The Old Hungarian script, also known as the Hungarian runes or Székely-Hungarian script, refers to an ancient writing system used to transcribe the Hungarian language before the adoption of the Latin alphabet. It was primarily employed during the Middle Ages in the Kingdom of Hungary and its surrounding regions.
The Old Hungarian script consists of a set of characters or runes, which were carved or written on various surfaces such as wood, stone, metal, and parchment. These runes are composed of strokes and lines that form angular and geometric shapes. The script is written from right to left, and each character represents a specific phoneme or sound in the Hungarian language.
The script evolved from ancient Turkic and Runic alphabets, but it also drew influence from other writing systems present in the region, such as Greek and Latin. It underwent several modifications throughout its usage, with different variants emerging in specific regions and periods.
The use of the Old Hungarian script declined during the 13th and 14th centuries, as the Latin alphabet gained dominance in official documents and written literature. By the 18th century, it had become obsolete, with only a few scattered examples of inscriptions, manuscripts, and artifacts preserved.
In recent times, the Old Hungarian script has seen a mild resurgence in interest and study, primarily driven by linguists, historians, and cultural enthusiasts. Due to its historical and cultural significance, efforts have been made to preserve and revive this ancient script in various forms, such as calligraphy, digital fonts, and educational materials.
