reached the Zarzura Oasis. In 1933, with a sponsor backing him, he set off on another expedition with geographer László Kádár. In the Libyan Desert’s mesa formations, he made a groundbreaking discovery—ancient human and animal depictions. These paintings, which also portrayed plants and water, led him to conclude that the region had once been periodically or permanently covered by water. He remained in Egypt until 1939, returning to Hungary out of fear of British internment at the onset of World War II.

The war years

Almásy’s international fame became a burden during World War II, as the Germans recognised his expertise. Under pressure from the Abwehr, the Hungarian military assigned him to Africa, where the Wehrmacht needed individuals familiar with the local terrain for the Afrikakorps’ operations. Between February 1941 and August 1942, he served for a total of 570 days with the German 10th Air Division in Africa.

One of his first missions involved an attempt to extract Aziz Ali al-Misri, a nationalist politician sympathetic to the Germans, from Egypt. Almásy tried twice, but al-Misri was eventually captured by Egyptian authorities.

His most daring operation was infiltrating two German agents deep behind British lines. The mission was especially difficult because by then, the British had already cracked the Germans’ encrypted messages and were aware of the operation. Despite this, Almásy successfully smuggled the two agents into Egypt and safely returned with his team. He later recounted his experiences in With Rommel’s Army in Libya (Rommel seregénél Libyában).

Post-war persecution

Despite his wartime achievements, Almásy faced severe consequences after the war. He was first arrested in April 1945 and handed over to the Soviets, who transferred him to Austria in June but then released him. In July, he was arrested again in Szombathely by the Hungarian police, but after interrogation, he was freed.

However, in January 1946, he was arrested once more, released in March, and then detained again by the Soviets in June. He was handed back to Hungarian authorities in August. During his imprisonments, he was repeatedly beaten and tortured, yet no incriminating evidence was extracted from him.

Ultimately, his salvation came from an unexpected source—Gyula Germanus, a renowned orientalist. Although Germanus did not personally know Almásy, one of his students was Mátyás Rákosi, Hungary’s future communist leader. Rákosi signalled to the people’s court judge to hear Germanus’ testimony. Mistakenly believing that the orientalist represented the Communist Party’s stance, the judge acquitted Almásy.

In 1947, he was arrested again, but the intervention of the Egyptian king’s cousin and the British intelligence services saved him. However, he was forced to leave Hungary. Almásy settled in Cairo, where he worked as a flight instructor. He died in 1951 of dysentery.

A book on the traveller

A book about László Almásy’s life by Tamás Viktor Tari was recently published: The Father of the Sands: Almásy László’s secret life (A homok atyja. Almási László titkos élete) sheds new light on the fascinating and often controversial life of this Hungarian explorer, pilot, and wartime operative.

Read the original, Hungarian-language article HERE.

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Hungary thanks Australia for returning collection of ‘Hungaricum’ documents, music scores – photos

Hungary thanks Australia for returning collection of 'Hungaricum' documents, music scores

Hungary says thanks to Australia for its help “in healing the wound that the 20th century caused to us,” the deputy state secretary in charge of public collections and cultural development said in the National Széchenyi Library (OSZK) on Tuesday.

Máté Vincze addressed the presentation of a collection of 248 titles that include documents, scores and notes of Hungarian folk music and choral works and has been provided to OSZK by the National Library of Australia (NLA).

“In the 20th century, many things had to be taken abroad from Hungary in order to rescue them. This is why it is an outstanding development that these invaluable documents, scores and notes that were no longer in Hungary are returning to our country,” he said.
OSZK director Dávid Rózsa said the collection contains works exclusively by Hungarian composers including Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály and Hungarian music education publications. “More than one-third of the items were never to be found in OSZK’s collection before,” he said.

More than a third of the items, 87 works, were not previously in the collection of the national library,” Dávid Rózsa pointed out. “It is good to belong to a culture whose monuments are of value even a twenty-hour flight from Budapest,” the director general said. “Zoltán Kodály’s unique teaching method has conquered the whole world”, said Ian Biggs, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of Australia to Hungary, adding that the Kodály method, which has been present in Australia since 1973, when the Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia was established, helps to promote the love of music and its study, especially in primary and secondary education.

Hungary thanks Australia for returning collection of 'Hungaricum' documents, music scores
Ian Biggs, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of Australia to Hungary. Photo: MTI

The written summary of the OSZK recalls that the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) held its World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, from 30 September to 2 October 2024, at which the Hungarian National Library was represented.

The collection of Hungarian folk music and choral works was donated to Hungary by the National Library of Australia as a significant gesture on the occasion of the World Library Congress.The collection, which includes publications from Hungary, England, Canada and the United States between 1935 and 1982, was bequeathed to the National Library of Australia in 1987 as a bequest from John A. Young, a Sydney conservatoire teacher, to help music teachers using the Kodály method.

read also: Australia’s best Hungarian restaurant awaited guests with kangaroo goulash

The story of the first Hungarian-built aircraft

The story of the first Hungarian aircraft

The first Hungarian-built aircraft, the Libelle, was presented in Hungary in December 1909 and officially made its first flight on 10 January 1910. However, a month earlier, on 9 December 1909, the aircraft was tested, a landmark event in Hungarian aviation history.

At the time, aviation experiments were still in their infancy and were seen more as a spectacle, a circus attraction. However, Louis Blériot’s Hungarian debut in October 1909 was a major inspiration for Hungarian aircraft builders, writes PestBuda.

The Libelle: the first Hungarian-built aircraft

The aircraft was built by Jenő Gráber and János Adorján and was named Libelle, or “Dragonfly”. The small structure was made of wood, canvas and wire, weighing just under 200 kilograms. The machine was powered by a two-cylinder Dedics engine, which produced 24 hp to provide the energy needed for the climb.

Dimensions of the Libelle:

  • Length: 8.8 metres
  • Wingspan: 7.3 metres
  • Maximum speed: 55 km/h

The aircraft first appeared at the airport of Rákosmeze, where it was tested on 9 December 1909.

The question of flight: success or failure?

Different accounts of the first test of the Libelle have survived. Zsuzsa Frisnyák, in her book The Chronicle of Hungarian Transport, writes that the plane flew 150 metres at an altitude of about 2 metres. In contrast, László Winkler, in his book Hungarian Fliers, Flying Hungarians, claims that the plane only rolled, but the wheels broke, so the first official flight took place on 10 January 1910.

The press of the time did not report on the event in detail, so whether an actual flight took place in December 1909 is uncertain. What is certain, however, is that the Libelle was already ready and, had it not failed, it may well have been the one to make Hungary’s first official flight.

The fate of the Libelle and János Adorján

In January 1910, the Libelle made several successful take-offs until one time, in front of his fiancée, János Adorján crashed. Although the brave pilot escaped without serious injury, the scene deeply shocked his fiancée, who fainted.

After the incident, János Adorján never flew again, but he remained a major figure in the development of Hungarian aviation and engineering. His work significantly impacted Hungarian innovation until his death in 1964.

The creation and introduction of the first Hungarian aircraft was a milestone in the history of Hungarian technology. The Libelle symbolises not only the dawn of Hungarian aviation but also the courage and pioneering spirit that characterised the engineers and pilots of the time. The work of János Adorján and his team inspired generations to come and helped Hungary become part of aviation history, Helló Magyar wrote.

What happened to Ferenc Puskás’s Golden Team, the “Mighty Magyars”, after the tragic 1954 UEFA World Cup loss?

The Hungarian Golden Team hungary news

Ferenc Puskás is probably the most famous Hungarian in the world. His Golden Team, the “Mighty Magyars”, secured victory after victory for years, even defeating the English national team at Wembley in London. In 1954, the odds were in their favour to win the UEFA World Cup in Switzerland. They overcame West Germany, Brazil, and the reigning champions Uruguay, but in the final, they lost to West Germany. But what happened to the team after that?

Protests broke out after the Golden Team’s loss

Talking about the magnificent victories of the Hungarian Golden Team warms the hearts of all Hungarians. If a foreigner knows some of the names of the players who were part of the team during its heyday, from 1950 to 1954, they might even receive a free drink in Hungarian pubs.

The Hungarian national football team struggled during WWII, suffering significant defeats against Germany and Sweden, for example. After 1945, Hungary experienced a brief period of limited democracy, but ultimately, the Soviet occupation brought the Communist regime to power. The Communists ruled with the cruelty of the worst monarchs and landlords of the Middle Ages, and the people needed something to escape the hardships and absurdities of everyday life. They found that in football.

Between May 1950 and July 1954, the Hungarian Golden Team was undefeated. They overcame England at Wembley in 1953, won the Olympic Games in 1952, and were poised to win Hungary’s first UEFA World Cup in 1954. Hungary had reached the final in 1938 but lost to Italy in Rome. In July 1954, everyone was tuned in to György Szepessy’s broadcast, but Hungary lost to West Germany. Public outcry followed, and despite the Communist dictatorship, masses marched through the streets to protest the defeat. It took three days for the Communist police to quell the riots, during which angry football fans, for example, smashed shop windows in Budapest. Authorities had to smuggle the national team into Budapest, rather than allowing them to arrive moderately sad but proud of their silver medal.

The Hungarian Golden Team
Photo: Creative Commons

What happened to the Golden Team after the 1954 fiasco?

In October 1956, the Hungarian people launched a revolution against the Soviet occupation and the Hungarian Communist regime. The revolution initially succeeded, but the Soviets retaliated, turning it into a fight for freedom. The Hungarian national team chose not to participate in the 1956 Summer Olympic Games in Melbourne, which were held between 22 November and 8 December. The backbone of the Golden Team, the players from Honvéd, travelled to Vienna in early November to arrange matches with Athletic Bilbao, FC Barcelona, and Sevilla FC.

The Hungarian Golden Team
Photo: Creative Commons

Honvéd lost to Athletic Bilbao, so they had to travel to Brussels to play there in order to stay in the competition. Afterwards, they went on an unauthorised tour of South America. When they returned to Vienna in January 1957, three members, including Ferenc Puskás, decided to remain abroad. These three players had scored 176 goals between 1949 and 1956, so their departure was a significant loss for Hungarian football. As a result, the Golden Team disbanded. In 1958, at the UEFA World Cup in Sweden, only five members of the Golden Team played for the Hungarian national team, and Hungary failed to progress beyond the group stage.

The first member of the Golden Team to pass away was József Zakariás, in 1971, at the age of just 47. The last surviving member was Jenő Buzánszky, who passed away in 2015, aged 89.

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The fascinating story of how Budapest got its iconic name

Budapest panoramic view

By Virág Papp, HellóMagyar

The vibrant city of Budapest, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history, wasn’t always a unified metropolis. It emerged from the joining of three distinct settlements: Buda, Óbuda, and Pest. But what stories lie behind this historic union? In 1873, these three cities officially merged, and the name “Budapest” was chosen—a name that would soon resonate as the beating heart of Hungary.

Széchenyi’s vision

Interestingly, the idea of merging these twin cities had been proposed much earlier, in the 1830s. In 1831, István Széchenyi expressed his thoughts on the matter in his work Világ:

“The name of your capital should be changed to Budapest, which, in a few years or even months, would sound as familiar and natural as Bucharest. This union would bring the two cities together, which at present do not regard each other with the kindest eyes. What benefits would flow from this union, what a prosperous capital Hungary would have in a short time! Especially if the Diet were held not in Bratislava, so far from Transylvania and on the frontiers, but in the heart of the country… These cities should form one capital, not two; one, not divided and contradictory hearts.”

Széchenyi István
Count István Széchenyi, who, among other achievements, had the Chain Bridge built in Budapest.

Count István Széchenyi, renowned for his contributions to Hungary—including the construction of the Chain Bridge—was a visionary who spoke several languages. He was dissatisfied with the name “Pest,” as it evoked the German words Pest and Peste (plague), as well as the Latin pestis. In an attempt to find a more harmonious name, he proposed several alternatives, including BájkertDunagyöngyeEtelvár, and Hunvár.

Ultimately, Széchenyi advocated for Honderű. However, by the early 1840s, he abandoned this idea after it was pointed out that Honderű sounded uncomfortably similar to the French words honte (shame) and rues (streets), writes Miklós Szabolcsi in his work Honderű.

Buda in 1493 Budapest
Buda in 1493. Photo: Creative Commons

When the widely accepted name “Pest-Buda” was to be printed on maps, it became evident that the word Pest would fall on the Buda side of the Danube and Buda on the Pest side. This prompted a shift towards the more balanced name “Budapest” after the unification of Pest, Buda, Óbuda, and Margaret Island into a single capital.

Interestingly, the name “Budapest” appeared as early as 1846 in János Arany’s ninth canto of Toldi“The city of Budapest is inhabited by many thousands.”

Why Buda and why Pest?

To trace the origins of these names, we must go back to Roman times. According to the Budapest Archives, Roman conquerors arrived in the area in the mid-2nd century BC. The Danube served as a natural border for the Roman province of Pannonia, where military camps were built at crossing points to defend the empire. Towns, such as Aquincum—located in present-day Óbuda—were established near these camps. By 103 AD, Aquincum had become the seat of Pannonia Inferior. Roman citizens built their stone houses and baths, enjoyed entertainment at the amphitheatre, and relied on the protection of the Roman army.

Budapest name Aquincum
The Aquincum Museum in Óbuda, Budapest. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org by Kaboldy

The origins of Buda

One theory suggests that Buda was named after the brother of Attila the Hun, who lived most of his life in the area and was revered for his contributions to the district. According to historical accounts, the name Buda was associated with a Roman settlement built on the site of Aquincum during the early Árpád era. This settlement only came to be known as Óbuda (Old Buda) after the Tatar invasion, when the Buda Castle, then called Újbuda (New Buda), was constructed.

Another explanation ties the name Buda to the area’s abundant thermal springs. The Latin word aqua (water) inspired the Roman name Aquincum. Similarly, the Slavic word voda (water) may have evolved into “Buda,” referencing the area’s rich natural springs.

Theories about the origin of the name Pest

From the mid-19th century onwards, an intriguing theory began to gain traction. Rómer Flóris, while studying the Roman fortifications along the Danube, hypothesised that there must have been a fortress in the area. He connected this to the 2nd-century geographer Ptolemy, who, in his Introduction to the Mapping of the Earth, mentioned a city named Jazy. Its geographical location was identified by the Romans with the site of Contra-Aquincum. The city’s name was recorded as Passion or Pesszion, but according to Lajos the Great, it had been altered by scribes from Pesztion—a name preserved by the Romans and later passed down to the conquering Hungarians.

The more widely accepted explanation, however, links the name to Gellért Hill on the Buda side of the Danube. In Slavic, pest means “cave” or “rock cavity,” and in Old Hungarian, the word pest referred to a furnace. Gellért Hill, home to a cave containing thermal springs, was thus referred to as “Pest Hill.” The settlement on the opposite side of the river subsequently inherited the name, as noted by Telex.

This fascinating “migration” of the name to the other side of the river is well-documented in early medieval sources. The German name for Buda, Ofen (Hungarian for “furnace”), shares a similar origin with the Slavic word pest, both meaning “cave” or “hollow” in the Southern German dialect. Interestingly, a pre-Tatar document refers to the settlement on the left bank of the river—modern-day Pest—as Ofen. However, over time, local Germans applied the name exclusively to the Buda Castle Hill.

Budapest panoramic view
Photo: depositphotos.com

You can read the Hungarian version of this article HERE.

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3 American presidents have a statue in Budapest – who will be next?

3 American presidents in Budapest

The story of the statues depicting American presidents in Budapest begins with the enduring relationship between Hungary and the United States, a connection forged in history and preserved in bronze. Up to this day, three American presidents have been honoured with statues in the Hungarian capital. One led the United States in the 18th century, while the other two held office during the 20th century. These statues are located in Budapest’s City Park and Szabadság (Freedom) Square, where the United States Embassy operates.

Hungary’s first presidential statue

According to Pestbuda, mass emigration from the Hungarian part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the United States began in the late 19th century. Hungarians were held in high regard in the US, largely due to their struggle for freedom in 1848–49 and the efforts of Lajos Kossuth, a national hero who toured America in the 1850s to rally support for Hungarian independence.

Hungarians living and working in the United States spearheaded a movement to erect a statue of Kossuth in Cleveland, Ohio, home to a significant Hungarian community. Their campaign succeeded, and in 1902, the first Kossuth statue in the Americas was unveiled. Emboldened by this achievement, the movement turned its attention to commemorating the first American president, George Washington, in Budapest.

3 American presidents received statues in Budapest: one of them boasts two sculptures

In 1906, a statue of George Washington, created by Hungarian sculptor Gyula Bezerédi, was installed in City Park. The costs were covered entirely by private donations, and the unveiling was attended by Ferenc Kossuth, the son of Lajos Kossuth and a minister in the government of Sándor Wekerle (1906-1910). Furthermore, all expenses were donated by individuals.

3 American presidents in Budapest
Photo: Creative Commons

Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) became the first sitting American president to visit Hungary, spending three days in the country in 1910. In total, US presidents have visited Hungary nine times since then. Bill Clinton made three trips, while George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush each visited twice while in office. Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter both visited after leaving office, in 1963 and 1996 respectively.

Ronald Reagan holds a unique place in Hungarian memory. His role in defeating the Soviet Union, winning the Cold War, and supporting the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe earned him widespread admiration. To honour his legacy, a statue of Reagan was erected in City Park in 2006. Five years later, a full-figure statue of the former president was installed in Szabadság (Freedom) Square, near the US Embassy.

3 American presidents in Budapest
Photo: Creative Commons

In 2020, George H. W. Bush was honoured with a statue in Budapest, commemorating his contributions to dismantling the Iron Curtain, facilitating German reunification, and supporting Europe’s return to democracy. Bush was the first sitting US president to visit Hungary, arriving just a week after the death of János Kádár, the former leader of Hungary’s communist regime. Speaking to a crowd in Kossuth Square during heavy rain, Bush abandoned his prepared remarks when his speech notes became soaked, delivering his message extemporaneously.

His statue, located near Reagan’s, depicts him holding papers in his right hand, a nod to his impromptu speech. The proximity of the two statues symbolises their shared role in the fight to end the Cold War.

Who will be next?

While several American presidents might be deserving of a statue in Budapest, it is unclear who could be next. Speculation has swirled around Donald Trump, given his reportedly strong relationship with Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister. Their political alliance has been described as one of the closest between a Hungarian leader and a US president in modern history.

3 American presidents in Budapest
Photo: FB/Zoltán Kovács


Rumours persist about plans for a Trump Tower in Budapest, though public opinion on such a project is divided. Should a statue of Trump ever materialise, it might find a place alongside Reagan and Bush, smiling down on Budapest while proclaiming “Make America Great Again.”

VSquare: Trump Tower can be built in Budapest!

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From Hungary to the USA: Donald Trump’s Surprising Hungarian Noble Lineage Revealed!

Donald Trump Facebook

Many people know the name of US President Donald Trump, but few are aware that his family has a special Hungarian connection. This interesting fact was revealed by Dr István Zoltán, a retired associate professor at the Technical University of Budapest, who discovered the information during his own genealogical research. It turns out that he and Donald Trump are 17th cousins, and their common ancestor is Rudolf III, Prince of Saxe-Wittenberg, who lived in the 14th century.

According to SZON, Rudolf III had five children, but only two daughters, Skolastika and Barbara, reached adulthood. Skolastika became the wife of John I of Glogau-Sagan, Prince of Poland, and among her descendants is István Zoltán. The other branch can be traced back to the Trump family through Princess Barbara.

Barbara’s daughter Dorottya married two Danish kings, and her second husband, Margaret of Oldenburg, was born to Christian I, who later married James III of Scotland. The Scottish royal line continued through the generations to Donald Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born into the famous Scottish clan of MacLeod.

Trump leads according to latest polls
Photo: FB/Trump

The Hungarian connection

István Zoltán’s family is linked to Hungarian history through Rudolf III’s eldest daughter, Skolastika. Among the grandchildren of Skolastika’s son, Prince János II, there is Miklós Bánffy, the chief bishop of Bratislava, and his son János Bánffy, who served as a nobleman in Hungary. Several prominent members of the Bánffy family held important positions, including János Zoltán, who was deputy county governor of Szabolcs County in the 19th century and state secretary for internal affairs during the 1848-49 revolution. He is the direct ancestor of István Zoltán.

István Zoltán is remarkable not only for his genealogical research but also for his outstanding academic career. Born in Miskolc, he studied electrical engineering at the Technical University of Budapest and was awarded the title of Candidate of Engineering in 1987. His research in the measurement of electric current, voltage, and impedance was revolutionary, and he is credited with many inventions. He has received several awards, including the silver and gold grades of the Distinguished Inventor Award and the prestigious J.A. Jedelik Ányos Prize.

Donald Trump Facebook
Source: Facebook / Donald Trump

Donald Trump often mentions his Scottish roots in his book Think Like a Winner. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was a member of the MacLeod clan, which played a significant role in Scottish history. The Trump family is proud of its Scottish heritage, which includes a tradition of hard work and perseverance. This heritage has played a key role in Trump’s life and business success.

Heritage and identity

Donald Trump and István Zoltán may have taken different paths, but they both carry the legacy of their predecessors. Trump succeeded in business and politics, while István Zoltán made his mark in academia. Their stories illustrate how far a legacy, whether noble or scientific, can take you.

The story shows how genealogy can reveal not only individual interests but also the interconnectedness of historical eras. The example of István Zoltán shows how far the descendants of Hungarian nobility can branch out and how relatives can be found all over the world, even in the person of an American president.

The connection between the two branches is not only of historical interest but also highlights the importance of family traditions. Such stories build bridges between American and Hungarian culture and show how the past can influence the present. The example of István Zoltán and Donald Trump can inspire us to search for our own roots because they contain not only history but also our personal identity.

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From Ruins to Glory: How Budapest preserved its historical treasures

Budapest

Budapest is one of Europe’s most stunning capitals, where natural beauty, cultural heritage, and architectural masterpieces combine in perfect harmony. The city has been renewed countless times throughout its history while preserving its iconic landmarks.

Travellers of centuries past discovered the same charms we enjoy today, although the passage of time and the storms of history have brought many changes. Let’s take a closer look at some of Budapest’s best-known landmarks that have defied time for generations.

Budapest
Photo: depositphotos.com

The Hungarian Parliament: The symbol of history and sovereignty

According to Travelo, the Parliament is the most famous building not only in Budapest but in Hungary. Built between 1885 and 1904, this neo-Gothic structure is awe-inspiring due to its sheer scale and detailed decoration. The 96-metre-high building is a symbol of the country’s history and sovereignty and was constructed almost entirely from local materials. It is an important landmark on the Danube and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

St Stephen’s Basilica: A symbol of faith and art

St Stephen’s Basilica took decades to build and was completed in 1906. The neo-Renaissance church is one of the capital’s most important religious buildings, serving as both a symbol of Christian faith and an architectural masterpiece. At 96 metres high, the basilica is one of the tallest buildings in Budapest, along with the Parliament. The interior is richly decorated and continues to play an active role in the cultural life of the city, hosting renowned musical events.

Elisabeth Bridge: The rebirth of an emblematic crossing

The history of Elisabeth Bridge dates back to the early 20th century when the first steel-framed chain bridge was built. Named after Queen Elizabeth, who was assassinated in 1898, it was one of Budapest’s most important bridges until 1945, when it was destroyed during the Second World War.

A modern cable-stayed bridge, ten metres wider than its predecessor, was built in its place in 1964. The new Elisabeth Bridge remains a dominant feature of the cityscape, although tram traffic has been suspended since the 1970s. The crossing is iconic not only for its functionality but also for its aesthetic value. In 1987, along with other historical attractions on this list, Elisabeth Bridge was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The Gellért Hotel: A triumph of Art Nouveau

The Gellért Hotel, on the right bank of the Danube, opened in 1918 and became one of the jewels of Art Nouveau architecture. The vicissitudes of the First World War did not prevent it from quickly becoming one of Budapest’s most famous luxury hotels. The building was later extended, and the restaurant, run by the renowned Károly Gundel, further enhanced its reputation. Over the years, it has witnessed many significant events, and although it was renovated in 2021, it remains one of the capital’s most iconic venues. The Gellért Hotel is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The Wenckheim Palace: From a centre of social life to a cultural centre

Located in the heart of the palace district in Budapest’s 8th district, Wenckheim Palace was originally the lavish residence of the noble Wenckheim family. The elegant neo-Renaissance building, constructed in 1886, was a popular venue for balls and social events of the time. The building was sold by the heirs to the capital in 1927 and opened in 1931 as the central building of the Szabó Ervin Library. The palace remains a jewel of Budapest’s cultural life, a place where past and present meet.

The Buda Castle Tunnel: An engineering feat across the hill

The Buda Castle Tunnel connects the Buda end of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge with the town of Krisztinaváros and has been part of Budapest’s transport system since its completion in 1857. The 350-metre-long tunnel was designed by Adam Clark, who was also involved in the design of the Chain Bridge. Constructing the tunnel was not only a technical challenge but also an expensive undertaking, costing a total of 524,000 HUF. Today, it remains one of the city’s most important thoroughfares, a work of historic engineering that commands respect. Like the Hungarian Parliament, Elisabeth Bridge, and the Gellért Hotel, the Buda Castle Tunnel is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Budapest’s landmarks are not only architectural masterpieces but also living witnesses to the city’s history. Despite the devastation of the Second World War and the events of 1956, the city has managed to retain its character and now welcomes visitors in a renewed form. These iconic sites remind not only tourists but also locals that Budapest can always renew itself while remaining true to its historical roots.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

The Tiszazug poisoners – Hungary’s darkest criminal mystery

Tiszazug poisoners

By Brigitta Kármán, HellóMagyar

In the Tiszazug, a remote and impoverished region of Hungary, a gruesome series of murders took place between 1911 and 1929. The villages concerned, especially Nagyrév, became home to women known as ‘poisoners’, who used arsenic to kill their families. The case shocked not only the country but also the world and is still considered one of the biggest Hungarian criminal scandals.

The background to the murders

Tiszazug was an isolated, agricultural region characterised by poverty and social isolation. After the First World War, the returning husbands were often violent and crippled, which aggravated the situation of the families. For the women in the villages, midwife Gyuláné Fazekas Oláh Zsuzsanna offered a ‘solution’. Mrs Fazekas discovered that arsenic soaked out of flypaper could be used as a deadly poison. She sold her “fly water” in vials to women who wanted to get rid of their unwanted husbands or other pregnant family members.

The targets of the poisonings were mostly abusive husbands, elderly or sick relatives and disabled children. Arsenic was easy to obtain and use: as a colourless, odourless substance, it could easily be mixed into food or drinks. Murders were often motivated by economic interests or personal revenge.

Tiszazug poisoners
Source: Wikimedia Commons

How they got caught

The killings remained hidden for a long time because of the tacit acceptance of the local community. In 1929, the authorities were alerted by anonymous letters accusing the women of murder by poisoning in Nagyréve. During the investigation, dozens of bodies were exhumed and large quantities of arsenic were found in the victims’ bodies. Investigations have proved the deaths of at least 162 people, but some estimates put the number of victims as high as 300.

The role of Gyuláné Fazekas

The role of Gyuláné Fazekas was a central figure in the poison mixing. Her charismatic personality built trust with local women, who often turned to her for advice and help. When the gendarmes tried to arrest her in 1929, she ended her life with a cattle prod, thus escaping justice. After his death, however, several women testified against him, confirming his leadership in the case.

The trial and the verdicts

The trial of the case began in 1929 in Szolnok. A total of 28 people were tried (including 26 women), six of whom received the death penalty – three women were hanged, while others had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. The trial revealed that the killings were not only motivated by personal reasons, but also by a sense of community norms in the area.

Social and psychological dimensions

The case of the Tiszaug poisoners goes beyond a simple criminal story. Deep social problems were behind the killings: poverty, oppression and hopelessness in the villages concerned. Women were often victims of violent relationships or economic vulnerability; for them, arsenic was the only way out.

From a psychological perspective, the case also highlights how murder can become accepted as a means of problem-solving within a community. The lessons of the case raise questions about social norms and the functioning of justice that are still relevant today.

International reactions

The story of the Tiszaug poisoners has been widely publicised around the world, even in the New York Times. And Zsigmond Móricz’s investigative reports presented the crimes and their social background with literary sophistication.

Legacy

Although more than a century has passed since the first poisonings, the story of the Tiszaug poisoners continues to fascinate the public and researchers. The case not only remains one of Hungary’s darkest criminal mysteries, but also holds important lessons about how extremist patterns of behaviour can develop in a society. The treatment of the case – whether in literature or in academic analysis – is a reminder, time and again, of the consequences of ignoring social problems.

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The earliest coins minted in Hungary were discovered only recently: here is their incredible story

Earliest Hungary-made coins

Saint Stephen (r. 997/1000–1038), the first Christian king of Hungary, was an extraordinary ruler who secured Hungary’s independence from the great powers of his time and introduced its earliest coins, which were locally minted. Historians have long been aware of his obol, but a denarius attributed to his reign was recently unearthed near Nagyharsány. Furthermore, only three examples of his golden solidus are known to exist worldwide.

The Hungarian Nation Nearly Perished Like the Huns and Avars

In 896, the Hungarian tribes conquered most of the Carpathian Basin, completing their conquest in 900 with the occupation of Transdanubia, which had been part of Bavaria. In 902, the Hungarians destroyed Great Moravia, and in 907, they defeated the East Franks at the Battle of Pressburg. The importance of this victory is detailed in THIS article.

battle of pressburg
Battle of Pressburg – Photo: Wikimedia Commons

After successfully occupying the Carpathian Basin, the Hungarian tribes frequently launched campaigns into Western and Southern Europe. However, over time, their enemies adapted to Hungarian war tactics, and by the 950s, the tribes suffered repeated defeats. Simultaneously, the power of the rulers over the various tribes began to weaken, and the Hungarians faced the threat of assimilation or extinction if changes were not made.

Grand Prince Géza and Saint Stephen’s ‘revolution’

Fortunately, Grand Prince Géza (~970–997) recognised the danger and decided to lead Hungary into the Christian world, believing this was the only way to secure his dynasty’s survival. His strategy was successful: he baptised his son and arranged for him to marry Gisela, the daughter of Henry II, Duke of Bavaria.

Saint Stephen portrait on the coronation mantle (Copy)
Probably the most authentic image of Saint Stephen. Photo: Creative Commons

Stephen I became a highly successful ruler, overcoming his rivals, establishing the fundamental institutions of Christian and feudal Hungary, founding an independent Hungarian church, codifying laws, and minting the earliest coins in Hungary.

The earliest coins minted in Hungary

The production of coins symbolised wealth, strength, and independence during the Middle Ages. Saint Stephen minted at least two types of the earliest coins in Hungary: the obol and the denarius. The obol, worth half a denarius, and both coins were made of nearly pure silver. These earliest coins followed Western designs, while his golden solidus adhered to Byzantine patterns, reflecting Stephen’s efforts to balance the influence of the two dominant superpowers of the era.

The obol was well-documented by Hungarian historians and followed Bavarian (German) designs, resembling coins minted by Henry II, Stephen’s father-in-law. The obverse of the coin bears the inscription “STEPHANUS REX” (King Stephen), while the reverse reads “REGIA CIVITAS” (royal city), likely referring to Esztergom, the seat of the king and the church at the time. These earliest coins were likely minted after 1015 to facilitate domestic trade. Some taxes and customs were probably paid using these coins, which were widely circulated. Archaeologists have found examples in Poland, Saxony, and even some Scandinavian countries.

Evidence of Stephen’s denarius discovered recently

Proof of Saint Stephen’s denarius, one of the earliest coins, was only uncovered in 1968 among the Nagyszentmiklós gold treasure. A total of 40 coins were found, with this number increasing to just 46 over time. Interestingly, these coins have only been discovered in Transdanubia.

The obverse of the denarius features the inscription “LANCEA REGIS” (the king’s lance), likely referring to the ceremonial lance Stephen received from Holy Roman Emperor Otto III (983–1002). This lance symbolised the Holy Roman Empire’s recognition of Stephen’s authority.

Earliest Hungary-made coins
Source: Creative Commons

The lance is also depicted on the coronation mantle made during Stephen’s reign, highlighting its significance. The mantle, preserved in the Hungarian National Museum, contains the only authentic image of the first Hungarian king. On the coin’s reverse, the inscription “REGIA CIVITAS” appears alongside an illegible, four-letter text.

Historians agree that only a small number of these silver coins were minted, making them rare among the earliest coins. Many scholars believe they were commemorative, issued after Stephen’s coronation. You can purchase replicas of Stephen’s denarius from the Hungarian Mint Ltd. for €5.10 each HERE.

Saint Stephen’s golden solidus

A third type of Stephen-minted coin is the golden solidus, among the earliest coins minted in Hungary. The solidus, inspired by the Byzantine pattern, was made of highly pure gold. Its obverse features the inscription “STEPHANUS REX” alongside an image of the king, while the reverse depicts a female figure with the inscription “PANNONIA”. According to Auxiliary Sciences of History (Budapest, Osiris Press, 2006), only three examples of this coin exist worldwide, making it one of the rarest of Hungary’s earliest coins.

Earliest Hungary-made coins
Source: Creative Commons

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Azerbaijan Embassy in Hungary observes National Day of Mourning

Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary

On January 20, 2025, an event dedicated to the National Day of Mourning was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary. The management of the Azerbaijani House in Budapest and the Azerbaijani-Hungarian Friendship Society, members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Hungary took part in the event. 

At the beginning of the event, bouquets of flowers were put in front of the memorial corner created in honor of the victims of the January 20 tragedy, ​​and martyrs were commemorated with a minute of silence, press release said. 

Delivering the opening speech, Ambassador Tahir Taghizade noted that January 20 has an important place in the victorious history of Azerbaijan. Later, the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the National Day of Mourning was presented to the participants. 

Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary

Below are the Ombudsman’s thoughts:

THE STATEMENT

by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the 35th anniversary of the January 20, 1990 Tragedy

It has been 35 years since the January 20 tragedy – a bloody event that was mercilessly committed against an unarmed population by the former USSR armed forces on the night of January 19 to 20, 1990, in order to suppress the spirit of national freedom and the desire for independence of the people of Azerbaijan.

In order to break the will of our people protesting against the biased attitude of the former USSR leadership towards our country, the deportation of Azerbaijanis from our historical lands, which is now the territory of present-day Armenia, and unfounded territorial claims of Armenia against Azerbaijan, as a result of this heinous crime against humanity, 150 innocent people, including women, children, and the elderly, in Baku and several other districts and cities of our republic were murdered, 744 people were injured, and 841 individuals were unlawfully detained.

That day is not only a heroic chronicle of our people who took to the squares for the sake of freedom but also a historical day when unarmed people, with a desire for freedom, courageously and honorably fought for liberty. Despite the brutal terror act committed against innocent people, the Azerbaijani people succeeded in gaining their independence.

The National Leader of our people, Heydar Aliyev, with his family members, arrived at Azerbaijan’s Permanent Mission in Moscow on January 21 despite the pressures and potential threats to his life. He held a press conference, issued a strong statement, and informed the international community that this grave crime had been committed by the leadership of the USSR. It was only after the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev returned to the country’s leadership that, in 1994, political and legal assessments were made regarding the January 20 events.

The failure of international organizations and the world community to condemn the commission of this event at that time later paved the way for the occupation of our lands by Armenians and the perpetration of acts of genocide against our people.

As a result of the crime against humanity perpetuated under the instruction of the former USSR leadership, the provisions of the UN Charter, the universally recognized norms and principles of international law, as well as, the requirements of the international treaties, to which the former Soviet Union was a party, have been seriously infringed and human rights have been grossly violated.

However, with regret, we would like to inform that in spite of numerous appeals to international organizations and the global community, this crime against humanity has yet to be given legal evaluation, and those who committed this heinous crime have not been held accountable.

As the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I urge international organizations and the world community to interpret incidents that occurred on 20 January as a crime against humanity, one of the gravest forms of international crimes and to take just stance to ensure that military personnel who committed these crimes, along with those who ordered the execution of these acts are also held criminally accountable.

Sabina Aliyeva, The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Budapest’s dazzling winter jewellery exhibition

jewellery exhibition in Budapest Hungary

An exhibition entitled “Shine! – The Time of Jewellery” opened at the Hungarian National Museum, which attracted many visitors.

Jewellery exhibition in Budapest

The exhibition presents the most exceptional pieces from the museum’s jewellery collection, as well as contemporary jewellery by art collector Katalin Spengler and former and current students and lecturers of the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, the press release says. The exhibition spans 40,000 years, from Hun-Aryan, medieval and Baroque works to contemporary Hungarian jewellery design. The Hungarian press hailed Shine! The Time of Jewellery as the most beautiful Advent exhibition in 2024, and its popularity is proven by the fact that less than three months after its opening, the 30,000th visitor arrived, and the museum presented them with a gift.” – said Dr. Gábor Zsigmond, Director General of the Hungarian National Museum.

The world-class collection of jewellery includes objects such as the poison ring of King Béla III, the 900-year-old ring of Kálmán Könyves and the mourning jewellery of Hungarian women who were concerned for the fate of the nation after the 1848-49 War of Independence, who stood up for the homeland and mourned the martyrs of Arad even 10 years later. In addition to the unique treasures of the Carpathian Basin, the exhibition also features contemporary jewellery art, represented by pieces from Katalin Spengler’s collection, which is renowned throughout Europe, and by the works of students and teachers from MOME – Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design.

jelwellery exhibition in Budapest Hungary
An exhibition entitled “Shine! – The Time of Jewellery” opened at the Hungarian National Museum.

The jewellery exhibition is also enriched by the ever-changing content of the National Museum building, making it worth returning to several times. Katalin Spengler’s jewellery, among others, is housed in the museum’s magnificent staircase island. The “contemporary jewellery island”, which opened at the same time as the exhibition, was reorganised at the end of December with a new concept: contemporary jewellery is now about structure, structures, harmony, rhythm and sequences.

On 17 December, a new pop-up exhibition entitled On Boundaries – Jewellery at the Intersections of Man, Nature and the Built Environment was added to the exhibition in the Dome Room, featuring works by current and former students and teachers of MOME.

Coming months

In the coming months, the jewellery exhibition will be accompanied by a series of exciting accompanying programmes, museum education activities and workshops, and the 3000-year-old Somló necklace will remain on display in the Széchényi Room of the Museum.

The good news is that the museum has extended the exhibition until 13 April, 2025.

Liberation of Budapest ghetto, deportation of ethnic Germans commemorated – PHOTOS

Liberation of the Budapest ghetto commemoration 2

Members of the Jewish community can live safely in Hungary today, as the government has made it clear that it has zero tolerance for all forms of anti-Semitism, Zsolt Semjén, the deputy prime minister, said on Sunday.

Semjén was speaking at the Great Synagogue in Dohány utca, at a commemoration organized on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Budapest ghetto.

Hungary is one of the safest places in Europe for Jewish people. Those who walk the streets wearing a kippah need not fear, they can practice their religion safely, and those who visit Budapest can gain insight into the unique everyday life of Jewish culture, Semjén said.

Liberation of the Budapest ghetto commemoration 2
Photo: MTI

The government, working together with the Jewish community, is doing everything it can to ensure that this remains the case, he added and noted that all the meanwhile the geopolitical events of the past decade have made Islamist anti-Semitism an everyday problem in Western Europe, and more and more people are attacking the state of Israel, and some are even questioning its existence.

Semjén said that since the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, more attention needs to be paid to combating anti-Semitism. Hungary is in the fortunate position that the state has taken several measures in recent years to combat anti-Semitism.

Liberation of the Budapest ghetto commemoration 2
Deputy PM Zsolt Semjén. Photo: MTI

He noted that during Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union a Hungarian national strategy against anti-Semitism was published as a result of joint work with the Jewish community and the Council last year adopted a declaration to promote Jewish life and combat anti-Semitism.

Official marks memorial day of ethnic Germans deported from Hungary

The lesson to be learnt from endless funeral trains heading to the East and West is that Hungary’s sovereignty must be preserved by all means, the state secretary heading the Prime Minister’s Office said in Hercegkút in northeast Hungary on Sunday marking the 79th anniversary of the expulsion of ethnic Germans from Hungary.

János Nagy told a memorial mass and event marking the memorial day of ethnic Germans deported from Hungary that “we must not allow hatred coming from the East or West to sweep us away again”.

Commemorating the deportation of ethnic Germans
János Nagy (centre left) and Imre Ritter (center right). Photo: MTI

“Hatred and revenge cannot build the home country, the nation, and Europe,” he said.

Nagy said these days “Europe again frequently bows to mad ideas” and “it has again become customary to punish entire countries for assumed sins, just because they don’t like the government elected by the people of that country”.

Some one-sixth of Hercegút’s population with Swabian roots were deported 80 years ago, including 136 young men and women, 16 of whom never returned from the Soviet Union where they had been taken for forced labour.

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