ICOMOS HUNGARY = the Hungarian National Committee of ICOMOS
ICOMOS Hungary is one of the largest and influential national committees of this international professional organisation. The membership of ICOMOS Hungary consists from the most important and recognised specialists of Hungarian Historic Monuments’ protection. Similarly to the international structure of specialised scientific committees of ICOMOS, ICOMOS Hungary also established its specialised sub-committees on the national level. In conformity of characteristics of the assets of Hungarian Historic Monuments, the national sub-committees work in cooperation of the related ISCs of ICOMOS.
The ICOMOS Hungary has about 300 members with which it is one of the largest member organisations of ICOMOS. ICOMOS Hungary plays an important role among the domestic civic organisations; regarding its activity so far it has become indispensable protagonist in the field of Historic Monuments’ preservation. ICOMOS Hungary has been established among the first national committees of ICOMOS, organised by the “giants” of the Hungarian Monument conservation: Dezső Dercsényi[3], Miklós Horler[4], Géza Entz[5] and László Gerő[6]. The 3th General Assembly of ICOMOS was held in Budapest, Hungary. This memorably successful event also marked a turning point in the international recognition of the Hungarian methodology of scientific approach and operational practice. Despite the constraints of than communist regime, ICOMOS Hungary was always an active participant in the ICOMOS events both in international and national level.
In the years 1990, András Román[7] was elected as the Vice-President for Europe for consecutive terms as well as other Hungarian professional served as Presidents or Vice-presidents in several ISCs. A bit later, in 2005, Tamás Fejérdy[8] was elected as Vice-president for Europe (2005-2008).
In order to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Venice Charter, in 2004, ICOMOS Hungary organised a large scale international conference[9]. [The famous Venice Charter, adopted in 1964 and accepted as basic doctrinal text of ICOMOS in 1965, contains the worldwide principles of conservation and restoration of Historic Monuments.] Not mentioning other similar events, in 2006 the Presidents of European National Committees of ICOMOS held their annual regional meeting in the city of Pécs, Hungary. Hungarian experts – members of ICOMOS Hungary –are regularly invited to realise different missions in the name of ICOMOS (especially in the framework of UNESCO WF Centre and ICOMOS cooperation) and/or to be participants of several working groups, symposia.
ICOMOS Hungary published the “Karták könyve”: Book of Charters first time in 2002, the second (improved and expanded) edition was released in 2011. This book – being also used as a textbook at several universities – is the first of its kind, containing almost all international charters and other doctrinal texts (published until the date of its publication) and also some national on foreign laws related to the Historic Monuments’ preservation and conservation.
ICOMOS Hungary, if justified, issues statements related to current topics in connection with planned developments-investments in the World Heritage properties or other important historic monuments and sites in Hungary. ICOMOS Hungary also considers the professional monitoring of World Heritage Sites as a continual task for it as an organisation and also for its members personally who are connected particular properties.
In order to reach a wider and better understanding of aims, principles and tools of monuments preservation and to promote a large scale cooperation in that field, ICOMOS Hungary organised a 12-part series broadcast by the television. This action, together another 10-part series presenting Hungarian Historic Monuments had also the aim to highlight the complexity and diversity of monuments’ preservation.
Every year on 18 April, ICOMOS Hungary celebrates the International Day for Monuments and Sites, whose establishment was proposed by ICOMOS and approved by the 22nd UNESCO General Conference in 1983. On this occasion, ICOMOS Hungary issues its “ICOMOS Price”[11] every year, in order to recognise the best restorations from one side but, with its “Lemon Price”[12] also draws attention to negative interventions from the other side. A special price recognises the best examples of the “monument care” and another one the well-used-managed vernacular monuments.
ICOMOS Hungary every year organises the András Román Summer University on Monument Protection (before 2006: Eger summer university on monument protection)[13]. This is an international post-graduate summer course, aiming to shape a consolidated professional approach in the field of the monument-protection, of elements of the built cultural heritage.
[3] Dezső Dercsényi
[4] Miklós Horler
[5] Géza Entz
[6] László Gerő
[7] András Román
[8] Tamás Fejérdy
[9] The full proceedings / contributions’ material of the conference is available
[11] ICOMOS Price of ICOMOS Hungary - link
[12] „Citrom díj” - link
[13] RAMNYE - link