SEE TCP Sagittarius Hungary

12/05/2014

Tokaj wine region

„In the grape fields of Tokaj
You dripped sweet nectar”
(The National Anthem of Hungary, by F. Kölcsey)

The world famous wine of Tokaj is one of the most widely known symbols of Hungary. However, Tokaji wines are not only produced in the city of Tokaj – the wine region consists of a total of 27 surrounding settlements.

A legend is born

In the middle of the 17th century, the annual grape harvest was delayed until November on the estate of Zsuzsanna Lórántffy, widow of the prince of Transylvania, due to the constant wars in the area. By the time of the late harvest, the grapes had matured and shrivelled, and the wine was unusually sweet and strong. In addition, the barrels had to be hidden from the Turkish and Austrian soldiers. The local people kept the wine in small cellars dug into the ground. The wine hidden in these secret places went under further maturation, and that is how the world famous, sweet and full-bodied Tokaji aszú was born. These cellars were so small, that people could only enter with their bodies bent. Hence the saying: „One must bend in front of the Tokaji wine”

International success

At the 1562 Trident synod, archbishop György Draskovich represented Hungary. At the great banquet lunch, the best wines of the world were served on the Pope’s table. The Hungarian archbishop offered some Tokaji harvested from Tállya for His Holiness, who liked it so much that he exclaimed: „This wine from Tállya is made for the tables of popes!”

The Sun King, Louis XIV of France also respected the sweet delicacy. He called Tokaji aszú „le vin des rois et le roi des vins” – "the king of wines, the wine of kings”. His words in Latin: „Vinum regnum rex vinorum”, have become the motto of Tokaji since then.

Although Tokaji is often called „divine”, we have some proof that even the devil itself likes it. According to Mephisto of Goethe’s Faust, Tokaji is the best wine of the world.

„Siebel
I must confess I do dislike the dry,/ Give me a glass of the very sweetest!

Mephistopheles
I’ll pour an instant Tokay for you, yes?”
(J.W. Goethe: Faust, Part I.)”

12/05/2014

Votive Church of Szeged
The church in the middle of Dóm square in Szeged is the symbol of the city, the seat of the Szeged-Csanád Diocese of Hungary. Every summer, thousands of visitors enjoy the plays of the open-air theatre, and at other times, worshippers attend the masses every day.
Rome wasn’t built in a day – neither was the cathedral of Szeged: although the plans were ready in 1880, the church was consecrated only in 1930. The construction was delayed by WWI, and later by the world economic crisis. The city decided to build it after one of the biggest natural catastrophes in the history of Hungary.

The great flood of Szeged

Visitors of Szeged have always been amused by the spectacular sight of the river Tisza, which divides the city. Hungary’s greatest poet, Sándor Petőfi was also inspired by the view:
Most smooth of surface, with most gentle force, / the river wandered down its bankless course, /lest the faint sunset-rays, so close to home, / should stumble in its lacery of foam.
120 years ago – due to the ill-considered river regulations–floods threatened the city almost every year. On 12th March 1879, the river destroyed Szeged almost completely. Out of the 75.000 citizens of the town, more than 60.000 people became homeless that single night.
"The flood, the flood is coming!" they resound. /And gazing out, I saw a sea around. /There, like a maniac just freed from chains,/ the Tisza rushed in rage across the plains; / roaring and howling through the d**e it swirled, / greedy to swallow up the whole wide world.
(S. Petőfi: The Tisza)
The news about the demise of Szeged started an unparalleled international cooperation: Austria, Germany, Russia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey and even Japan, China, India and Persia offered their help.
The once narrow and winding streets of the medieval town were replaced by modern avenues, most of them running towards Dóm square, up to the Votive church, which stands as a living symbol of human unity in times of need.

12/05/2014

Pécs
The fifth largest city of Hungary is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pécs. Its history dates back to the Roman ages: the Empire established the town of Sopianae here. Since the beginnings, Christianity played an important role in the life of the settlement; the Early Christian Tombs in today’s downtown are proof of that.

Sopianae

The Roman town of Sopianae (the ancestor of today’s Pécs) is thought to have completely disappeared in the storm of centuries. Yet, the traces of the once flourishing town are still to be found if we look carefully. For example, the Cathedral of Pécs is built in the place and shape of the previous Roman camp. However, it is still a mystery why are the early Christian tombs is in the centre of the city, because at that time, the deceased were buried in the outskirts of the settlements.
Sopianae once played a significant role as a transit town. It was a traffic hub between the East and West and also between the South and North. The routes coming from the Balkans branched here towards the important settlements (Savaria, Arrabona, Aquincum). Though, it had not become a military town, because those were built only along the Danube, on the line of the Limes.
Life was quite busy in Sopianae: Roman and barbarian tradesmen of the South and West were coming and going, following the routes of their businesses. Many inns and pubs served the comfort of the transit passengers; workshops were also busy.

The tombs
Many of the early Christian finds were transported to Sopianae from other places. However, the treasures of the Christian Sopianae represent an outstanding value. For example, the paintings on the tomb walls are precise replicas of the Roman catacombs. The Greek symbol of X and P, the portraits of Jesus Christ and apostles Peter and Paul are clearly visible on the frescos. Also there are pictures of Adam, Eve and even Noah. In contrary to the Roman catacombs, the tombs of Pécs are built of brick, but their paintings and figures relate them to their Roman counterparts.

12/05/2014

Castle of Gyula
The castle of Gyula is the only brick castle in Europe that is situated in a plain and survived intact. Nowadays, there is a museum and a theatre within its walls.

The Hungarian “way” – “modus hungaricus”
In the times of the Turkish invasion, a special method of building was developed in Hungary as the soldiers had to prepare for the fights quickly and immediately. Forts were built by taking the opportunities given by nature. The walls were not built of stone, but of wood and soil. Although this building style was known throughout Eastern-Europe, the Turks called it “the Hungarian way”, because it was widespread in Hungary.
The siege and the glorious defence of the castle of Gyula started in July 1566. Great Suleiman personally ordered the attack that was led by Petrev Pasha. The Turks attacked from four different directions to divide the defence forces. However, the determination of the Hungarian defenders made them so tired that their attempt failed. The pasha tried to negotiate with László Kerecsényi, the commander of the fort, but he was not willing to surrender. So Pertev Pasha ordered his soldiers to continue firing the castle and breaking the walls. The Turks knew that the castle was a “water fort”, built only of soil and wood, according to “modus Hungaricus”.

The capture of the castle
The castle of Gyula was protected by the surrounding wetlands during the Turkish siege. However, the protecting marshes were dried up by the summer sun, letting the Turks closer and closer to the fort more and more. In addition, the defenders’ cannons were outnumbered by the Turkish ones, and one of the old cannons blew up causing the death of several soldiers.
The strength of the defenders diminished day by day. In the end, the captain was compelled to surrender. Petrev Pasha granted the Hungarians free withdrawal, but the soldiers leaving the fort were massacred by the Turks. Kerecsényi, the commander was imprisoned and soon executed.

12/05/2014

Hortobágy

Herdsmen and grey cattle

The most characteristic features of the plains of Hortobágy are the typical Hungarian grey cattle and herdsmen taking care of them. Because of the harsh winters, hot summers, the arid weather and the lack of forage, only the toughest and most durable animals were to be kept on the plains – the grey cattle.
The local people used all parts of these animals. Besides eating the meat, the herdsmen made glue from its bones, its fat was used for candles. The skin was used for various purposes, and not even the horns went to waste: they were used as material for musical instruments, buttons, boxes and decorations.
The iconic meal of Hungarian cuisine also used grey cattle as a base material: the world famous goulash („gulyás”) received its name after the Hungarian word for herd – „gulya”.

A shelter for outlaws
In the 1830’s, Hungary suffered from the Austrian oppression. The poor people living on the farms of the Great Plain was often disturbed by gendarmes and tax collectors. The tension between the authorities and the people came to a climax, hence were born the legends of the rascals, the outlaws of that time. Sándor Rózsa was the most infamous among them. Although he lived south from here, even Hortobágy has its own legend about him.
The great plain is divided by a small river with a monumental bridge with nine holes. The famous Nine Holed Bridge is a symbol of the whole Hortobágy, with a romantic tale of origin.
Once upon a time Sándor Rózsa, the infamous rascal was drinking in a Hortobágy pub. As soon as the gendarmes heard the news that he was around, they gathered and set out to arrest him immediately. But the rascal got on his horse and ran away. He wanted to cross the river of Hortobágy, but the water was very high and there was no bridge over the stream. His fate seemed to be sealed, but then, along came nine of his lovers: the women ran into the river, and his horse could cross by stepping on their backs, and he managed to escape.

12/05/2014

Eger wine region

Wines of Eger
Eger and its region are the home of the world famous Bikavér, Bull’s blood. The origin of its name is uncertain, but there are several legends about it.

Tricky elopement

One story is connected to Ahmed Pasha, the commander of the Turkish troops attacking the Castle of Eger. He fell for a girl who was working in an inn near Eger. The owner and the staff of the inn had no time to escape from the Turks, but Ahmed Pasha, not only spared their lives, but also hired the innkeeper’s wife as a cook. The ugly and cunning wife won the Pasha’s favour with her delicious dishes. As the defenders of the fortress beat the sieges of the Turks with the help of the women of Eger, Ahmed ordered that all women had to be collected from around the town. Getting wind of the news, the women escaped, and only a few of them were captured by the Turks. The local miller’s wife and their beautiful daughter were among them. The Pasha wanted the miller’s daughter to be in her harem, and to celebrate this, he had a feast in the inn. The girl’s parents begged the innkeeper’s wife to save their daughter. So while making the dinner, the sly woman sprinkled the game with a lot of red wine. The Pasha liked the meat very much, and the innkeeper’s wife also brought some more wine in goblets. Ahmed was in a good humour and wanted to dance with the miller’s daughter, but he couldn’t get up any more. He fell on the couch and went to sleep. Meanwhile, the girl and her mother fled the inn. When he woke up, Ahmed was angry with the innkeeper’s wife, but because he had a nice dream, his only concern was that she had knocked him senseless with a drink forbidden by the Koran. The woman started to protest that he had not used any wine, but only the blood of a fiery bull. The red wine of Eger has been called bull’s blood since the crafty action of the innkeeper’s wife.

12/05/2014

The Castle of Eger
The Ottoman invasion

By the 16th century, the Turkish invasion was in full swing in Hungary, with Buda falling in the 1540’s. In 1552, a Turkish army of 75,000 soldiers attacked the Castle of Eger which had 1,935 defenders. The siege failed as the defenders killed more than 8000 Turks. This heroic show of defiance is considered to be one of the most outstanding military events in Hungarian history, and was immortalized in Géza Gárdonyi’s world-famous historical novel “Eclipse of the Crescent Moon”.

The opposing troops

In 1552, the siege of Eger was the last war event of the Ottoman expedition in that year.
The united troops of the “Great” and “Magnificent” started to besiege the fortress of Eger on 9th September 1552.
The fortress was defended only by a handful of Hungarian soldiers According historical resources, only 1 935 defenders stood against the 150 000 soldiers of the Turkish. The Turkish army had 140 cannons, while the defenders had only 24.

The victorious battle

The first part of the siege with intensive intensive artillery fire lasted for 12 days. The first Turkish infantry offensive started on 28th September. The Turkish army combined their artillery, sapper and infantry forces to break the defenders’ resistance. The last two-day siege took place on 12 and 13 October. The date of the final siege was influenced by the difficulties of providing supplies to the giant army, the weather getting colder and most importantly by the news about the Persian wars flaring up. During the final desperate siege, the defenders had to deploy all the people they could find in the fortress, so even the women and children of the fortress had to rush to the walls. According to Hyeronimus Ortelius’s chronicle, “they are running onto the walls carrying hot water and tar thus seriously injuring the enemy. They are not like people, they are acting like furious lions”. Finally, on 17th October 1552, the Turkish troops had to leave defeated.

12/05/2014

Spa of Egerszalók
Healing waters
The curative effect of water is well-acknowledged in many cultures. The water of Egerszalók is also special as it is a unique natural formation and has wonderful healing effects.

Unique salt bath

Egerszalók is a small village 5 kilometres from the city of Eger, where thermal water of 65-68 degrees Celsius is gushing from the depth of 410 meters. Flowing down the hill, the water has created an amazing natural formation; where the limestone is precipitated. The calcification is growing year by year: as the water stops on the natural humps of the soil, fabulous limestone terraces, lacy edges and limestone curtains are formed.
The spa is visited by many people every year. It is especially beneficial for arthropathy, rheumatic diseases or bone injuries, but it is also recommended as a drinking cure.
The water also has an amazing healing effect: Egerszalók is a Shrine to the Virgin Mary, where the curative power of faith is combined with the healing effect of water, the spring of grace.

Thermal water instead of oil

At the end of the 1960’s, oil was hoped to be found through drilling in Egerszalók. But instead of oil, high quality thermal water gushed forth from one of the wells. It was closed immediately, but later, a passer-by turned on the tap and the water just ran and ran. Local people discovered it, and soon, a large pool was built to enjoy the water. The thermal bath became a legendary place throughout the years, which could be visited night and day. It may sound strange nowadays, but in the “golden age” of Egerszalók night swimming, even smoking and alcohol were allowed in the pool, and quite often there were so many people in the pool that there was no room for the newcomers. Many people have nostalgic memories of the time when they could enjoy the healing effect of the bath in this “romantic” scenery. The Nostalgia Bath brings back the atmosphere of the 1970’s and 80’s, but today there are also 16 additional outdoor and indoor pools, serving the comfort of the visitors.

04/04/2014

http://www.see-tcp-project-sagittarius.eu/index.php/hu/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/76-international-conference-basilicata-italy-april-2014

The aim of the International Conference “Heritage as an alternative driver for sustainable development and economic recovery in South East Europe” is to overview trends in heritage interpretation and heritage entrepreneurship as main driven factors for economic rejuvenation at local level, gain a common attitude towards latest challenges in cultural heritage consumption in the context of the emerging markets in SE Europe in particular, develop and extend scientific collaboration bringing together academics and practitioners that have common research agendas, disseminate research outputs from Sagittarius Project and other SEE Projects, stimulate the new ideas and tools for innovative heritage consumption in the challenging context of local socio-economic and cultural development and international networking in heritage interpretation.
SAGITTARIUS-SEE/B/0016/4.3/X- advances cultural consumption by communicating cultural values: from natural monuments and ecosystems to sites and collections, from the arts to traditions and handicrafts. Thus values of tangible-intangible, movable-immovable and spiritual heritage assets become catalysts for regeneration and development by being revealed and communicated. Given the diversity and complexity of heritage, the use of cultural values for development is feasible, only if multilateral interactions are understood and reflected in policy and delivery. Required is a multivalent and flexible nexus at local-global level to mitigate the protection-use conflict reconciling national and international strategies. SAGITTARIUS provides the Cooperation Area with an activity mix to fully realize the socioeconomic potential of culture: put into practice is an integrative management system to classify and signify natural, man made and spiritual heritage assets and communicate their values to different audiences across the SEE to promote entrepreneurial culture in the heritage sector.
SAGITTARIUS encourages the formation of heritage entrepreneurs: a participatory knowledge platform transfers advanced tools among multilevel actors to protect and use heritage assets by identifying their environmental, social, historic, aesthetic, spiritual and special values; domain specific training certifies individuals with increased capacities certifying professional skills. Implemented pilot actions on a social inclusion basis provide for cultural experience diversity connecting thus local cultural production to international markets. By activating public-private-third sector alliances, heritage entrepreneurship is established at transnational level, exemplifying, how heritage is valued, protected, communicated and used with ecologic, economic and social profit.

16/01/2014

Beautiful video - Beautiful country :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3muF0TXquKI

"Itthon a legjobb" címmel készült el a magyar turisztika egyik legjobb kampányfilmje, melyet tegnap mutattak be Budapesten. A film nagyon jó... Hossza öt és ...

14/01/2014

Tisza Lake

Artificial Paradise

Tisza Lake, which is situated in the eastern part of Hungary, is the second largest lake in the Carpathian Basin. Visitors are often amazed to hear that this unique paradisiac natural reserve is actually a reservoir, which was originally built to solve the irrigation problems in the plain areas. However, the bird reserve in the territory of the lake is now a part of a World Heritage Site in the category of cultural landscape.


Óhalász, the lost village

The small village of Újlőrincfalva (“the new village of Lawrence”) is situated near Lake Tisza. Although its name is relatively new, the settlement has a history of 750 years. Once the ancestors of its inhabitants lived somewhere else, in a village called Tiszahalász (“fishermen of the Tisza”). That village had been in existence since the time of the Hungarian conquest. Tiszahalász supplied the bishopric of Eger with salted and fresh fish. Although it was abandoned many times during the Turkish invasion, the inhabitants always returned. The fate of the village was finally sealed by the flood of 24th March 1876. The river regulations being still in infancy caused floods more and more frequently. A plain and deserted area was designated for the inhabitants, and they built the new village, Újlőrincfalva there. The great flood demolished the old village completely. That’s why the old inhabitants started to call themselves people of Újhalász (Newfisher), and called their previous home Óhalász (Oldfisher). Today, the geographical name still remains: an island of the lake, which is under the water almost all year round, but can be seen periodically, is called Óhalász.

The hero of the flood
The memory of Ede Nyárádi Hartl, the hero of the flood, is still cherished by a memorial in his village, Sarud. He was the real hero of the great flood, who sacrificed his own land by opening an embankment to save the lives of the people. He also gave them food and clothes and had an embankment built at his own expense, to prevent future floods in the villages.

14/01/2014

Hungary - World of Potentials - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmz8Ni9zO4M

Written and directed by Isti Madarász Produced by AERA - www.aera.hu Music by Jorgosz & Lepe (Balkan Fanatik), ének: Nóri Kovács - based on the song of Muzsi...