A weathered oak stands before us. Its trunk split down the middle. This is the Trianon memorial obelisk in Budapest’s 16th district. It’s a powerful symbol. It commemorates the consequences of the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. It also remembers the Paris Peace Treaties of 1947.
The Trianon memorial obelisk isn’t just a monument. It’s a story carved in wood and stone. Sculptors Duffek Tivadar and Csibi László created this poignant piece. They used a nearly 120 year-old oak. They found it in the Pusztavám forest. The oak’s split trunk represents the division of Hungary.
Around the central oak stand stylized figures. They symbolize the people of the lost territories. The figures are carved from the same oak. They stand about 120-150 centimeters tall. They are separated by the oak’s split trunk. This trunk also bisects a carved Hungarian coat of arms.
The base of the Trianon memorial obelisk is interesting. It shows the borders of historical Hungary. It also shows the borders of modern Hungary. The difference is stark. The use of large and small basalt stones emphasizes the contrast. The figures are arranged in a 1:2 ratio. This reflects the division of the population after Trianon.
A bit further away stands a five-meter-high flagpole. It’s made of painted metal and granite. The Hungarian Apostles’ Creed is inscribed on it. The Trianon memorial obelisk is more than just wood and stone. It is a powerful reminder of Hungary’s past. It’s a reminder of the losses and the enduring spirit of the Hungarian people. The obelisk stands as a testament to the pain and resilience of a nation. It continues to provoke thought and reflection. It stands as a silent guardian. It guards the memory of what was lost. It stands proudly in the heart of Budapest. This is Trianon. This is Hungary.