Tünde Csendes’ book
“The legacy of the Mautner family of Győr and the Burchardt family of Berlin” (only in English; Győr Jewish Community series of publications, 2024)
Tünde Csendes, a PhD student at the OR-ZSE, has been researching the history of the Jews of Győr for many years. Her research focuses on the life of the Jewish bourgeoisie of Győr, with a special emphasis on their role in the development of local agriculture.
This publication aims to compare the adaptation of two prominent Jewish families, the Mautners of Győr and the Burchardts of Berlin, to Hungarian and German majority societies respectively. Micro-historical research will be employed to delve into their lives, examining their roles as industrialists, bankers, and landowners, and how they integrated into elite circles. The study will also explore their connections to other renowned Jewish noble families through marriage and analyse their loyalties.
I have had a fascinating opportunity to delve into the rich history of the Mautner family through primary sources provided by Albert Mautner.
The family history highlights the complexities of family dynamics, social integration, and the evolution of cultural and religious identities. The interplay between Hungarian and German members of the family, as well as their relationship to Jewish traditions and eventual abandonment thereof, offers a nuanced perspective on the diverse experiences within Jewish communities. It’s noteworthy how individual trajectories within the same family can vary widely, influenced by factors such as social status, personal choices, and the impact of historical events. The story of Albert Mautner’s mother marrying Zsigmond Mautner, despite vast differences in wealth and social standing, adds another layer of complexity to the family’s narrative. It speaks to the resilience and adaptability of individuals in the face of adversity, as well as the enduring power of love and personal connections.
Exploring family archives and primary sources like documents, letters and memoirs provides invaluable insights into personal histories and broader social trends. It allows for a deeper understanding of the past and helps to preserve the legacy of individuals and families for future generations.
Tünde Csendes’ speech and PPT presentation delivered on the same topic at the Jewish Roots in Győr World Reunion, Győr, 4-7 July 2024, is available here: Conference “Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future – Győr’s Jewish Heritage”
Further studies by Tünde Csendes:
- Insight into the Jewish civil life of Győr between the two World Wars, Scientific Journal “Targum”, 2022 (in Hungarian only – also here)
- The heritage of the Mautners of Győr In.: A szétszóratás útjain: Zsidó lojalitáshierarchiák változása. szerk.: Fenyves Katalin, Glässer Norbert, Zima András, 2024 (in Hungarian only)
- Grain trade and Jewish grain merchants in Győr, Journal on history “Korall”, 2022
Cover photo: The Mautner family, Henrik being the head of family, in the 1930s – source: here
Edited by Péter Krausz