The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1984 (11. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1984-02-01 / 2. szám
probably the descendants of the Huns, had been long-time inhabitants of Transylvania before the Magyars found them there. Pannonia (Trans-Danubia), where Árpád had established his own tribe, became the pivotal center of the original Magyar settlements, with the remaining tribes distributing themselves throughout the country according to a preconceived plan. The homeland the Hungarians had conquered provided everything they needed. It had ample water, and land remarkably suited for agriculture, cattle grazing and cattle breeding. Most importantly, it was protected by the arc of the Carpathian Mountains — a perfect geographical unit if ever there was one. A Parliament on Horseback With the conquest accomplished it was time to organize the government of the newly settled nation. Realizing the importance of planning for the future, Árpád convened the first Hungarian National Assembly in the year 902 A.D. in Pusztaszer, where some of the sessions over the next thirty» four days were held on horseback. Recalling that event, Hungary’s Premier Count Paul Teleki quipped: “We had a Parliament before we had chairs!" A "Parliament on Horseback” was a fitting beginning for a nation that rode into history on horseback led by Prince Árpád. His achievements justified the reports sent by Greek merchants to their emperor describing the Hungarian leader as “a man wise in mind and in council, eminently valiant and qualified for government”. When Árpád died in 907 A.D., he was buried with honor above the source of a small stream whose rocky bed runs through the ancient city of Buda. The exact spot is unknown today, but a statue of Árpád, larger than life, still sets him astride his beloved horse, surrounded by the chieftains who had served him and his people well. The statue was erected in Budapest’s Heroes’ Square in 1896 when his grateful nation celebrated its millennium. Árpád. This equestrian statue by György Zala is the central figure of the Millennial Memorial on Heroes’ Square in Budapest. Millennial monument commemorating the first Hungarian National Assembly held at Pusztaszer in 902 A.D. February 1984 Page 5
