Titusz Dugovics
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Titusz Dugovics Dugovics Titusz | |
|---|---|
 Sándor Wagner: The Self-Sacrifice of Titusz Dugovics | |
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | 21 July 1456 |
| Cause of death | Self-sacrifice |
| Other names | Titus Dugović |
| Relatives | János Hunyadi |
„Since he could not stop them from pinning their banner on the tower, he enclasped the Turk, and jumped from the height into the depth, dragging the Turk down with himself”.
Titusz Dugovics or Titus Dugović (Hungarian: Dugovics Titusz; died in 21 July 1456) was the alleged identity of an unknown Hungarian soldier who was stationed during the Siege of Belgrade (known by its historical name Nándorfehérvár in Hungary) by the Ottoman Empire's forces in Belgrade. Dugovics dragged down the Turk who was about to plant their tug on Belgrade's castle, at the cost of his life, thus preventing the Turkish besiegers from taking the castle.
The figure of Titusz Dugovics has become one of the best known symbols of heroic self-sacrifice and patriotism in today's Hungarian historical tradition. In a narrower sense, it is a symbol of self-sacrificing heroism of all the Christians who defended their country and Christianity from the Turkish attack, as well as the self-sacrificing soldiers who defended Belgrade against a huge army of soldiers. The legend was based on the military and historical significance of the victory in Belgrade, which stopped the further expansion of the Turks in Europe for about 70 years.
Dugovics's act was first mentioned in the writings of Italian writer Antonio Bonfini, without any name given to the hero, and was not mentioned in Hungary's history until the 18th century.
However, the historical truth of Dugovics's identity is in some doubt, because all known records that describe him are of highly questionable veracity.[1]
Nándorfehérvár (Belgrade) was at this time under the command of John Hunyadi. From 4 to 22 July 1456, Nándorfehérvár was besieged by the Sultan Mehmed II. After ongoing, fierce battles, Ottoman troops attacked the city walls on 21 July, and a Janissary succeeded, according to legend, to climb a turret and momentarily hoist the Ottoman banner. It was immediately overthrown by soldiers in the same moment that Dugovics grabbed the bearer. As a result, both Dugovics and the standard-bearer plunged from the walls to their deaths.
This heroic act was significant in the repulse of the Ottomans and honours the memory of the defenders of Nándorfehérvár.