Hortobágy (Puszta)
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Between the Tisza river and the eastern Hungarian town of Debrecen stretches the Hortobágy (Puszta), a lowland prairie covering an area of 2300sq.km (888sq.mi.), at one time the flood plain of the Tisza. The countryside is composed mainly of barren land with relatively infertile soil, wide areas of grass-covered steppes and pasture. Large herds of cattle and sheep and horse-paddocks bring to mind romantic pastoral tales of the Puszta of old.
History
During the period of the migration of Indo-European peoples the Hortobágy was relatively thickly populated. Attacks by tribes from eastern Europe and Asia (especially Tartars and Turks) caused many to flee the Puszta, with only spasmodic growth in the few towns and villages. From the 14th C onwards the region - especially that part which enjoyed the protection of the town of Debrecen - developed a pastoral system involving the rearing of gray cattle and sheep, together with the breeding of horses.
History
During the period of the migration of Indo-European peoples the Hortobágy was relatively thickly populated. Attacks by tribes from eastern Europe and Asia (especially Tartars and Turks) caused many to flee the Puszta, with only spasmodic growth in the few towns and villages. From the 14th C onwards the region - especially that part which enjoyed the protection of the town of Debrecen - developed a pastoral system involving the rearing of gray cattle and sheep, together with the breeding of horses.
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Hay bales in Hortobágy National Park.
Dirt road through the flat landscape of Hortobágy National Park.
Creek running through Hortobágy National Park.
