Abstract
The following paper is a revisitation of a hypothesized cultural connection between the Szekler gates, predominantly from Transylvania (in the Carpathian Basin), and the Sacred gate tradition found across Asia. The structure of this paper is built upon three different approaches: firstly, the recent publications and historical records on this topic; secondly the ethnographical similarities in function and symbolism between the Szekler gates and the gateways found across Asia; and thirdly the observable similarities and analogies between the ornaments and symbols used on Szekler gates and other Asian gateway structures are examined. This article aims to investigate if the observable analogies and similarities are just the result of a strange coincidence, or if there is indeed a cultural connection between the Szekler gate and the similar constructions across Asia as hypothesized by several 19th and early 20th-century researchers of the topic.
Highlights
Predominantly found in Transylvania in the Carpathian Basin, and the gate building tradition found across Asia
Hungarian architect who started to look at and research folk art and ornamentation, as relics, motifs and memories of an ancient past. His ornamental research is primarily based on Transylvanian folk art as he regarded it the most untouched memorabilia over the centuries
Whilst Medgyaszay was arguing the similarities between the architectural styles and ornaments of the Szekler gates and the “gate and terrace structures of north India”
Summary
Predominantly found in Transylvania in the Carpathian Basin, and the gate building tradition found across Asia. In Hungary, a few of the most notable proponents of the theory of a potential cultural connection between the Szekler gates and other similar structures of Asia were Jozsef Huszka (1854-1934) art teacher and ethnographer, Istvan. Hungarian architect who started to look at and research folk art and ornamentation, as relics, motifs and memories of an ancient past. His ornamental research is primarily based on Transylvanian folk art as he regarded it the most untouched memorabilia over the centuries. Scottish architect and archaeologist James Fergusson (1808- 1886) and Robert Sewell (1845–1925) a historian, who were both important figures of the 19th century rediscovery of ancient India, presented their observations regarding architectural ornamentation in several publications. Sewell, referring to Fergusson, expressed the hope that this subject would be taken up as a subject for further research
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