Magyars

Magyars, commonly known as Hungarians, are a Finno-Ugric people primarily associated with the modern nation of Hungary. They speak Hungarian, an agglutinative Uralic language that serves as a central element of national identity. The Magyars form the largest ethnic group in Hungary and constitute the core of the Hungarian population.

Origins and migration: The Magyars trace their roots to early Uralic-speaking populations in the Volga region. In the late 9th and early 10th centuries they migrated westward into the Carpathian Basin, where they established political and cultural centers and eventually formed the medieval Kingdom of Hungary under leaders such as Árpád and Stephen I.

Religion and state: Christianization occurred in the 10th and 11th centuries, culminating in Stephen I as the first Christian king. Over the centuries Hungary experienced periods of regional power, Ottoman rule, and Habsburg domination. In the modern era the country developed into a constitutional state, continuing to influence Central European affairs.

Language and culture: Hungarian remains the defining feature of Magyar identity. The language is notable for its complex grammar and extensive use of affixes. Magyar culture includes distinctive music, literature, folk traditions, and culinary customs, with notable contributions to European arts and science.

Distribution and modern status: Today the majority of Magyars live in Hungary, with sizable communities in neighboring countries such as Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, and Ukraine, as well as in Austria, and in diaspora communities around the world. The 20th-century border changes, including the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, left many Magyars outside present-day Hungary, shaping minority rights and cross-border relations that continue to influence regional politics and identity.