The Nyúzóvölgy massacre and the persecution of Gypsies in Hungary – Kemence

Fact of the Hungarian figure „Minorities in Hungary”

Part of the „The emancipation of minorities” topic

The Nyúzóvölgy massacre of 1782 represents one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Roma (Gypsy) community in Hungary. Taking place near the village of Kemence in Hont County, this mass execution was the result of a notorious show trial where nearly 200 Roma individuals were accused of cannibalism—a charge completely fabricated by the authorities. On August 24, 1782, 41 Roma were brutally executed in the Nyúzóvölgy area, many subjected to horrific tortures before their deaths.

The tensions leading to this atrocity were rooted in deep-seated prejudices and the strained relationship between the nomadic Roma and the settled population of the region. For centuries, the Roma had been marginalized and scapegoated for various social ills, and the accusations in Kemence were a direct reflection of these attitudes. The trial itself was a farce, with no concrete evidence presented against the accused. Many confessions were extracted under extreme duress, with the victims enduring physical torture that led them to falsely admit to crimes they had not committed.

The massacre is often compared to the infamous Tiszaeszlár blood libel case, where Jews were similarly falsely accused of ritual murder. Both cases highlight the extreme levels of prejudice and the willingness of local authorities to exploit these prejudices to justify their actions.

Despite the scale and horror of the Nyúzóvölgy massacre, it took centuries for the event to receive proper recognition. The tragedy is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of minority communities in times of social and political upheaval. It also underscores the importance of historical memory in the fight against racism and discrimination.

The persecution of the Roma in Hungary did not end with the Nyúzóvölgy massacre. The community continued to face systemic discrimination and violence, particularly under the policies of forced assimilation imposed by Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Joseph II. These rulers attempted to integrate the Roma into society by forcing them to settle, pay taxes, and abandon their nomadic lifestyle—a process that often involved coercion and further marginalization.

However, the 19th and 20th centuries saw the beginnings of Roma emancipation efforts in Hungary and across Central Europe. Activists within the Roma community, along with sympathetic intellectuals, began advocating for the recognition of Roma rights and their protection under the law. These efforts were slow to gain traction, but they laid the groundwork for more significant movements in the later 20th century, especially after World War II.

Today, the Nyúzóvölgy massacre is commemorated as a symbol of the long struggle for Roma rights in Hungary. The erection of memorials and the increased focus on Roma history and culture reflect a growing recognition of the need to address the historical injustices faced by this community. The lessons of Nyúzóvölgy resonate not just in Hungary but across Central Europe, where the Roma continue to fight for equality and respect in the face of enduring challenges.