One hundred twenty tons of concrete, one hundred million Hungarian forints and twelve years were spent to create a unique monumental hussar, more than twelve meters high. This giant with the Hungarian flag in his hand is called Misha Hussar. Yes, I'm not kidding, "Miska-huszár" is the real (official) name of this sculpture.
Whenever you drive the Hungarian M7 motorway, which connects Budapest and Lake Balaton, donate time to admire the 13-meter symbol of Hungarian heroism Miska in Pakozd town. It will only take half an hour on the detour, but a couple of transfers with the world's largest tin statue of a soldier will forever remain in your memory.
To be honest, I also went through it several times without having time to stop, but when I did, I was not disappointed at all. In fact, I even regretted a little that I had not done this earlier. The statue itself was supposed to proclaim the willingness and courage of the Hungarian hussars in the distant past, as well as symbolize the power of unity.
The tallest such statue in the world
Miska Husar is the tallest tin soldier in the world with his 13.01-meter height. Prior to the official inauguration in 2017, one Canadian tin soldier was considered the tallest such statue in the world. It is this statue that is located in a Canadian city called New Westminster and is dedicated to the memory of the famous "Brave Tin Soldier" by Hans Christian Andersen, whose height is 9.75 meters.
Today this record is associated with the Hungarian Miska, which, however, is the greatest pride of the inhabitants of Pakoz. But why Pakoz, what's the connection? Let me explain quickly.
Back in the middle of the 19th century, the Hungarians fought for freedom against the Habsburg Empire. During this bloody year and a half war of independence, the Battle of Pakozda ended as one of the most successful events. According to historical records, about 27,000 Hungarian hussars met with about 40,000 Austrians, Croats and Serbs and were victorious. Since the Hungarians proudly remember this event from their history. Therefore, it was quite clear that the monumental statue should be installed here.
Opening of the monument
The grand opening of the monument took place on September 29, 2017. The Hungarian state did not participate in financing the construction of the giant hussar. This initiative is the work of private investors.
The press wrote that not everyone liked the Bear-Hussar, but despite the criticism, quite a few officials attended the opening of the monument.
Traditions
Hussar traditions are alive in Hungary. Brave hussars are honoured and remembered here. Hussars are another Hungaricum, no less famous than paprika or Lake Balaton. The history of the Hungarian hussars began in the middle of the 15th century during the reign of just King Matthias. To protect against the horse raids of the Turks, the first detachments of hussars were then formed, from the Hungarian and Serbian horsemen.
The word "Husar" has Hungarian roots (Hungarian Huszár). It is based on the word “húsz” - twenty. Every twentieth nobleman, by order of King Matthias Corvinus, was taken to the war with the Turks. There are other versions, but this one seems to be the most obvious.
Monument coordinates - 47.217055, 18.553788