The Hungarian Ethnography and the Examination of Atany

Atany lies on the border area in Hungary where the structure of cities & villages characterize the Grote Hongaarse Laagvlakte (The Great Hungarian Lowlands); & is a typical example of a unique structure in which the origins go back to the winter quarters of the half-nomads of the Euro-Asian prairies. The old social structure of fraternities has virtually disappeared because of the rapid changes of the last 20 years, but in 1971 there were still a few brotherhoods to be found in Atany. There is a very strict state's surveillance of the village with the accompanying terror. The well-to-do farmers have been virtually eliminated with long prison sentences for the correction of their uncooperation, confiscations, collectivity of agrarian products, fiscal changes, forced delivery of all agricultural products, & the slavery-like daily labor for the big state's factories. The state of mind of the people has changed--even the homes & gardens are different. Like the fields they are neglected. There is very little left of the old structure that strangers thought was so captivating. D. Ridgway.