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“The 3rd of April, 1944 is the occasion that brings us together. This is a year that is particularly important for Debrecen, as modern-day Debrecen suffers its biggest losses during this year. On the 13th of May, 1944, the gates of the ghetto are already standing in the vicinity of Pásti Street, somewhere in operational centres, the bombing of Debrecen is already being planned on a big scale, many people are worried about their loved ones living on the frontlines, meanwhile people are born and people die.On the 13th of May, 2024, Pál Gulyás passed away 80 years ago. In his memory, the Méliusz Juhász Péter Library organised a literary round table discussion, at which Anna Petrányi-Szöőr talked with Endre Bakó and Ádám Szöőr,” as can be read in the report of Debrecen Literature.
The discussion was opened by Debrecen’s Deputy Mayor for Culture, who stressed that the date of Pál Gulyás’ death is particularly important for modern-day Debrecen, as the city suffered its greatest losses. “Although Pál Gulyás was not directly affected by the Second World War, the life that he is closing at the age of 44 is part of the history of Hungary and the history of the city, which had its terrible finale in 1944-45. The particular position of which he is an active member of is trying to develop a particular Hungarian position in the East-West relationship, to give some kind of response. Pál Gulyás’s life’s work also moves in this context,” István Puskás said.
“He did not receive much favourable criticism in his lifetime, but his funeral was a real public celebration,” Endre Bakó explained. “After his death, however, he was followed by a great reception and the conscience of his fellow writers spoke in this afterword,” he added. Ádám Szöőr put it that way that “For me, Pál Gulyás represented Debreceness, the image of a family with strong morals and very deep roots”.
Source:debrecen.hu
