Modern.az continues its series of interviews with foreign journalists. In these interviews, we try to learn about their perceptions of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis, explore commonalities between the two countries, and exchange views on other issues.
Our interviewee this time is our colleague from Hungary, Alpar Kato. He is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of "Daily News Hungary" publication.
We present the interview with the Hungarian journalist:
– Alpar, journalism develops in different forms from country to country. How would you describe the state of journalism in Hungary?
– This is a very interesting question right now, because I believe that after the April 12 parliamentary elections, journalism has entered a phase of transformation. The government of Viktor Orban, which has been in power for 16 years, has had a very serious impact on the media market at the state level. Business owners close to the government have bought the largest news websites and television channels, and very few media outlets have been able to remain independent.
After these sites came under their control, they were provided with state subsidies, while independent media outlets could not obtain such agreements. This specifically affected us too: platforms like the English-language "Daily News Hungary" website and the Hungarian-language "Helló Magyar" magazine were deprived of the opportunity to sign large contracts with state-owned companies.
_nNow the situation is changing. The Orban government has lost power, and the incoming "Tisza" party promises to implement a more balanced approach to media funding. For this reason, a serious transformation is expected in the media market. Many media outlets that have not operated on commercial principles until now, mainly relying on state funding, may go bankrupt once this support is cut.
– What are the main characteristics of the Hungarian media environment?
– As I mentioned, the state's role in the media has been excessively large. Many media outlets in Hungary have obtained their revenues on political grounds. But now a new era is beginning, and this model is about to change.
Public media will also face serious changes. Until now, it has mainly broadcast the government's unilateral position. However, the new Prime Minister Peter Magyar has stated that immediately after the government is formed, the existing public media system will be completely shut down. Although this system cost hundreds of millions of euros, it did not operate in a balanced way. It will only resume its activities after being reorganized and after necessary steps are taken for objective operation. Many people hope that public media in Hungary will once again become a value-creating and truly neutral platform.
– What are the main challenges faced by Hungarian journalists today?
– The former system deeply affected the journalism profession. In many cases, journalists were hired not for their talent, but for their political affiliation and loyalty to the system. This changed the quality of the profession: less professional but politically connected individuals rose to high positions, while some truly talented journalists left the field.
Readers also felt this – they saw that some journalists worked on political orders and created an alternative reality. Now the main issue is for reliable journalism to regain reader trust.
– In general, if the media has to choose between state interests and truth, which should it prioritize?
– I would unhesitatingly choose the truth. Our media outlets – "Daily News Hungary" and "Helló Magyar" publication – are independent of political influences. The advantage of this is freedom of speech. The downside is being in a more financially unstable situation. But we have chosen this path because it allows us to reach a wider readership, which is very important for our business model.
– What is the average salary of journalists in Hungary?
– This varies greatly. There is a significant difference between working for a local newspaper and being a correspondent for an international media outlet. At the same time, the type of journalism also plays a role – for example, an editor requires less expense for the media, while an investigative journalist costs more.
In my opinion, journalists in Hungary fall into the category of average earners. Some earn approximately 1000 euros per month, while others can earn 4000–5000 euros.
– What is the attitude towards Azerbaijan in Hungary?
– During the Orban government, relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary significantly strengthened. Numerous collaborations were established in economic and cultural fields, and direct flights between Budapest and Baku boosted tourism development.
I believe that the new government should not weaken these relations, but rather strengthen them further.
– What news about Azerbaijan does the Hungarian media cover?
– Recently, most of the news related to Azerbaijan has focused on the tension with Iran, especially incidents involving drones falling on your country's territory have attracted attention.
In addition, energy issues – especially the "Green Corridor" project – are important topics. This project can make a significant contribution to Hungary's energy security. Meetings of the Organization of Turkic States also come to the media agenda during leaders' meetings. Sometimes, materials related to Azerbaijani cuisine, tourism, and the rich culture of the Caucasus are published.
– Which cities have you visited in Azerbaijan? If you haven't been to our country yet, do you plan to visit in the future?
– I have had the honor of visiting Azerbaijan several times. Baku gives me the impression of a very lively and comfortable city, and I always enjoy being there. The last time I was there was in December. During that visit, I visited the Victory Museum and the Military Spoils Park behind it, filled with tanks.
Years ago, I also visited the Guba region in the north of your country. Last year, I had the opportunity to see the reconstruction work carried out in Karabakh firsthand and stayed in Shusha for a few days. This was truly a very special experience. Because roads and cities are being rebuilt there with great effort, and the region seems to be breathing again.
– What do you know about the Azerbaijani diaspora in Hungary? In which areas do they mainly operate, and what is their approximate number?
– I have several Azerbaijani friends. At the same time, I have good relations with Ambassador Tahir Taghizade in Budapest and Ibrahim Safarli, the head of the Azerbaijani House in Hungary.
Currently, the number of Azerbaijanis in Hungary is not very high. But the main thing is not their small number, but that they are valuable members of society. They work in office jobs, the service sector, and investment.
– Azerbaijan has long been recognized internationally for its unique culture. Are you familiar with Azerbaijani culture – its music, cuisine, art, or historical heritage? What are your impressions?
– Yes, Azerbaijani culture is extremely rich and diverse. Especially its combination of Caucasian, Turkic, Persian, and Eurasian influences makes it unique. One of the most interesting elements for me is the musical tradition – especially mugham, which is one of the country's most famous cultural treasures.
Azerbaijani cuisine is also very interesting: pilaf, dolma, kebabs, and the tradition of hospitality centered around tea show how important society, family, and hospitality are. One of the things I particularly like is that dishes are placed in large bowls in the middle of the table, and everyone takes their share from there.
Crafts such as carpet weaving are also an important part of the country's identity. What impresses me most is that Azerbaijan can simultaneously demonstrate both modern development and historical heritage. Although Baku's modern architecture and the historical atmosphere of Icherisheher create a sharp contrast, they harmonize with each other. That's why I mentioned Baku as a convenient city to live in.
– What significant changes have occurred in Hungarian society in recent years?
– I think big changes will happen in the near future. Because the 16-year political system is coming to an end, and this will affect all areas of life in Hungary. Many people hope that these changes will be positive. But of course, only time will tell whether the new prime minister and his team will live up to this high trust.
– The Hungarian way of life has a "unique" character. What foods do Hungarians mainly prefer in their daily lives?
– Hungarian cuisine is very special. Because in the Carpathian Basin where we live, there are not only Hungarians but also many other ethnic groups, and their cuisines have influenced ours.
Therefore, in addition to traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash, fish soup, and various meat dishes, one can also find dishes belonging to Slavic and German cuisine.
– What can you say about interesting social or cultural traditions specific to Hungarians?
– Hospitality is particularly strong in Hungarian culture. In addition, we have a beautiful cafe culture, and bath culture also holds a very special place in the lives of Hungarians.
Vibrant folklore traditions and Christian customs also play an important role. For example, the tradition of sprinkling water at Easter or the celebration of Christmas. Furthermore, Hungarians may seem a bit reserved at first glance, but they warm up quickly and have a strong sense of historical identity.
– There are two main theories about the origin of Hungarians: one links them to the Turkic Huns, and the other to the Finno-Ugric peoples. What is the general approach to this issue in Hungary?
– There is no general consensus on this issue, because there is no precise answer. According to the scientific approach, the Hungarian language is of Uralic/Finno-Ugric origin. However, Turkic, steppe, and Eastern influences also played an important role in the early history of the people.
That is, linguistic origin and ethnic and cultural origin are not the same thing. We live in a democratic society, and everyone is free to believe what they want. But the generally accepted point is that Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin over the last 1100 years have been exposed to numerous influences, and today, although everyone considers themselves Hungarian, their roots also include German, Slavic, and other peoples. The main thing is to be Hungarian in one's heart.
– What similarities have you observed between Hungarians and Turkic peoples in terms of culture and daily life?
– Although they have followed different paths historically and linguistically, there are interesting cultural parallels between Hungarians and Turkic peoples. One of the most important commonalities is hospitality – in both cultures, welcoming guests with food, drink, and attention is of great importance.
In daily life, the importance of family and community values, respect for elders, and collective celebration of holidays are similar. Hungarian cuisine also has elements consistent with Eurasian and steppe culture – watery and pot dishes, dolmas, and spicy meat dishes.
The memory of horsemanship and a nomadic past also creates interesting parallels. In Hungary, traditions from the ancient nomadic period, such as archery on horseback, are still part of the cultural identity today. I myself love horseback riding and have been involved in archery on horseback for years. Now I try to instill this culture in my children.
Overall, the similarities are mainly manifested in hospitality, family orientation, communal lifestyle, food culture, and the memory of the Eastern-steppe heritage.
