Felvidék

Felvidék is a historical and geographical term used in Hungarian historiography and national consciousness to refer to the northern parts of historical Hungary, which largely correspond to present-day Slovakia and parts of Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. The term literally translates to "Upper Country" or "Upland" in Hungarian. It became a significant concept in Hungarian national identity, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, as Hungary sought to assert its historical territorial integrity.

Historically, the region was part of the Kingdom of Hungary for centuries. Following the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, after World War I, the majority of Felvidék was incorporated into the newly formed Czechoslovakia. This territorial change was deeply resented by many Hungarians and became a central issue in Hungarian irredentism.

During the interwar period, Hungary repeatedly claimed the return of Felvidék, leading to tensions with Czechoslovakia. Following the First Vienna Award in 1938, parts of southern Felvidék were returned to Hungary. However, the entire territory was re-annexed by Hungary in 1939 after the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia. After World War II, the pre-war borders were largely restored, and Felvidék, as a unified historical entity under Hungarian rule, ceased to exist.

Today, the term Felvidék is primarily used by Hungarian nationalists and in historical discussions. In Slovakia, the corresponding regions are generally referred to by their geographical names or as Southern Slovakia, with the Hungarian minority in Slovakia often using the term Felvidék to refer to their historical homeland. The historical and political connotations of the term remain sensitive.