Ataturk era Turkish-Hungarian cultural affairs and Ferenc Zajti (1919-1938)

Turkish and Hungarian affairs withstand early ages of history. As a result of Hungarians living together with Turkic tribes created special interaction especially in linguistic context. This case formed the basis of the Turkic-Hungarian affair. Ottoman Empire controlled Hungary after the 1541 era for 150 years. After the defeat and withdrawal of the Ottomans from Hungarian lands, the Habsburg dynasty controlled the area. Hungarians crushed under Habsburg's oppressive policy, therefore, they revolted three times, the last in 1848, in order to protect their national identity. During this time Hungarians carried out numerous scientific works in the field of Turanism and Turcology. At the beginning of the 20th century, Ottoman Empire faced negative consequences of Tripoli, the Balkan, and the First World War. During these wars, Hungarians sided with the Ottoman Empire in regards to both financial aid and opening their borders for refugee soldiers. The alliance in WWI brought two nations closer to each other, especially relations in the cultural field reached their peak. Hungarians also supported the Turkish independence movement led by Mustafa Kemal Pasha. During the early Republican period, relations gained vitality in education, sports, arts, and many other fields. Hungarian experts have contributed to Turkish renovation efforts in every field in Anatolia. Ferenc Zajti, who came to Ankara and give his scientific contribution in fields of History at the first Turkish History Congress, is among these scientists. Keywords: Ottoman, Turk, Magyar, Hungarian Expert, Cultural Relations.