The Székely (Szeklers in English, Secui in Romanian) are a Hungarian-speaking ethnic group, historically centered in the Transylvanian town of Székelyudvarhely, (now Odorheiu Secuiesc, Harghita county, Romania). Székely also live in other nearby counties, especially Covasna and Mureş, but they are linked most strongly to Harghita, and their traditional center is at Székelyudvarhely.

This group has largely succeeded in preserving its traditions to an extent unusual even in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Szeklers are of uncertain origins, subject to much debate among themselves and among scholars. Not all Székelys consider themselves to be Hungarians, although most adhere proudly to a Hungarian identity. They have a distinct language (or dialect), and until relatively recent times, had their own laws.

In medieval times, they were part of the Unio Trium Nationum ("union of three nations") that ruled Transylvania, the other two nations being the Hungarian and German inhabitants of Transylvania. These three nations shared Transylvania, usually in harmony though sometimes in conflict with one another, as well as with the Romanian inhabitants who, although equally numerous, had no political representation. The Szeklers were considered the best warriors of medieval Transylvania.

Controversy about origins

Theories have been advanced suggesting Avar, Gepid, Scythian, or Hunish ancestry, and some have dated their presence in the Eastern Carpathians as early as the fifth century. Some have also suggested the Székely, like the Hungarians, are simply descended from the Magyars, and that cultural differences with other Hungarian groups stem from their relative isolation in the mountains.

Many scholars believe in a two-fold Hungarian migration of Transylvania and the Carpathian Basin, one prior to the main Magyar conquest of the Pannonian Plain in 896. According to this theory, the Székelys or Szeklers are a Hungarian group that settled in Transylvania during this first migration.

Another possible source of the Székely people is Hungary itself: they might be Hungarians who moved to Transylvania to protect the borders of the country.

Others believe that Szeklers had different origins, such as Turkic origins. A small number of scholars believe that the Székelys are related to the Scythians who may have joined the Magyars on their trek westward.

External links

Hungarian language

• Székely News
• Székely links