The Influence of Bulgarian Horticulture on Twinning in Hungary

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17356/ieejsp.v11i4.1498
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Keywords:

paradiplomacy, sister city, twinning relation, Bulgarian minority, intraethnic cooperation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the historical and cultural significance of Bulgarian horticulture in Hungary and its influence on the development of twinning relationships between Bulgarian and Hungarian municipalities.

The study employs a comprehensive analysis of historical literature and census data from 2001 to 2022 to characterise the Bulgarian minority in Hungary and track its historical changes. The research utilises databases from the National Association of Municipalities in Hungary (TÖOSZ) and the National Union of Local Governments in Bulgaria (NSORB) to identify and examine twinning relationships between municipalities. Interviews with cultural and community representatives supplement the analysis. The study investigates the motivations behind twinning, emphasising intraethnic cooperation and the desire to strengthen ties between ethnic minorities and their kin states. The research identifies specific partnerships that were established due to the historical presence of Bulgarian communities in Hungary. The findings suggest that while Bulgarian–Hungarian twinning relations are rare; they reflect a unique form of cultural heritage and promote collaboration in addressing local and global challenges. The paper contributes to understanding how historical ties and cultural practices influence contemporary international relations at the municipal level.

Author Biographies

Nóra Baranyai

NÓRA BARANYAI: research fellow, West Hungarian Research Department, Institute for Regional Studies, HUN-REN Centre for Economic and Regional Studies; Liszt F.  u.  10., H-9022 Győr, Hungary; baranyai.nora@krtk.hu; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8920-2992

Petra Kinga Kézai, HUN-REN CERS

PETRA KINGA KÉZAI: research fellow, West Hungarian Research Department, Institute for Regional Studies, HUN-REN Center for Economic and Regional Studies; Liszt Ferenc u. 10., H-9022 Győr, Hungary; kezai.petra@krtk.hun-ren.hu; assistant professor, Department of Corporate Leadership and Marketing, Kautz Gyula Faculty of Business and Economics, Széchenyi István University; Egyetem tér 1., H-9026 Győr, Hungary; kezai.petra.kinga@sze.hu; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5427-0127

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Published

2026-08-26

How to Cite

[1]
Baranyai, N. and Kézai, P.K. 2026. The Influence of Bulgarian Horticulture on Twinning in Hungary. Intersections. East European Journal of Society and Politics. 11, 4 (Aug. 2026), 174–193. DOI:https://doi.org/10.17356/ieejsp.v11i4.1498.

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 4 (2025): Research Papers

Section

Articles

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