Why Do Hungarians Call Themselves Magyars?

Published: June 06 2023

Exploring the history and origins of this unique European ethnic group.

The modern-day country of Hungary has a rich and complex history, and the people who inhabit it have a wide variety of cultural roots. While many people outside of Hungary may refer to the people of this nation as "Hungarians," within the country itself, they usually refer to themselves as "Magyars". But what is the root of this distinction? To understand this, we must delve into the historical origins of this unique group of people.

The Magyars, also known as the Hungarian people, trace their origins to the ancient nomadic tribes who settled in the Carpathian Basin in Central Europe during the 9th century. These tribes were originally from the Ural Mountains region in what is now modern-day Russia. As these tribes migrated westward, they encountered and merged with local populations in the Carpathian Basin.

The leader of these tribes, Árpád, led the Magyars to their new homeland and established a confederation of seven tribes. These seven tribes eventually became the unified Hungarian state, known as Magyarország, under the rule of the Árpád Dynasty. This unified state spread its influence throughout central Europe, including modern-day Hungary, Slovakia, Transylvania, Croatia, and northern Serbia.

The Hungarian language belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family, which is a subgroup of the larger Uralic language family. This language family also includes Finnish, Estonian, and several other smaller languages spoken in Russia. The word "Magyar" itself is derived from the original Proto-Uralic word \*mäńćä -, which translates to "man" or "person."

In the Hungarian language, the word "Magyar" is used to refer both to the people of Hungary and their language. This unique terminology differentiates the Hungarian people and their culture from their Slavic, Germanic, and Latin-speaking neighbors, emphasizing the distinctly non-Indo-European origins of the Hungarian people.

The Magyar identity has played an essential role in the development and perseverance of Hungarian culture throughout history. As a minority in a region dominated by Slavic and Germanic cultures, the Magyars had to work ardently to maintain their cultural identity.

In the 19th century, during the Magyarization process, the Hungarian government sought to strengthen and promote their unique linguistic and cultural identity. They did so by establishing Hungarian as the official language throughout the lands controlled by the Kingdom of Hungary, as well as promoting a shared Magyar history and national pride.

The Magyar identity also played an essential role in the development of Hungarian nationalism, which ultimately led to the country's separation from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the establishment of an independent Hungarian state following the First World War.

Today, the people of Hungary continue to celebrate their Magyar heritage and preserve their distinct linguistic and cultural identity. In national events like the annual Magyar Népzenei Fesztivál (Hungarian Folk Music Festival) and the Magyar Dal Napja (Hungarian Song Day), the Magyar music and culture are celebrated and showcased.

Furthermore, educational institutions and organizations in Hungary are dedicated to researching and preserving the Magyar culture and language. The Magyar Tudományos Akadémia (Hungarian Academy of Sciences) and the Magyar Nyelvű Szellemi Kulturális Alapítvány have been instrumental in promoting the study and preservation of the Magyar culture, both within Hungary and internationally.

In conclusion, the term "Magyar" encompasses the unique linguistic, historical, and cultural identity that sets the Hungarian people apart from their European neighbors. This sense of identity has been crucial in preserving and celebrating Hungary's distinct heritage for centuries and will continue to be a vital aspect in shaping the nation's future.