történetieség

Történetiség is a Hungarian term that translates roughly to "historicity" or "historicity in the making." It refers to the process through which events, individuals, or phenomena acquire historical significance and become part of the historical narrative. It's not merely about events that have already happened, but about how they are perceived, interpreted, and integrated into collective memory and historical understanding over time.

The concept emphasizes that history is not a static collection of facts, but a dynamic and ongoing construction. Történetiség involves the interplay of objective occurrences and subjective interpretations, where social, cultural, and political contexts shape what is deemed historically important. This can manifest in various ways, such as the commemoration of certain events, the canonization of particular figures, or the evolution of historical interpretations.

Understanding történetiség helps to analyze how certain aspects of the past gain prominence while others fade, and how historical narratives are constantly being revised and debated. It highlights the active role of societies in shaping their own past and its relevance to the present and future. The term encourages a critical examination of how historical consciousness is formed and maintained.