Prior to this week, my knowledge of Hungary was very limited. I knew the best paprika in the world came from Szeged Hungary, and that many Hungarians made vast contributions in the field of science. I also recall as a young girl studying dance in Maryland, members of our dance company had the opportunity to travel to Budapest. I remember their stories of how beautiful the city was with its great architecture, famed opera house, Danube river, and cultural museums.
What I did not know was that the people of Hungary are actually Magyars and are more closely related to the Finns and the Estonians than they are to any other ethnic group of Eastern Europe who are Slavic. When Rome fell during the fourth century, the Magyars were one of many groups who came to the region on the west banks of the Danube river from the western part of the Soviet Union. They intermingled with the Turks for over a thousand years and acquired many of their customs. They were known as great horseman. There are stories written of Hungarian children training to ride as soon as they are able to walk! They were also known as great javelin throwers and archers. The word Hungarian is actually derived from the Turkic words On-Ogurs which translates to "The People of 10 arrows."
Approximately 2 million Americans claim Hungarian ancestry. Many Hungarian-Americans are known for their contributions in the fields of atomic science, computers, mathematics, arts, philanthropy, and the film industry. Joseph Pulitzer was a great newspaper magnet who started the Pulitzer prize. He is also noted for first putting comics in the newspapers. We would not have the atom bomb if it not for Leo Szilard and Eugne Wigner, key members of the US team who developed the atom bomb. Edward Teller was the father of the hydrogen bomb, all Hungarian.
Another scientist with Hungarian roots was Theodor von Karman, known as the father of supersonic flight. Zolten Bay developed the radio telescope, and Dennis Gabor the holograph. Color television and long playing records were the inventions of Peter Goldmark. All of these scientists were born near the turn of the century in Budapest and they were all graduates of the rigorous Hungarian secondary school system.
Another scientist with Hungarian roots was Theodor von Karman, known as the father of supersonic flight. Zolten Bay developed the radio telescope, and Dennis Gabor the holograph. Color television and long playing records were the inventions of Peter Goldmark. All of these scientists were born near the turn of the century in Budapest and they were all graduates of the rigorous Hungarian secondary school system.
Two Hungarian-Americans left a major footprint on Hollywood-Adoph Zukor and William Fox. They were two of Hollywood's first film moguls. Other famous Hungarians are Tony Curtis, Bela Lugosi, Harry Houdini, and the Gabor sisters. Some of the greatest conductors of the world have Hungarian blood as well. George Szell, Eugene Ormandy, Antal Dorati, George Solti, and Fritz Reiner are among the most well known.
Hungary also has a very popular spa culture that has been present for over 2,000 years. Budapest is often called "The city of Baths". The Romans first introduced the spa during their reign and remains of their complexes are still seen in present day Hungary. This was revived after the Turkish invasion as well.
Budapest
has the richest supply of thermal water among the capitals of the world. Because of Hungary's geographical location, thermal water can be found with good
quality and in great quantities on over 80% of the country. There
are currently approximately 450 public baths in Hungary.
Tomorrow we will cook a traditional Hungarian Appetizer called Pancakes Bokolgny Style topped with rich Paprika Gravy. This dish consists of a crepe like pancake filled with a very savory combination of veal and chicken, covered in rich Paprika gravy and sour cream. Perfect for the cold weather we are experiencing even here in Texas!
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