polgárváros

Polgárváros is a Hungarian term that translates roughly to "bourgeois town" or "burgher town." It historically referred to a type of settlement that emerged in Central Europe, particularly in the Kingdom of Hungary, during the late medieval and early modern periods. These towns were characterized by a significant population of burghers, or citizens, who engaged in trade, crafts, and commerce. Unlike feudal estates or royal possessions, polgárváros possessed a degree of autonomy and self-governance, often granted through charters by monarchs or feudal lords.

The economic foundation of a polgárváros was its market function and the guilds that organized its craft production. These towns served as important centers for regional and sometimes international trade. The burgher class, through their economic activities and organizational structures, played a crucial role in shaping the social and political landscape. They often formed councils or municipal governments to manage town affairs, administer justice, and collect taxes. The development of polgárváros was intrinsically linked to the growth of urbanism and the rise of a mercantile class in Hungary. Many of these towns retained their distinct character and importance for centuries, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural development of the regions they inhabited.