The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1984 (11. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1984-05-01 / 5. szám
1 TRAVEL HUNGARY While Budapest “THE PEARL OF THE DANUBE” — captures the imagination of most visitors to Hungary, it isthe Hungarian countryside that was the cradle of the Hungarian Heritage. There, you’ll find the past and the present woven into a colorful tapestry of Hungarian history. And, one region where you'll find this to be true, is Little Cumania (Kiskunság) and Great Cumania (Nagykunság). Together, they comprise one of the most interesting regions in all of Hungary. On a map of Hungary dating back to 1717, this region is identified as “Cumanorum Regio” or “Cumanian Region”. The origin of this identity is traceable back to the reign of King Ladislaus (1,077-1095), when, some historians claim, a wandering tribe of warriors, from an area near the Black Sea, invaded Hungary to escape the Mongols. These restless, ruthless, hard-living, hard-riding, and hard-fighting breed of men were the Cumanians (Kuns). In a bloody engagement which he almost lost, King Ladislaus defeated them. But then, impressed by their incredible bravery and military prowess, he invited the survivors to become Christians, to swear allegiance to him, and to colonize the “Plain of the Theiss”. The Cumanians accepted the king’s offer and, from that moment in time, remained steadfastly loyal to the Hungarian Crown and were always found in the vanguard of the royal armies. Moreover, for their faithful services, they were granted special privileges, land holdings, and rankings among the lesser nobility. The habitat of the descendents of these ancient Cumanians to this very day is the “Great Plain of Hungary", and the thriving communities on its perimeters. From this region, came the greatest calvarymen in world history — the Hungarian Hussars — a special breed of men, it is said, “who were born on the Plain, reared in the saddle, and died fighting”. Not only did Colonel Michael de Kovats. the Hungarian hero of the American Revolution, come from this region, but also some of Hungary’s greatest poets, writers, journalists, artists, musicians, and composers and, it was no strange coincidence that these talented “Kuns” were also “freedom fighters” like Petőfi Sándor, for example. The communities fringing the “Great Plain of Hungary”are Kiskoros, the birthplace of Petőfi Sándor; Kalocsa, famous for its folk art and paprika; Kiskunhalas, the home of “Halas Lace”; Baja, the birthplace of István Turr, who was aide de camp to Garibaldi and who later became the military commander and Governor of Naples; Jászberény, where, it is said, Attila the Hun had his headquarters; Karcag, the birthplace of Michael de Kovats; Turkeve; Kisújszállás; and Mezőtúr. There are other settlements, of course, each steeped in Hungarian history . . . and easy to get to. For a very enjoyable holiday and an unforgettable experience. allow enough time to pay each of them a visit during your next trip to Hungary. You’ll come back with a greater understanding of and appreciation for your Hungarian Heritage! Page 10 The Shepherd is still a fixture in the " Kunság" as he was more than 1.000 years ago. HERITAGE TOURS to HUNGARY 1984 New York Departures Fully-escorted tours include: • AIR • 1st CLASS HOTELS • ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE • SIGHTSEEING and • 34 MEALS Departures: May 10th, July 5th and September 20th Call or Write for Full Color Brochure FUGAZY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 770 U.S. Highway #1 Phone; 201-828-4488 North Brunswick, N.J. 08902 201-297-2300 Eighth Hungarian Tribe
