Edit Balázs and Attila Katona’s new volume in Hungarian, Glitter and Disaster, brings together sources and personal stories from the period between 1828 and 1914 to shed light on the social, economic, and cultural role of the Jewish community in Szombathely. The book does more than list facts: it provides context, raises questions, and initiates dialogue — from local history research to contemporary memory politics.

Date: Thursday, 11 September 2025, 4:00 PM
Venue: ELTE SEK Source Center, Conference Hall (9700 Szombathely, Károlyi Gáspár tér 4.)
Publisher: Institute of Advanced Studies (iASK), Kőszeg

The book, which explores the history of the Jewish community of Szombathely between 1828 and 1914, will be presented in Szombathely. Rather than simply enumerating events and data, Glitter and Catastrophe reveals through personal fates, archival sources, and local stories how the community shaped the city’s life. Covering social, economic, and cultural dimensions, the work is both a scholarly contribution and a thought-provoking read.

The event will open with a welcome speech by Dr. habil. Péter Kalocsai, Head of the Department of History at ELTE BDPK. Following this, a professional discussion will take place with Dr. Attila Pók and Dr. György Tilcsik, who will share their reflections on the book, its significance, and its place in local historical research. With the authors also in attendance, the audience will have the unique opportunity to hear directly about the research process and the dilemmas that accompanied the writing of the book in Hunagraian.

The presentation is designed not only for historians and those interested in local history, but also for anyone wishing to gain insight into an important yet often overlooked chapter of Szombathely’s past. The evening will allow participants to ask questions and engage in an active dialogue with the speakers.

The book will be available for purchase at the event. Publisher: Institute of Advanced Studies (iASK), Kőszeg.