polgárvárosok

Polgárvárosok is a Hungarian term that translates to "burgher towns" or "towns of burghers." It refers to a historical category of settlements in Hungary that gained significant economic and political importance due to their merchant and artisan populations. These towns typically emerged and developed during the medieval and early modern periods.

The status of polgárváros was often granted by royal charter, which provided these settlements with specific rights and privileges. These could include the right to hold markets, conduct trade, establish guilds, and govern themselves to a certain extent. This autonomy fostered economic growth and attracted a burgeoning middle class of burghers, or "polgárok."

These towns played a crucial role in the development of Hungary's urban landscape and economy. They served as centers for commerce, craft production, and cultural exchange. Many of today's significant Hungarian cities trace their origins or significant development phases to their status as polgárvárosok. The term highlights the distinct social and economic structure that differentiated these towns from other types of settlements.