történetépítést

Történetépítés is a Hungarian term that translates literally as “history building.” It refers to the deliberate construction and presentation of historical narratives by historians, political actors, or cultural institutions. The concept acknowledges that history is not merely a neutral record of facts but is shaped by the purposes, values, and power relations of those who write it. As a methodological awareness, történetépítés encourages scholars to examine how specific sources are selected, how events are framed, and how memory is mobilized to serve contemporary agendas.

Historiography in Hungary has produced prominent examples of történetépítés. The communist era saw the systematic rewriting of medieval and early‑modern periods to emphasize a Marxist interpretation, while the post‑communist transitional period brought deliberate efforts to reexamine national myths and reassess figures such as Ferenc Fejér or István Széchenyi. In recent decades, the debate around the “Crimean War” and the role of the Hungarian army has highlighted how political changes can prompt revisions in the national narrative.

Scholars who study történetépítés apply a variety of analytical tools, including discourse analysis, memory studies, and source criticism. By situating historical writing within broader cultural and ideological contexts, they reveal the interplay between narrative construction and national identity formation. The field encourages reflexivity in historical practice, urging historians to question their own positionality, the credibility of sources, and the potential political uses of the stories they tell.

Overall, történetépítés invites an understanding of history as a dynamic construction process, reminding readers that the past is constantly being reinterpreted in light of present concerns.