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Debrecen, the second-largest city in Hungary, is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and rich history, which is reflected in its street names.
As you wander the city, you may find yourself walking the paths named after some of history’s most illustrious figures, like Kossuth Lajos or Petőfi Sándor. But who are these figures, and why do they deserve a spot among the cityscapes?
Let’s look at some notable streets and the remarkable people they commemorate.
Kossuth Street and Kossuth Square
Lajos Kossuth was one of the most prominent figures in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. He proclaimed the Declaration of Independence on April 14, 1849, in the Debrecen Great Reformed Church. As a statesman, he championed the cause of Hungarian independence from the Austrian Empire. His passionate speeches and relentless advocacy for civil rights and social reforms resonated in Hungary and Europe.
In the heart of the city, Kossuth Street is home to the Csokonai National Theatre, close to the Town Hall and the newly built Szent István Square. Kossuth Square, also known as Főtér, is the city’s central point, with significant public buildings and monuments. The statue of Lajos Kossuth is also located here.
Batthyány Street
Lajos Batthyány, a key figure in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, played a crucial role in the fight for national independence and civil rights. The pedestrian street named after him is home to small shops and yearly cultural events.
Petőfi Sándor Square
Sándor Petőfi is Hungary’s national poet and a prominent liberal revolutionary who spent the winter of 1843-44in Debrecen. Petőfi is best remembered for his passionate poems, which fueled the fervor of the 1848 revolution. The square named after him in Debrecen has recently been renovated, featuring the poet’s statue, a 400-square-metre pond, a timber-clad terrace, and an architectural history trail.
Széchenyi István Street
István Széchenyi, known as “the Greatest Hungarian,” is another celebrated personality whose name graces a street in Debrecen. A statesman and reformer, Széchenyi was instrumental in modernising Hungary’s infrastructure in the 19th century. His contributions significantly impacted Hungary’s economic and social progress, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Debrecen Reformed Church, one of Debrecen’s historical sights, is also located here.
Rákóczi Street
Ferenc Rákóczi, a key figure in the War for Independence against the Habsburgs, has a street named in his honour in Debrecen. Rákóczi led a significant uprising in the early 18th century, becoming a symbol of Hungarian resistance and national pride. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Hungary’s history.
Bethlen Street
One of the key figures in the city’s landscape is Gábor Bethlen, a notable prince of Transylvania in the 17th century. His leadership and efforts toward Hungarian independence played a significant role in the nation’s history. His contributions to education and culture during a tumultuous time earned him a place of honor in Debrecen, where a street carries his name.
Bem Square
József Bem, a Polish general, is celebrated in Hungary and across Central Europe for his role in the 1848 revolutions. His bravery in battle, particularly during the fight for Hungarian independence, cemented his status as a national hero. The street named after him serves as a reminder of the shared struggles between Poland and Hungary for liberty and self-determination.
The Méliusz Juhász Péter Central Library can also be found here.
Arany János Street
János Arany, one of Hungary’s most revered poets, is another figure whose influence reverberates through the city. His literary works reflect the spirit of Hungary and its cultural values. A street named after him is a tribute to his contributions to literature and his role in the 19th-century Hungarian reform movements.
The street is a cozy, narrow street that opens from Piac Street.
Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street
Endre Bajcsy-Zsilinszky is remembered as a courageous politician and a staunch advocate for democracy and social justice. He played an essential role in Hungary’s political landscape during the 20th century, particularly in the fight against totalitarian regimes.
The pedestrian street now houses restaurants, small shops and the Mercure hotel.
Nagy Imre Street
As a prominent figure in Hungary’s 1956 Revolution, President of the Council of Ministers Imre Nagy symbolises hope and resistance. His leadership during the uprising and subsequent martyrdom for his beliefs resonate in the hearts of many.
Ady Park
Another literary giant, Endre Ady, inspired generations with his poetry, which delved deep into themes of love, national identity, and human despair. Endre Ady himself would be proud of the park, which is located between the Csokonai National Theatre and the Ady Endre Grammar School and is a lively, charming, youthful, and vibrant new spot in the city.
Csokonai Street
Lastly, Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, born in Debrecen, was a trailblazer in Hungary between the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. He had an impressive knowledge of the thought, literature, and politics of the time and dedicated his life to the arts at a time when Hungary was seeking to establish a unique cultural identity. Institutions in Debrecen, including libraries and universities, continue to uphold his influence by incorporating his literature into their curricula.
Each street corner invites you to pause and reflect on the lives and contributions of the figures after whom they are named. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or someone who craves a deeper understanding of the places you visit, the streets of Debrecen promise a rich experience that honors the past while embracing the future.
Take a moment to hear the stories behind its streets; there’s much to learn and discover in Debrecen!
Sources: debrecen.hu/hu/turista, wikipedia.org
