Hungarians

Hungarians, also known as Magyars, are an ethnic group native to Hungary (Magyarország), who share a common culture, language, history and ancestry. They have a rich history and a unique language that belongs to the Ugric branch of the Uralic language family, which sets them apart from many of their neighbors.

There are about 14.5 million ethnic Hungarians and their descendants worldwide. Most live in modern-day Hungary, but many also live in areas that were once part of the Kingdom of Hungary before the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. These areas are now parts of seven neighboring countries: Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria.

Hungarians can also be found far beyond Europe. Significant communities live in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Chile, Brazil, Australia, and Argentina, forming what is known as the Hungarian diaspora. These groups keep their language and traditions alive in many different parts of the world.

Name

The name "Hungarian" likely comes from the Oghur-Turkic word Onoğur meaning "Ten Arrows" or "Ten Tribes." Another theory suggests it comes from the Russian word Yugra. Before they settled in their current home, the Hungarians were known by various names such as "Ungri" and "Ungari" in different cultures.

In their own language, Hungarians call themselves "Magyar," a name that may come from one of their ancient tribes called the "Megyer." Over time, this tribal name came to represent the entire Hungarian people.

History

The Hungarians, also known as Magyars, are an ethnic group with a rich history. Their origins are debated, but they are believed to have started in regions like the Southern Urals or Western Siberia. Over time, they moved westward, eventually settling in the Carpathian Basin around the 9th century.

By the 10th century, the Hungarians had established a strong presence in Central Europe. They formed a confederation of tribes and, under leaders like Árpád, settled in the area that is now Hungary. This period marked the beginning of the Hungarian state. In the following centuries, Hungary became a significant power in Europe, facing various challenges including invasions and changes in its borders. Today, Hungarians continue to maintain their distinct culture and language.

Main article: Hungarian prehistory

Main articles: History of Hungary before the Hungarian conquest and Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin

Main article: Hungarian invasions of Europe

Ethnic affiliations and genetic origins

Modern Hungarians are linguistically unique in Europe, but genetically they are similar to nearby populations. Their ancestors mixed with various groups over thousands of years, forming the genetic makeup we see today.

The people of the Carpathian Basin, where Hungary is located, share a common European genetic background that developed during the Bronze Age. This background comes from three main sources: Western Hunter-Gatherers, Neolithic farmers from Anatolia, and Yamnaya steppe migrants. Over time, additional groups from eastern regions added to this mix. Genetic studies show continuous habitation of the Carpathian Basin from at least the Bronze Age onward.

The Hungarian language belongs to the Ugric branch of the Uralic language family, which also includes the Khanty and Mansi languages. Despite this linguistic connection, modern Hungarians are genetically closer to their non-Uralic neighbors than to their linguistic relatives. Their ancestors arrived in the Carpathian Basin as part of a confederation of tribes led by Álpád and Álmos, founding what would become the Hungarian state.

Diaspora

Main article: Hungarian diaspora

Many ethnic Hungarians, also called Magyars, live outside of modern-day Hungary. These communities are found in several nearby countries, such as Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine, as well as farther away places like the United States, Germany, and Canada. These groups have kept their Hungarian language and culture even while living in different nations.

Maps

Several maps show where Hungarians lived throughout history. One map from 1938 shows the Kingdom of Hungary in the 11th century, though some scholars question its accuracy . Another map from 1495, made by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, highlights Hungarians in orange.

The "Red Map" from the 1910 census uses red to mark areas where Hungarians lived, with light purple for Romanians. Regions with fewer than 20 people per square kilometer are left blank, and their populations are shown in nearby denser areas. A modern map shows where Hungarians live today in the Pannonian Basin, including both Hungary and nearby regions with Hungarian minorities.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Hungary

The culture of Hungary has unique features that mix local European traditions with influences from the Ottoman people. It also includes some traditions from Central Asia and the Steppe, like Horse culture and hints of old Shamanistic remnants in Hungarian folklore. These elements together make Hungarian culture rich and interesting.

Folklore and communities

Hungarians have rich traditions, including colorful folk costumes worn in places like Southern Transdanubia, Hungary, Vojvodina, Transylvania, and Romania. These costumes show the unique culture of Hungarian people living in different areas.

Important symbols and activities include the wide-open plains called the Puszta, the mythical bird Turul, and lively folk dances such as Csárdás performed in towns like Skorenovac in Serbia. Welcome signs in both Latin and Old Hungarian script can be seen in places such as Vonyarcvashegy.