Kultúrkörs

Kultúrkörs, more correctly kultúrkörök in Hungarian, denotes cultural circles—groups formed around shared cultural interests such as literature, art, philosophy, or civic debate. Members meet to discuss works, exchange ideas, read texts aloud, organize cultural events, and sometimes publish magazines or journals.

In historical contexts, kultúrkörök played a role in cultural and national revival in Hungary and Central Europe, serving as spaces for critical discussion and creative collaboration outside formal institutions. They helped disseminate Enlightenment ideas, promote literacy, and connect writers, intellectuals, and students.

In modern times the term is used for both informal reading groups and organized associations. Examples include student or university circles that invite writers or critics, cultural clubs connected to libraries or museums, and political or social movements that use the circle format to stimulate discussion. A notable historical example is the Petőfi Kör, a late-1980s Hungarian forum that debated politics and culture.

Kultúrkörök are part of broader concepts such as cultural movements and literary circles in European intellectual history.