Turbulent history, troublesome heritage: Political change, social transformation, and the possibilities of revival in the “Old Jewish Quarter” of Budapest

Budapest's Inner 7th District, or Belső-Erzsébetváros, stands out among Central European Jewish quarters due to its unique survival narrative. Unlike other regions where Jewish populations were largely decimated during the Holocaust, a significant portion of this district's inhabitants endured, shaping its post-war identity distinctly. This study reveals how political upheavals and societal transformations—marked by ethnic and confessional intermixing in the interwar period—were disrupted by wartime events, leading to dramatic demographic shifts by 1945. It further explores the impact of post-war migration and Communist-era decay on the district's physical and social fabric, while highlighting its recent revival through the rediscovery of Jewish heritage. The research employs historical analysis and comparative urban studies to trace these changes, offering insights into the resilience and reinvention of this UNESCO-listed area.

Szívós, E. (2015). Turbulent history, troublesome heritage: Political change, social transformation, and the possibilities of revival in the “Old Jewish Quarter” of Budapest. Hungarian Studies, 29(1-2), 93–120. https://doi.org/10.1556/044.2015.29.1-2.7