The Scope of Philanthropic Activity by the “Greeks” of Hungary (18th–19th Century). An Initial Critical Presentation and Assessment of the Phenomenon

In the organization, operation and growth of Greek communities and companies in the Hungarian hinterlands during the 18th and 19th century, a special place was held by the philanthropy of the expatriates who chose Hungary as their new homeland. These activities were expressed through legacies, bequests and charitable works in the host society and country of origin alike. The aim of this paper is not to deal with this topic as a whole, but rather to identify a number of issues associated with the personal philanthropy of the Görögök in Central Europe, a subject that still preoccupies historians who describe the phenomenon of beneficence. Among their concerns are: since the practice of bequests was widespread in all the newcomers’ social strata, what were the aims and uses of legacies and donations in the various periods, and how was the practice of philanthropy expressed in the adopted country as well as in their homeland? Also, to what degree does this benevolence reflect the internal discord and antagonisms between the members of a community, as well as the migrant subject’s entrance into the different religious and social environment of the Hapsburg Empire, and their eventual incorporation and/or assimilation into the national body of Hungary?