Europe 2019: Budapest- My favourite city on Danube

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It was two different cities during medieval times- Buda and Pest (Pesht). But now it’s only Budapest. Buda is on one side of the Danube River where Buda castle is situated and Pest, situated on the other side of the river, is the commercial district where everyone works. Budapest should be your entry point if you want to explore East Europe.

History

This is most important if you are keen to know the city from its roots. European cities take in historical importance and if you don’t know the story, it will be difficult to understand the city and its civilization. At present Budapest is famous for its Nightlife, Shopping and Thermal Baths. But to a greater extent than this, the urban center has a significantly important history.

During the late 1930s and early 1940s, there were 200,000 Jews living in Budapest and it was considered as one of the safest heavens for the Jewish Community. But after March 1944, Jewish houses were seized and they were transported to many concentration camps in Hungary, Austria, and Poland. But Soon Hungarian Government suspended the deportations in July 1944. This suspension was temporary. So, at the time the biggest problem was to find a house for them where they could remain secure. At that time, many foreign diplomats like rotate, Wallenburg and many others, were making false papers and safe houses for them. These actions saved the lives of many Jews.

Pinchas Tibor Rosenbaum

He was Jewish. He, along with his friends was transferred to a labor camp to build railway tracks. But soon Americans started bombing from the air and he had to run away. When he arrived home, he found out his house in ruins and his family was not there. Then he got to know that all the Jews were deported to different camps. Stealthily he reached Budapest. He got to know that the Jews were staying in a yellow cross house along with the number doc which was required so as to avoid getting killed when questioned by a Nazi officer. He also got his paper and started living in the yellow cross house along with other Jews. Then one day, he killed two Nazi’s officers. He buried them in the backyard and took their uniforms. Then every night he would go out to rescue Jews and would bring them to his place. He saved the lives of a lot of Jews.

But then in Oct 1944, Nazi authority formed new Hungarian Government dominated by the Fascist Arrow Cross Party under Ference. Again the life of Jews was in danger. They concentrated more than 50,000 Jews in the 3^rd Quarter of Budapest- Obuda and from there forced them to camps in Austria barefoot. Many died on the way due to starvation and cold. At last in Dec 1944, they reached camp in Austria. And from there Germans took them to different camps. Between Dec  1944 to Jan 1945, Arrow Cross used to take Jews at night and shot them on the banks of Danube and throw their bodies into the river. Soviet forces captured Budapest in Feb 1945 and peace was declared. More than 100,000 Jews remained in the city at the time of capture.

Finally, the dark period had come to an end.

Fun facts

• In the Hungarian Language, there are 44 Alphabets
• They used suffix instead of the proposition so that is why they have the longest word with 28 alphabets
• Stephen was the first king during the 1000’s, who decided that people here will be Christian.
• It’s been 15 years now since Budapest is the part of the EU, still, they use Hungarian Forint and not Euro. In order to make it simple 1000 HUF=3 Euro
• Most of the communist place which is vacant now have been converted into Ruin Bars
• The tallest building in Budapest is about 96 meters only. You cannot build longer than this. Hence at present, the Parliament and St Stephen Basilica are 96 ms high.
• They have built an Island in the middle of the Danube so that everyone can come here and enjoy with their family.
• Local Hungarians are really nice people and friendly.
• If you are a beer person then this is the place.
• Parliament in Budapest is the biggest parliament in the World.

Overall, Budapest is the must-visit place and rich in History. It has a great view of the Danube River and one of the best places in East Europe to see the Sunset. The metropolis is easily walked-able if you stay in the Centre. The food is awesome. Summer is the best time to enjoy Budapest.  If you have any Queries feel free to drop in at modigautam2000@gmail.com or write it in the comment section.

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