Hírünk Nyugaton

Romsics, Ignác (2026) Hírünk Nyugaton In: Felix temporum reparatio. EKKE Líceum Kiadó - ELTE BTK. pp. 425-434.

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Absztrakt (kivonat)

OUR REPUTATION IN THE WEST The study traces the evolving Western image of the Hungarians from the 10th century to the early 20th century. Early medieval accounts, shaped by the Hungarian raids, depicted the newcomers as barbaric, violent nomads living like “wild beasts,” as described by chroniclers such as Regino of Prüm. With the Christianization under Géza and Saint Stephen, and through the testimonies of Western pilgrims and travellers, Hungary gradually gained a reputation as a peaceful, Christianizing kingdom and an emerging Central European power. Medieval sources praised its fertile lands, growing towns, and the kings’ role as defenders of Christendom against pagans and later the Ottomans, culminating in the image of Hungary as the “shield” or “bulwark” of Europe. During the Renaissance, under Matthias Corvinus, Western observers admired the flourishing court culture, humanism, and architectural splendour, though they also noted deep social inequalities. The Ottoman conquest and the division of the kingdom radically darkened Hungary’s image: travellers described deserted regions, ruined settlements, and widespread suffering. In contrast, 16th–17th century Transylvania often appeared prosperous and orderly in Western accounts. The Enlightenment brought harsher judgments, portraying Hungary as backward, dominated by an ignorant and indolent nobility, though some travellers saw potential for progress. Romanticism later idealized the Hungarian landscape and character, popularized by writers like Lenau, and contributed to the mythologization of Hungarian folk types and culture—often blending Hungarian and Gypsy identities. The 1848–49 revolution renewed Western admiration for Hungarian heroism and love of liberty, celebrated by figures such as Heine, Michelet, and Victor Hugo. After 1867, Hungary was praised for rapid modernization, yet by the early 20th century foreign critics, particularly Seton-Watson, increasingly condemned Hungarian national policies, depicting the state as oppressive and politically decaying. This shifting discourse significantly influenced how Europe perceived Hungary on the eve of the First World War.

Mű típusa:	Könyvrészlet - Book section
Szerző:	Szerző neve Email MTMT azonosító ORCID azonosító Közreműködés Romsics, Ignác NEM RÉSZLETEZETT NEM RÉSZLETEZETT NEM RÉSZLETEZETT Szerző
Kapcsolódó URL-ek:	Befoglaló kötet
Nyelv:	magyar
DOI azonosító:	10.46403/Felixtemporumreparatio.2026.425
Felhasználó:	Tibor Gál
Dátum:	04 Máj 2026 09:44
Utolsó módosítás:	04 Máj 2026 09:44
URI:	http://publikacio.uni-eszterhazy.hu/id/eprint/9145

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