Armenians in Hungary are ethnic Armenians living in Hungary.

History

The first Armenians to reach Hungary presumably arrived in the 10–11th century or even before. Armenians were present from early on in Hungary as clearly attested in a document issued by Hungarian King Ladislaus IV the Cuman (late 13th century). The inhabitants of the former capital of Armenia, Ani, moved to Moldavia, then, after some local conflicts, requested settlement in neighbouring Hungary. The local head of Transylvania (modern-day Romania), Prince Michael von Apaffy, gave approval for the resettlement of about 600 families; 55 families out of which received aristocracy and were even given higher titles later. They were allowed to found their own trading towns, the most notable one being Szamosújvár (today Gherla, Romania) called Armenopolis/Armenierstadt or Hayakaghak (Հայաքաղաք). They founded schools, built hospitals, joined the Hungarian army and contributed to the culture of Hungary. They gained positions, became teachers, medical doctors, priests, generals, ministers, etc. They preserved their culture - see the architecture, the ceilings of the churches in Gyergyószentmiklós, the cuisine - though they respected the Hungarian traditions. Many families Magyarized their family names.

Present day

Most modern Armenians in Hungary immigrated to the country after the dissolution of the USSR. Estimates of Armenians in Hungary range from 3,500 to 30,000 living in the nation today, making up roughly 0.01% of the population. Approximately, two thirds of Hungary's Armenians population is found in Budapest and the surrounding Pest county. Armenians in Hungary have established 31 "self-governments" and roughly half of them speak Armenian as their mother tongue. The Armenian Catholic Priesthood has existed in Hungary since 1924 and hosts a number of cultural programs, as does the Armenian Cultural and Information Centre in Budapest.

Notable Hungarians of Armenian heritage

Currently: Prides from the past with international success: Local prides from the past: 20th century: