The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library (FSZEK) has announced a special 14-event discussion series to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the creation of Greater Budapest. The programme will run throughout the year, visiting local libraries in districts that were once independent towns and large villages before being incorporated into the capital in 1950.

75 years ago the merger of 23 municipalities—including 7 cities and 16 large villages—officially formed modern-day Budapest. These once-autonomous settlements are now fully integrated districts within the capital.

FSZEK highlights that this administrative shift marked not just a political reorganization but also ushered in a new cultural and social era for the affected communities and their residents.

Each event in the series will take place in a district library of the formerly independent settlements. Local historians, urban planners, and social scientists will lead conversations exploring the background of the unification, the challenges it brought, and its lasting effects on community life. Participants will look at what these places were like before the merger, who lived there, how people’s lives changed overnight, and what long-term transformations followed.

The library notes that the post-merger period was transformative for FSZEK itself. The network expanded significantly, opening new branches in the newly joined districts and making library services accessible to a wider population of Budapest.

In addition to the discussion series, FSZEK is organizing several other events to celebrate the anniversary. These include exhibitions showcasing pivotal moments in the city’s history, interactive local history workshops, and special city walks. The district branches will also host themed reading groups and community events throughout the year.

Furthermore, FSZEK will enhance its digital archive with new thematic collections, giving the public deeper insight into Budapest’s past.

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