Békéscsaba: A Brief History



Békéscsaba is a city in southeastern Hungary located on the Great Hungarian Plain, near the border with Romania. It is the administrative center of Békés County, and has a population of around 73,000. Békéscsaba has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Middle Ages.

The first known settlement in the area of Békéscsaba was established by the Avars, a nomadic people from Central Asia, in the 6th century. The Avars were eventually driven out by the Magyars, who founded the Kingdom of Hungary in 896. During the Middle Ages, the area was ruled by various noble families, including the Csák, the Kacsics, and the Károlyi.

In the 16th century, the area was part of the Ottoman Empire, and was known as Bekirchsabah. It was a small town, with a population of only a few hundred. However, it was an important trading post, and many merchants from the Ottoman Empire and Europe would travel to Bekirchsabah to conduct business.

In the 18th century, the area was annexed by the Habsburg Empire, and the town was renamed Békéscsaba. The town flourished during the 19th century, as it was an important center for trade and industry. In 1872, it was granted city status, and by the end of the century, it had a population of over 10,000.

During the 20th century, Békéscsaba experienced periods of economic growth and decline. It suffered greatly during World War II, when it was occupied by the Nazis and later the Soviets. In the post-war period, the city was rebuilt and experienced a period of rapid growth. Today, Békéscsaba is a modern city, with a vibrant economy and a rich cultural heritage.

Békéscsaba is an important city in Hungary, and its history is an important part of the country’s past. It is a city of great beauty, with a unique cultural identity, and a fascinating history that is worth exploring.