„Magyarok Dél-Ázsiában” – Előszó a Modern Geográfia tematikus számához

Abstract

The Hungarian public considers Sándor Kőrösi Csoma to be the father of Tibetan studies, and sees him as an example who has inspired countless Hungarians on the path of Oriental research. At the same time, hundreds of our compatriots visit the tomb of the Hungarian role model of perseverance, dedication and Oriental research in Darjeeling, India. Sándor Kőrösi Csoma “attracted” numerous prominent Hungarian personalities to the subcontinent, many of whom made a lasting impression in the region. The names of many of our compatriots who once performed remarkably in South Asia have been forgotten or are completely unknown to the public, even though many scientists, artists, travelers and businessmen have visited and lived in the subcontinent, creating a bridge between Hungary and the South Asian countries. In order to recall their memory and nurture their intellectual legacy, the Center for Asia at the University of Pécs, together with the Modern Geographical Foundation, applied to the National Cultural Fund, requesting the financial background of a memorial conference. A selection of peer-reviewed, edited articles from the conference lectures is published in the current thematic issue of Modern Geográfia.