Gázoké

Gázoké is a term that appears in historical Hungarian land registers and administrative documents. It refers to a type of land or property that was not directly owned by the crown or a noble, but rather held by a community or a specific group for a collective purpose. These lands were often used for communal grazing, forestry, or other shared resources. The exact nature of "gázoké" could vary significantly depending on the region and the specific historical period. It often implied a form of usufructuary right, meaning the right to use and benefit from the land, rather than outright ownership.

The concept of "gázoké" reflects a complex system of land tenure in medieval and early modern Hungary, where communal rights and collective management played a significant role alongside private and royal ownership. Understanding "gázoké" is crucial for historical research concerning rural economies, social structures, and the evolution of property rights in Hungary. These designations helped delineate areas managed by villages or smaller communities for their subsistence and economic activities, distinguishing them from lands directly controlled by feudal lords or the monarchy. The term itself likely derives from a root related to "gázol," meaning to wade or pass through, possibly alluding to common access or shared pathways across such lands.