Here are 18 famous musicians from Hungary died at 77:
Arthur Koestler (September 5, 1905 Budapest-March 1, 1983 London) a.k.a. Dr. A. Costler or A. Costler was a Hungarian writer, philosopher, novelist and author.
Koestler was best known for his novels such as "Darkness at Noon" which was a powerful portrayal of the Moscow show trials and the Soviet Union's totalitarian regime. He was also a significant figure in the intellectual and political debates of his time, having been a member of the Communist Party before breaking away and becoming an anti-communist. He wrote extensively on topics related to politics, science, and spirituality, and his works include "The Ghost in the Machine", "Bricks to Babel", and "The Act of Creation". Koestler was a polyglot, fluent in German, English, French, and Hungarian, and he was awarded the Sonning Prize for his contribution to European culture in 1972. His legacy continues to be studied and debated, especially in relation to his controversial views on euthanasia and the belief in the paranormal.
Koestler was born into a Jewish family and was educated in Vienna. He later worked as a foreign correspondent for various newspapers, reporting on events in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and in the Middle East during World War II. Koestler was also known for his activism and advocacy for Zionism, taking an active role in the creation of the state of Israel. In addition to his writing, Koestler was also a keen amateur scientist, and he developed an interest in parapsychology, publishing several controversial books on the subject. Despite the controversy surrounding his views on parapsychology, Koestler remains a respected intellectual, and his insights into the nature of totalitarianism and the human experience continue to influence contemporary thought.
He died caused by suicide.
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Alfréd Hajós (February 1, 1878 Budapest-November 12, 1955 Budapest) otherwise known as Alfred Hajos was a Hungarian swimmer and architect.
He was the first modern Olympic champion in swimming, having won two gold medals in the 1896 Athens Olympics. He won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle and the 1,200-meter freestyle swimming events. Later in his career, he became an architect, designing numerous buildings and structures around Hungary. His most famous work is the swimming complex on Margaret Island in Budapest, which is named after him. Hajos was also a writer and journalist, and he contributed to many newspapers and magazines throughout his life. He died in Budapest in 1955 at the age of 77.
Hajos was born in Budapest to a Jewish family, and spent his childhood in Obuda, a town on the outskirts of Budapest. As a child, he started swimming in the Danube River and soon became very skilled at it. When he was 18, he moved to Berlin to study architecture, where he started training with the swimming club "Berliner Sports Club". Hajos returned to Hungary in 1896, shortly before the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece. Despite not being affiliated with any swimming club in Hungary at the time, he was chosen to represent the country in the Olympics, and went on to win both of his events.
After retiring from swimming, Hajos focused on his career as an architect. He designed various buildings, including churches, schools, and apartment buildings. His most significant work was the design of the swimming complex on Margaret Island in Budapest, which was finished in 1930. The complex, which is named after Hajos, is still in use today and is one of Budapest's most popular destinations.
In addition to his career as an architect, Hajos was a respected writer and journalist. He contributed articles to many newspapers and magazines throughout his life, and was known for his lively and engaging writing style. In 1954, he was awarded the Hungarian Kossuth Prize for his contributions to Hungarian culture.
Hajos was married to a woman named Malvin Weisz, with whom he had two children. He remained active in sports and cultural activities throughout his life and was a beloved figure in Hungarian society. Today, he is remembered as one of Hungary's greatest athletes and architects.
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János Kádár (May 26, 1912 Transleithania-July 6, 1989 Budapest) also known as Janos Kadar was a Hungarian politician.
He served as the General Secretary of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party from 1956 to 1988 and the Prime Minister of Hungary from 1956 to 1958 and again from 1961 to 1965. Kádár came to power after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, which was suppressed by Soviet forces. He was initially considered a moderate within the communist party, advocating for reform and a more relaxed policy towards the West. However, he later became a hardliner and maintained close ties with the Soviet Union. During his tenure, Kádár implemented several economic and social reforms, including the introduction of limited market elements and decentralization in agriculture. Despite his efforts, Hungary continued to suffer from economic difficulties and political repression under his rule. Kádár resigned in 1988 amidst massive protests and a wave of democratization across Eastern Europe. He died the following year.
Kádár was born into a working-class family in what was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He became involved in politics at a young age, joining the Communist Party of Hungary in 1931. He was arrested and imprisoned multiple times for his political activities, including during World War II. After the war, Kádár joined the government as Minister of Interior under the Soviet-backed regime.
Kádár's leadership was marked by a complex relationship with the Soviet Union. While he maintained close ties with Moscow, he was not afraid to challenge Soviet authority when he believed it was in Hungary's interest. For example, he refused to participate in the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.
Despite his reputation as a hardliner, Kádár was known for his somewhat paternalistic approach to governance. He famously declared that the "Hungarian people deserve a good life" and took steps to improve living conditions, access to healthcare, and education. However, his reforms were ultimately not enough to satisfy growing discontent within the population.
After his resignation, Kádár lived out his remaining years in relative obscurity. His legacy remains controversial in Hungary to this day, with some praising his efforts to improve living conditions while others condemn him for his role in the suppression of dissent.
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Karl Polanyi (October 25, 1886 Vienna-April 23, 1964) was a Hungarian economist and economic historian.
Polanyi is best known for his book "The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time", published in 1944, which analyzes the emergence of market-based societies in the 19th century and the impact of this transformation on social relationships and institutions. He argued that the market economy is not a natural or inevitable system, but rather a social construct that requires specific policies and institutions to function effectively. Polanyi also wrote extensively about the history and anthropology of economic systems, examining the role of reciprocity, redistribution, and household production in non-market societies. His work has influenced a wide range of scholars in fields such as sociology, anthropology, and political science, and has been cited as an important critique of free-market ideology.
Polanyi was born into a Jewish family in Vienna, Austria-Hungary (now Austria). He studied law and economics at the University of Budapest and later moved to Vienna to pursue graduate studies in economics. In 1919, he became a member of the Hungarian delegation to negotiate the Treaty of Trianon after World War I. When Hungary became a Soviet Republic in 1919, he joined the government as chief economic adviser.
Polanyi was forced to flee Hungary after the collapse of the Soviet Republic, and he settled in Vienna. He was involved in socialist politics and was a member of the Austrian Social Democratic Party. In 1933, he emigrated to England with his wife, Ilona Duczynska, who was also a prominent socialist activist.
In England, Polanyi worked at the London School of Economics and became involved in the socialist movement. He was a member of the Independent Labour Party and was active in anti-fascist campaigns. During World War II, he worked for the British government as an economic analyst.
Polanyi's ideas on economic systems and the role of the state in regulating markets continue to have relevance in contemporary debates about globalization and economic inequality. His writings have also been influential in the development of economic sociology and economic anthropology, and his emphasis on the social embeddedness of economic institutions has led to a renewed interest in non-market forms of economic organization.
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Emery Reves (February 16, 1904 Hungary-October 4, 1981) was a Hungarian personality.
Emery Reves was more than just a personality; he was a writer, publisher, and political activist. Born in Hungary, he later moved to the United States where he started a successful career in publishing. He became known for his book "The Anatomy of Peace," which advocated for a more unified world order. Reves was also a close advisor to former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and helped him write his famous "Iron Curtain" speech. Later in life, Reves became a strong supporter of nuclear disarmament and founded the World Security Council, which aimed to promote peaceful solutions to global conflicts.
Reves was a multifaceted personality who had a deep understanding of the socio-political factors influencing the world. His experience as a political activist drove his interest in global peace and unity. As a publisher, he established the Emery Reves Publishing Company, through which he published books that aimed to promote peace and political cooperation between nations.
Reves was also a noted philanthropist who contributed to various charitable causes. He and his wife established the Reves Center for International Studies, which provides scholarships to students pursuing international studies at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. His contributions to the field of international relations were recognized posthumously when he was awarded the prestigious Peace Prize of West Germany in 1986.
Emery Reves lived a life dedicated to promoting peace and unity among all nations. He was a unique personality who used his platform to spread awareness about global issues and encouraged people to work towards building a better future for everyone.
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Judah Wahrmann (April 5, 1791-April 5, 1868) was a Hungarian personality.
He was a prominent Jewish rabbi, a distinguished author, and a celebrated Talmudic scholar. Wahrmann served as the chief rabbi of Pest (now Budapest) from 1839 until his death. He was known for his expertise in Jewish law and his fierce dedication to the Jewish community.
Wahrmann was also a prolific writer throughout his life. He authored several works on Jewish law and philosophy, including his most famous work titled "Teshuvot Maharik," a collection of responsa on Jewish law. He was highly respected in the Jewish world and his writings were widely recognized and consulted by other scholars.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Wahrmann was also deeply invested in the education of Jewish youth. He established an elementary school in Pest and ensured that the curriculum included both religious and secular subjects. This was groundbreaking for the time as traditional schools at that time in Hungary did not teach secular subjects.
Wahrmann's legacy continues to be celebrated to this day, with schools, synagogues, and institutions named after him in Hungary and beyond.
Wahrmann was born in the town of Miskolc, Hungary, and began his religious education at a young age. He pursued his studies of the Talmudic and rabbinic literature at various yeshivas in Hungary before moving to Vienna to study under the renowned Rabbi Moshe Sofer. After returning to Hungary, Wahrmann became a rabbi in a small town before eventually being appointed as the chief rabbi of Pest.
Throughout his tenure as chief rabbi, Wahrmann was a strong advocate for Jewish rights in Hungary. He worked to secure equal treatment for Jews before the law and to improve their living conditions. His efforts were particularly important at a time when Jews were facing increasing discrimination in Hungary and other parts of Europe.
In addition to his other accomplishments, Wahrmann was also a talented musician and composer. He composed several religious hymns and set the liturgy of the High Holy Days to music, which is still used by many Jewish communities today.
Following his death, Wahrmann was widely mourned in the Jewish community, and his contributions to Jewish scholarship and education continue to be celebrated to this day.
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Emery Roth (April 5, 1871 Sečovce-August 20, 1948 New York City) also known as Róth Imre was a Hungarian architect.
He is widely known for his works in New York, such as the Ritz Tower, The San Remo, and The Eldorado. Roth designed over 300 buildings during his career, many of which are now designated New York City landmarks. He began his career in architecture in Europe before immigrating to the United States in 1904. Throughout his career, Roth was an advocate for Classical architectural designs and is often credited with contributing to the development of the Art Deco movement in New York City. His contributions to the world of architecture have left an indelible mark on the field and continue to inspire future generations of architects.
Roth established his own architecture firm in New York City in 1898 and quickly gained a reputation for his work on residential and commercial buildings. He was heavily involved in the design of luxury apartments on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, an area that became known as "The Emery Roth Belt" due to the high concentration of his buildings. Some of his most notable works include the Beresford, the Normandy, and the Belnord buildings.
In addition to his work on apartment buildings, Roth also designed a number of prominent hotels in New York City, including the Waldorf Astoria and the St. Moritz. His designs were marked by grand entrances, elaborate ornamentation, and attention to detail.
Roth was a member of the American Institute of Architects and received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Gold Medal from the New York Chapter of the AIA. He continued to work well into his 70s and passed away in 1948 at the age of 77. Today, his legacy can be seen in the many iconic buildings he designed that continue to stand as a testament to his talent and vision as an architect.
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István Bilek (August 11, 1932 Budapest-March 21, 2010) was a Hungarian personality.
He was a famous chess player and one of the strongest players in the world during the 1950s and 1960s. Bilek won the Hungarian Chess Championship five times and represented Hungary in several Chess Olympiads. In 1962, he was awarded the title of International Grandmaster by FIDE, the World Chess Federation.
Aside from his successful chess career, Bilek was a dedicated journalist and author. He worked for various Hungarian newspapers and magazines and wrote several books on chess, including "The Modern Chess Game" and "Chess: A Guide to its Varieties." He was also a respected coach and trainer, having mentored many talented Hungarian chess players.
After retiring from competitive chess in the early 1970s, Bilek continued to stay involved in the chess world, serving as the Vice President of the Hungarian Chess Federation for many years. He passed away in Budapest in 2010 at the age of 77.
Bilek's interest in chess began at a young age, and he quickly showed a talent for the game. He was only 16 years old when he won his first Hungarian Chess Championship in 1948. Bilek's success continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with several strong performances in international tournaments, including winning at Mar del Plata in 1954 and 1960.
Bilek's success in chess was not limited to the playing field. He also made significant contributions to the game as a theorist and analyst. His work on the Gruenfeld Defense, a popular opening in modern chess, helped to shape the way the game is played today.
In addition to his involvement in the chess world, Bilek was also active in politics. He was a member of the Hungarian Parliament from 1990 to 1994 and was a supporter of the Federation of Young Democrats, a liberal party in Hungary.
Throughout his life, Bilek remained committed to developing new talent in Hungarian chess. He coached many young players and was known for his patience and dedication to the sport.
Bilek's contributions to the world of chess were recognized in Hungary and beyond. In 2002, he was awarded the Hungarian Order of Merit, and in 2005, he was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest chess players of his generation and a true legend of the game.
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Éva Janikovszky (April 23, 1926-July 14, 2003) also known as Eva Janikovszky was a Hungarian writer.
She was born in Budapest, Hungary and grew up during World War II. Despite the chaos of the war, she was able to attend university and graduated with a degree in Hungarian and Russian language and literature. Janikovszky began her career as a children's book author in the 1950s, and over the course of her career, she wrote over 80 children's books. Her works were known for their humorous and playful tone, as well as their portrayal of everyday life. In addition to her children's books, Janikovszky also wrote novels, short stories, and television scripts. Her most famous works include "Tünde's Birthday" and "The Chocolate Candy Kid". She was recognized with numerous awards throughout her career, including the Hungarian State Award, the Shevchenko Prize, and the Golden Bear of Berlin for Children's Films. Janikovszky passed away in Budapest in 2003, but her legacy as one of Hungary's most beloved children's authors lives on.
Janikovszky's love for children and dedication to education was well-known. She played an active role in promoting children's literature and advocating for the promotion of reading among young people. Her works were translated into numerous languages and have been widely read in many countries. In addition to her literary achievements, Janikovszky was also active in environmental and peace movements, and she advocated for the rights of the marginalized communities. Her contributions enriched Hungarian literature and earned her a place in the hearts of generations of readers. Today, she is considered a cultural icon in Hungary and her works continue to be popular among young and old readers alike.
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Magdolna Purgly (June 10, 1881 Curtici-January 8, 1959 Estoril) was a Hungarian personality. She had two children, István Horthy and Miklós Horthy, Jr..
Magdolna Purgly was the wife of Miklós Horthy, who served as the Regent of Hungary from 1920 to 1944. During her husband's tenure, Purgly was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and public health. She founded several charitable organizations and served as the honorary chair of the Hungarian Red Cross. Purgly was also an avid collector of art and antiques, and she was instrumental in the creation of the Hungarian National Museum's decorative arts collection. Following the end of World War II, Purgly and her family were exiled from Hungary, and they eventually settled in Portugal, where she passed away in 1959.
In addition to her philanthropic and cultural contributions, Magdolna Purgly was also known for her strong personality and political influence. She was highly involved in the political affairs of Hungary and frequently provided advice to her husband on state matters. During World War II, Purgly was actively involved in helping Jewish refugees and tried to persuade her husband to take a more favorable stance towards them. However, her efforts were largely unsuccessful and the Hungarian government ultimately participated in the Holocaust. Despite this, Purgly's charitable and cultural legacy lives on in Hungary today, with several institutions and initiatives named in her honor.
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Sándor Szathmári (June 19, 1897 Gyula-July 16, 1974 Budapest) also known as Sandor Szathmari was a Hungarian writer.
He studied at the University of Budapest and then served in World War I. After the war, he worked as a journalist and began writing fiction. Szathmári's most famous work is "Kis utazás" (Journey by Moonlight), a novel that explores the absurdity of modern life. He also wrote for newspapers and magazines throughout his career, covering topics such as politics, the arts, and sports. During World War II, Szathmári was imprisoned for his anti-fascist views, but he survived the war and remained active as a writer and journalist until his death in 1974. His works continue to be celebrated for their humor, imagination, and incisive social commentary.
Aside from "Journey by Moonlight," Szathmári wrote several other notable works, including "Az élet álom" (Life Is a Dream), a philosophical novel, and "Vadon" (Wilderness), a collection of short stories. He was also an editor and translator, working on translations of works by authors such as Marcel Proust and Franz Kafka. Szathmári was a member of the Hungarian Writers' Association and was awarded the Kossuth Prize for his contributions to literature in Hungary. He was married twice and had two children. In addition to his writing, he was also an avid traveler and visited many countries throughout his life, which influenced his work. Today, Szathmári is remembered as one of the most important Hungarian writers of the 20th century.
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László Nagy (August 13, 1927 Szombathely-April 19, 2005) a.k.a. Laszlo Nagy was a Hungarian personality.
He was a renowned poet, writer, translator, and literary critic. Nagy began his literary career as a poet in the 1950s, where he was part of the '56 Generation of writers who opposed the Stalinist regime in Hungary. He was known for his avant-garde poetry, which combined traditional Hungarian verse forms with modernist styles, and his literary criticism, which was highly respected in Hungary's literary circles. Nagy's literary works were hugely influential in shaping the cultural and intellectual discourse of Hungary during his time.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Nagy was also active in politics. He was a member of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party and served as the editor-in-chief of the Party's literary magazine, "Irodalmi Szemle". Following the 1989 democratic reforms, he became a member of the Hungarian Parliament as well as Hungary's first Ambassador to the United States.
Nagy received numerous awards throughout his lifetime, including the Kossuth Prize, Hungary's most prestigious literary award. He was also the first Hungarian to receive the prestigious American PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award in 1997, which recognized his lifetime commitment to free expression and human rights. Nagy's legacy continues to influence Hungarian literature and political thought.
Furthermore, Nagy played a significant role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. After the Soviet Union crushed the revolution, Nagy was arrested and imprisoned for his anti-communist activities. The experience had a profound impact on him, and he continued to advocate for human rights throughout his life. He was a vocal opponent of censorship and government oppression, and he used his literary platform to speak out against these issues.
In addition to his poetry and literary criticism, Nagy was also a prolific translator. He translated works of some of the greatest writers in world literature, including William Shakespeare, Samuel Beckett, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. His translations were highly regarded for their accuracy and literary quality.
Nagy's private life was also notable. He was married to the poet and translator, Katalin Németh, and the couple had two children. Their son, János Nagy, is a highly regarded jazz pianist.
Overall, Nagy's life was marked by his intellectual curiosity, his commitment to free expression and human rights, and his contributions to Hungarian literature and culture. He remains an important figure in Hungary's literary and political history.
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Béni Ferenczy (April 5, 1890 Hungary-April 5, 1967) was a Hungarian personality.
He was a prominent painter known for his outstanding contributions to the development of Hungarian art. Ferenczy was a member of the Nagybánya artists' colony and was closely associated with avant-garde movements like the "Blue Rider" and the "Der Sturm." His art mostly featured landscapes and portraits, and he had an extensive collection of drawings, oils, and watercolors. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Ferenczy was also involved in politics and served as a member of parliament from 1932 to 1944. His contributions to the nation's cultural and political development continue to be celebrated today.
Ferenczy was born into an artistic family; his father was a painter and his mother a musician. He studied at the Budapest School of Fine Arts and later traveled to Paris to continue his studies in the Academie Julian. During his career, he had several solo exhibitions and participated in many group shows, including the Venice Biennale, where he was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal in 1926.
Ferenczy's involvement in politics began in 1932 when he was elected to the Hungarian Parliament as a member of the Smallholders Party. He was re-elected in 1935 and 1939, and during his time as a MP, he worked to promote cultural and educational policies. However, his political career was cut short when Hungary was occupied by Germany during World War II, and he was forced to resign in 1944.
After the war, Ferenczy continued to work as an artist and was appointed as a professor at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts in 1948. He also played a significant role in establishing the Kecskemét International Ceramics Symposium, a pivotal event in the history of ceramic art. He was awarded several prestigious honors throughout his career, including the Kossuth Prize, the highest award given for artistic achievement in Hungary.
Today, Ferenczy's artwork can be found in many public collections, including the Hungarian National Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, and the Albertina in Vienna. He is considered one of Hungary's most important artists of the 20th century and continues to be celebrated for his contributions to both art and politics.
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István Somodi (August 22, 1885 Cluj-Napoca-June 8, 1963) also known as Istvan Somody was a Hungarian personality.
He was a renowned painter, graphic artist, and illustrator. Somodi was born in the city of Cluj-Napoca, which was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest and later continued his education in Munich and Paris.
Somodi's style of painting was heavily influenced by the French Impressionists, and he became known for his vibrant landscapes and cityscapes. He also gained recognition for his illustrations of Hungarian folk tales and his graphic designs, which were often used in advertising.
In addition to his work as an artist, Somodi was also an active member of the Hungarian cultural scene. He was a founding member of the Hungarian Graphic Artists' Association and was appointed the first director of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts.
Despite being a prominent figure in the Hungarian art world, Somodi's work fell out of favor after World War II due to his conservative style not aligning with the socialist realist movement. However, in recent years, his work has gained renewed interest and appreciation. Today, his paintings can be found in various art institutions and galleries across Hungary.
In addition to his paintings and illustrations, Somodi also worked as a lecturer and teacher. He taught at various art schools throughout Hungary and was highly respected by his students for his knowledge and expertise in the field of art. Somodi's passion for art was evident in all aspects of his life, and he believed that art had the power to bring people together and create a sense of unity. He continued to create art throughout his life, and his later works were often more abstract and experimental than his earlier pieces.
Somodi's legacy is a testament to his dedication to the art world and his ability to bring people together through his work. His paintings and illustrations continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of artists. Somodi's contributions to the Hungarian art scene are significant, and his influence can still be felt today.
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Iván Skerlecz (July 20, 1873 Oroszló-January 20, 1951 Budapest) was a Hungarian politician.
He was a member of the Hungarian Social Democratic Party and later became one of the founders of the Communist Party of Hungary. Skerlecz served as a member of the Hungarian parliament and was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Industry during the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919. Following the fall of the Soviet Republic, he fled to the Soviet Union, where he worked as a journalist and translator. Skerlecz later returned to Hungary in 1945 and served as a member of Parliament until his death in 1951. He is remembered as an important figure in Hungarian communism and for his contributions to the country's political history.
During his time in the Soviet Union, Iván Skerlecz became involved in Russian politics, writing articles and working as a translator for Soviet magazines. He also served as a representative for the Hungarian Communist Party in Moscow. However, he became disillusioned with Soviet politics during the Stalinist era and returned to Hungary in 1945, where he became a member of the Hungarian Parliament.
In addition to his political career, Skerlecz was also a notable translator of classic literature. He translated the works of William Shakespeare, Nikolai Gogol, and Charles Dickens into Hungarian. Skerlecz was also known for his work as an editor and journalist, contributing to several left-wing publications during his career.
Despite his involvement in the Hungarian Soviet Republic, Skerlecz's political career was not without controversy. He was accused of being involved in the execution of anti-Communist politicians during the 1919 revolution, although these accusations have been disputed by some historians.
Today, Iván Skerlecz is remembered as an important figure in Hungarian politics and journalism during the early 20th century. His contributions to Hungarian literature and culture have also been recognized as significant, with many of his translations still widely read and appreciated by Hungarian readers.
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József Keresztessy (September 19, 1885 Budapest-December 29, 1962 Toronto) was a Hungarian personality.
He was a prominent lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served within the Hungarian government during the World War I and World War II eras. Keresztessy was among the few Hungarian officials who opposed the German occupation in 1944 and actively helped Jews escape deportation. After the war ended, Keresztessy was captured by the Soviet army but released in 1949 in a prisoner exchange deal. He then fled to Canada, where he became involved in human rights efforts and served as the honorary consul for Hungary. Despite being away from his homeland, he remained active in the Hungarian diaspora and maintained his opposition to communist rule in Hungary. Throughout his life, Keresztessy was known for his intelligence, bravery, and dedication to human rights.
Keresztessy began his career in law, and after serving in the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I, he was elected to Parliament in 1919. He then spent several years as a diplomat, serving in Czechoslovakia, Italy, and Austria. He was appointed as the Hungarian ambassador to Spain in 1936, but he resigned from his position in protest of the Hungarian government's alliance with Nazi Germany in 1940.
During World War II, Keresztessy remained active in public life and was among the few officials to openly oppose the fascist Arrow Cross Party's rise to power. He helped to organize resistance efforts and assisted in smuggling Jews out of the country. After the war, he was captured by the Soviet army and spent several years in prison before being released in a prisoner exchange.
In Canada, Keresztessy continued to work for human rights and became a respected member of the Hungarian community. He founded the Hungarian Canadian Committee on Human Rights and served as the honorary consul for Hungary for over a decade. He also wrote extensively on Hungarian history and politics, and his memoirs provide a firsthand account of the tumultuous events of the 20th century.
Keresztessy's legacy continues to inspire those who fight for democracy and freedom around the world. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary in 2000, recognizing his contributions to his homeland and the international community.
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Géza Tuli (November 4, 1888 Budapest-January 30, 1966 Budapest) was a Hungarian personality.
He was a well-known Hungarian architect and sculptor, known for his modernist designs and use of concrete in his work. Tuli studied architecture in Budapest and later in Germany, where he was influenced by the Bauhaus movement. He returned to Budapest in the 1920s and began working on numerous residential and public building projects.
In addition to his architectural work, Tuli was also a talented sculptor, creating many modernist pieces that were exhibited in galleries throughout Europe. He was one of the earliest members of the Hungarian Sculptors' Society.
Not much is known about Tuli's personal life, but he was likely a private individual who preferred to let his work speak for itself. His contributions to the fields of architecture and sculpture have left a lasting impact on Hungarian art and design.
One of Tuli's most notable architectural works is the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, which he designed in partnership with Dezső Zrumeczky in 1933. He also worked on the design of the Hungarian Pavilion for the 1937 Paris World's Fair. Tuli was known for his innovative use of concrete, which allowed him to create unique and modern shapes in his buildings.
In addition to his architectural work, Tuli was also a respected art teacher. He founded the sculpture department at the Hungarian College of Fine Arts and served as a professor there for many years. Many of his students went on to become well-known sculptors in Hungary.
Tuli's sculptures often featured abstract, geometric shapes and were influenced by the Bauhaus movement. He created works in a variety of materials, including bronze, stone, and wood. His sculptures can be seen in public spaces throughout Hungary, including several in Budapest's City Park.
Tuli's legacy continues to inspire modern architects and sculptors in Hungary and beyond. In recognition of his contributions to Hungarian art and culture, a street in Budapest was named after him in 2000.
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József Hild (December 8, 1789-March 6, 1867) was a Hungarian architect.
Hild is considered one of the most important architects of the 19th century in Hungary. He was born in Pest and studied in Vienna, where he became a disciple of the architect Josef Kornhäusel. Hild worked mainly in the Gothic Revival style and was responsible for many important public buildings in Hungary, including the Hungarian State Opera House and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences building. He also designed several important churches, including the Cathedral of Szeged and the Basilica of Esztergom, which is the largest church in Hungary. Hild was recognized for his exceptional skill as an architect, and in 1833 he was elected a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He died in Pest at the age of 77.
Throughout his career, József Hild has been regarded as one of the most significant neo-Gothic architects in Hungary. After completing his studies in Vienna, Hild worked on several major projects in Hungary, including the County Hall of Pest and the University Library in Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca). He later became the chief architect of the Archdiocese of Esztergom and was commissioned to design the basilica in Esztergom, which took over 50 years to complete.
Hild's most iconic work is the Hungarian State Opera House, which he designed in collaboration with fellow architect Miklós Ybl. The Opera House, completed in 1884, is a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance style and is still considered one of the most magnificent buildings in Budapest.
Hild's style was deeply influenced by the Gothic Revival movement that swept through Europe in the mid-19th century. He believed that Gothic architecture had a spiritual quality that was missing from modern buildings and sought to bring back the glory of the Gothic era in his work.
In recognition of his achievements, Hild was awarded the Order of St. Stephen, Hungary's highest civilian order, in 1864. Despite his accolades, Hild remained a humble, hardworking architect throughout his career, always striving to create beautiful, functional, and enduring buildings.
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