Curse of Turan
This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2016) |
The Curse of
Origin
There are different theories of origin. It is important to note, that the name for the imagined "turanian people" came into existence and spread due to the works of Max Müller in Hungary, and it became a popular hypothesis in the second half of the 19th century.[1] The first written mention of the phrase: "Turáni átok" was found in the publications of Ferenc Herczeg.[2]
Saint Stephen and Christianity
Perhaps the most popular origin theory is that the curse resulted from
1848 revolution
Another theory is that the curse was created as legend during the 1850s in the aftermath of the failed Hungarian Revolution of 1848, and reflected the overwhelming pessimism of this repressive decade.
National catastrophes
Some tragic events of Hungarian history are traditionally seen as national catastrophes, manifestations of the Curse of Turan:
- Battle of Mohi (1241) Devastating loss to invading Mongols leading to severe population depletion.
- Battle of Mohács (1526) Decisive loss to invading Turks leading to around 150 years (until 1686) of Ottoman rule in central parts of the country.
- Transfer of sovereignty from the Ottoman Empire to the Habsburg Austrian Empire (1699)
- forces led to 15 years of severe repression.
- Treaty of Trianon (1920) Redefinition of borders after World War I; Hungary loses about 72% of its territory.
- World War II (1939–45) Catastrophic alliance with Axis powers.
- Hungarian Revolution of 1956 Crushed by Soviet military, led to severe reprisals and mass exodus of many Hungarians.
Personal troubles
The curse has also been blamed for causing many troubles on a personal level. Among them are Hungary's high rate of suicide. Currently, Hungary is 54th in the world in suicide rate. In the mid 1980s, Hungary led this indicator. Hungarians have the third shortest life expectancy in Europe outside the countries of the former USSR.
Etymology
Turan (Hungarian: Turán) derives from the Persian توران and refers to the steppes of
Literature
The curse became a favourite
The Curse
“Men!” said the Pannon god of bane in olden times
“I bestow to you a happy land; you should fight for, if you want her.”
So great, brave nations fought dauntlessly for her,
And the Magyar won a bloody victory at last.
Oh, but contention remained on the souls of the peoples: the land
Can never become happy under this curse.
Az átok
"Férfiak!" így szólott Pannon vészistene hajdan,
"Boldog földet adok, víjatok érte, ha kell."
S víttanak elszántan nagy bátor nemzetek érte,
S véresen a diadalt végre kivítta magyar.
Ah de viszály maradott a népek lelkein: a föld
Boldoggá nem tud lenni ez átok alatt.