― 22 января 2026 г.

Attila's Legacy Revived: A major exhibition featuring works from the Turkic World opens in Hungary

The international exhibition entitled “Attila,” which focuses on the historical figure and legacy of the Hun ruler Attila, opened to visitors with a ceremony held at the Hungarian National Museum. Among the most comprehensive projects of recent years, the exhibition features approximately 400 works of 64 museums from 13 countries.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition was attended by Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary; Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TÜRKSOY; Prof. Dr. Şahin Mustafayev, President of the Turkic Academy; Peter Hoppál, Government Commissioner of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary; the Ambassadors of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Türkiye to Hungary, the Executive Director of the Hungarian Representative Office of the Organization of Turkic States, the President of the Hungarian Turan Foundation, Hungarian government officials, scholars, and many distinguished guests.

Speaking at the opening, the Hungarian Minister of Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó stated that Attila is often portrayed as a one-dimensional figure in Western historiography, whereas in the East and Central Europe he is regarded as a hero and historical ancestor. Minister Hankó emphasized that Attila served as a historical bridge between East and West.

Gábor Zsigmond, Director of the Hungarian National Museum and President of the Public Collections Center, drew attention to the scientific approach of the exhibition, noting that the reflections of Attila's figure in Hungarian, Eastern, and Western historical narratives were presented together on this scale for the first time. Zsigmond noted that the exhibition was supported by current findings in the fields of archaeology, history, art history, and archaeogenetics.

Secretary General Raev: This exhibition is a concrete expression of our shared historical consciousness

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sultan Raev emphasized the importance of the exhibition for the Turkic World. Raev stated that this exhibition, hosted by the Hungarian National Museum, provided an opportunity for museums from Turkic states to come together around a common historical narrative for the first time in such a comprehensive manner.

Mr. Raev said, “This exhibition is a tangible expression of our shared history spanning over sixteen centuries. Every piece in the exhibition is a silent but powerful witness to our shared memory and state tradition. Attila's legacy is one that unites instead of dividing.” Secretary General Raev added that the exhibition highlights the deep historical and cultural ties between the Turkic World and Hungary.

The exhibition features jewelry, weapons, Hun cauldrons, and ceremonial objects brought from a wide geography stretching from the Carpathian Basin to Central Asia. A diadem from the tomb of a noblewoman from Azerbaijan, select male grave finds from North Macedonia, and pieces from the British Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi collections are among the highlights of the exhibition. Examples of skull deformation, a striking practice of the period, are also on display for visitors to see.

Held in the József Nádor halls of the Hungarian National Museum, the exhibition explores the 1,600-year-old perception of Attila from the Hun period to the present day, including Eastern, Western, and Hungarian interpretations.

As part of the exhibition, the 4th Workshop of Country Coordinators of the Museums’ 

Association of TURKSOY and an international conference entitled “The European Huns and New Findings in Steppe Archaeology” will be held tomorrow. These events, which will be attended by expert scholars and museum representatives, will further deepen the scientific and cultural dimensions of the exhibition.

The Attila Exhibition, which will be open to visitors from January 23rd to July 12th, 2026, awaits visitors with international conferences, scientific panels, book presentations, film screenings, children's and family programs, and live music events in addition to these activities.