The University of Sopron hosted the Second Traditional History Conference in Bánya Selmec 2025, as part of the 35th Selmec Student Days (SDN). The event brought together current and former students of institutions that carry forward the traditions of Selmec, reflecting on the intellectual and cultural heritage that has endured through challenging periods in Hungarian history. The conference emphasized the living legacy of Selmec traditions and their role in shaping community, identity, and student life even in today’s increasingly alienated world.
The conference took place in the historic Chemistry Palace, a former college educational building, providing a fitting venue to revisit the rich history of Selmec. Participants explored the everyday lives of academics in Selmecbánya during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the transitions following the Székely change, and the evolution of student traditions across generations. The discussions highlighted how these historical experiences have influenced the development of forestry, mining, and metallurgical education in Hungary, particularly the journey of the valet tradition from Selmec to institutions like Sopron.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Szabó László a. Szacó, the visionary behind the Selmec Student Days, and was organized by Heiner Ádám a. Csillés, the main SDN organizer. The packed chemistry lecture hall hosted a series of lectures, including:
- Dr. Sándor Sarkady Jr. (University of Sopron): “Steingrube Nakkösség” Selmec times
- Dr. Péter Fricz-Molnár (Ministry’s Legal Department, Chamber Legal Counsel): “The Farewell of Many Kindred Hearts”: the Valetas of Selmecbánya in Newspaper News and Photographs (1876–1918)
- Dr. Attila Bende and Dr. Dénes Bartha (University of Sopron): Lost keepers of memories of student years – The history of the miner, metallurgist, and forester valet tables in Selmecbánya
- Dr. Tamás Ormos (University of Miskolc), Dr. Botond Kertész (Mining and Commercial Director, Colas Északkő), and Dr. József Bőhm (University of Miskolc): Sámuel and Samu’s memorable journey to Selmec
The presentations were compiled into a conference volume, further preserving the historical and institutional knowledge for public access. Those interested in acquiring the volume can contact Dr. Attila Bende, the main organizer.
A particularly moving moment concluded the conference when the song “The old student has already graduated…” was performed, symbolizing the enduring connection across centuries between Selmec’s ancient majors and their alumni. The conference highlighted the invisible but powerful thread that ties generations of students together, underlining how the traditions of Selmec continue to inspire, educate, and unite students and academics today.
Source: University of Sopron
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