The Bács-Kiskun Region is one of the 19 regions of Hungary. After World War II, the region was established by merging parts of the Bács-Bodrog and Pest-Pilis-Solt-Kiskun regions. The Bács-Kiskun Region is the largest region of Hungary, with an area of 8,445 kilometers squared. The Bács-Kiskun, as well as the rest of Hungary, is mainly made of flat and fertile land. There are lower hills located around the city of Baja.[1] The Danube River forms the region's borders in the west and the Tisa River in the northeast. To the north, the area borders the county of Pest and Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok. The southern borders of the region also form a state border with Serbia. To the east, the region borders the county of Csongrád. The regions of Fejér, Tolna, and Baranya border Bács-Kiskun are to the west. The cultural and economic center and the capital city of the region is the city of Kecskemét. Some other important agglomerations are, for example, Baja, Kiskunhalas, and Kiskunfélegyháza.[2] The county consists of 11 districts. The population of Bács-Kiskun County is approximately 513,687 people, which is the fifth-highest in Hungary. This adds up to a dense population of 63.2 inhabitants per kilometer squared.[1]
The national and international attractions of the region are the thermal and medicinal waters and springs. As a result, a number of spas have been established in the Bács-Kiskun Region. Some of the most sought-after spas and beaches are Izsák, Dunapataj, Kecskemét, Kiskunmajsa, Kiskunhalas, Kunszentmiklós, Kunfehértó, Mélykút, and Tiszakécske. Kunszentmiklós, Kiskunhalas, and Tiszakécske spas are relatively popular for their acclaimed medical and health benefits. [7]
The Kiskunság National Park is the most notable natural attraction in the region. The territory consists not only of archeological findings dating back to the Copper Age (3rd-4th millennia BC) but also of a relatively large animal and plant diversity. Over 12,000 different species inhabit the Kiskunság National Park. The natural park consists of nine unique territories, each representing different natural conditions, from meadows and dunes to lakes. The park also features a reconstructed village from the Árpád Era in Tiszaalpár. The Tiszaalpár area has been inhabited since the late Bronze Age. Nowadays, the reconstructed village exhibits the traditional buildings of everyday life and animal husbandry.[8]
The Hungarian history and origin are strongly connected to horse breeding and riding, resulting in an essential role in equestrian tourism. One of the most notorious venues where tourists can visit a horse show presumably is Bugacpuszta, Karikás Csárda, located in the Kiskunság National Park. The horse show consists of Stud Presentation, horse herders procession, horse laying and sitting, Puszta armchair, a test of strengths, cracking the whip, and more. The Karikás Csárda also entails a Shepherd museum, various event and wedding venues, and accommodation in shepherd houses. [9]
Kecskemét is one of the most visited cities in the region, due to its historical, cultural, and architectonical diversity. The most notorious sights of the city center are the City Hall building and the Co-Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord. The City Hall was originally built in a Neoclassical style; however, the building was already in a rather bad condition by the mid-19th century. The new City Hall building was constructed between 1893 and 1897 in the Art Nouveau style, which is the reason for its notable tour popularity. [10]
Concerning the Bács-Kiskun economy and business, one of the world-renowned businesses, Halasi Lace, originated in this area in 1902. In 2010, a Halasi lace-stitching tradition had been added to the National List of the Hungarian Intangible Cultural Heritage. The laces were used as a gift from the Hungarian state to numerous queens and rulers. In today's time, the Halasi Lace House, located in Kiskunhalas, offers various exhibitions and it includes its own gallery and shop. [11]
The Bács-Kiskun County is located in the flatland, part of the Great Hungarian Plain, between the rivers of Danube and Tisa, with an altitude between 94 and 174m above sea level. The area is primarily dry. The largest rivers flowing through the county are Danube and Tisa, and the most significant lakes are lake Szelid and lake Vadkert.[3] The region's highest point is Ólom-hegy, situated at the top of the sand dune Illancs. The top of Ólom-hegy is one of the highest peaks in the Great Hungarian Plain. At its peak is located a geodetic measuring tower offering a view of the landscape, remains of Roman-era defensive lines, Kalocsa Cathedral, Paks Nuclear Power Plant, Solo Radio Station, and Dunaújváros Ironworks. [4]
A portion of the Great Hungarian Plain consists of the Kiskunság National Park, the second oldest national park in Hungary. The Kiskunság National Park was established in 1975, in order to preserve nature on the Danube-Tisza Interfluve. The archeological finds have proven the presence of shepherd cultures in this area since the Late Copper Age (3rd-4th millennia BC). The territory has been inhabited ever since, creating a unique footprint for humans through the combination of the perpetual changes of nature and the effects of water and wind. The Kiskunság National Park isn't a continuous territory but rather a mosaic, made up of nine regions, all of them representing different natural conditions with area-authentic plant and animal species. Over 1,800 different plant species and over 8,800 animal species were recorded to inhabit this area. [5]
The Bács-Kiskun climate is mostly warm and dry. Yearly, the region receives 68.93 mm of precipitation on average. The warmest month is August, with an average temperature of 29.91ºC. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average daily temperature of -1.7ºC. The wettest month is May, with 113.17mm of precipitation. The driest month of the year is November, with 46.56mm of rainfall on average. [6]
The earliest settlements in the area of Kecskemét can be dated back to 3,000 B.C., when Sarmatians, Huns, and Avars inhabited this territory. Hungarian tribes settled in this territory in the 9th century, coming from the East. Kecskemét is situated at the crossroads of ancient trading routes. This advantageous position of the city granted its rapid development. However, in the 13th century, Tatars invaded this territory and destroyed many settlements in the Carpathian Basin, including Kecskemét. Kecskemét was restored and became a significant settlement in the 14th century, and in 1368 the city became a market-town (oppidum) in a charter of King Anjou Louis the Great. The first guilds were established around the 17th century when Turks ruled the area. Kecskemét grew and developed, despite the high taxes, and eventually became the largest town between the rivers Danube and Tisza. In the 18th century, the city was partly destroyed by the Habsburg wars. The first half of the 19th century was important, as the vine plantations in this area were established, offering a long-term solution for increasing economy and business. Simultaneously, urbanization started during this time. In 1848 Kecskemét became part of the Habsburg monarchy. The city's rapid development continued and was only paused by an earthquake in 1911 and later by the World Wars. During World War II, the city became a crucial logistic center. In 1950, under Communist rule, Kecskemét became the capital city of Bács-Kiskun County. After the fall of the Communist Regime in 1989, the town became more open and internationalized as we know it today. [12]
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