ESCAPE FROM THE TRAPS OF SILENCE
(Opinions, comments to the study: "Mental Hygiene Picture of Szombathely" published in the Vasi Szemle, Year 2002, Vol 2, by Zsuzsanna Éliás, Zsolt Rettegi, Ildikó Sturcz, Enikő Szilágyi)

------------------------The study of mental hygiene at Szombathely revealed serious problems among which the strong isolation within the population as well as their seclusion is especially conspicuous. The study, summarising the survey results has made references to the social and economical relations of mental problems.
-----About thirty comments were sent to the Vasi Szemle's editorial office, from prominent intellectuals related to the city: scientists, writers, doctors, college and university teachers, etc. The opinions formulated in a number of genres are interpreting and complementing the picture drafted in the study. According to several contributors, we might expect improvement - beyond the general development - if Szombathely grows up to the increased opportunities provided by the system changeover: by the improvement of the institutional system (missing university and theatre) and by the increased social, civil activity.

FERENC GYURÁCZ: WESTERN TRANSDANUBIA'S LITERATURE TRADITIONS

-----The author publishes his lecture delivered on a Slovenian conference. He characterises the Western Transdanubian population according to the historical, literature history and cultural philosophy considerations. Sometimes, the Western Transdanubian man is too mildmannered and acquiescent, however, his positive features include the centrist attitude, disapproval of extremities both in culture and politics. The peaceful togetherness of differences and the tolerant attitude on this area are closely connected with the strong presence of Christian and national traditions.
-----In the second part of the lecture the author demonstrates these characteristics by analysing the literature journal of Szombathely published in the 1930s and 40s entitled "Írott Kő".

TAMÁS SZÉLL: WHY CHURCH BELLS TOLL AT NOON
(The history of the midday tolling)

-----The author reviews the origins and history of ringing church bells at specific times, in particular at noon. He points out that many in Hungary are mistaken about the original purpose of ringing the bells at midday. Contrary to the fairly widespread belief that it is to commemorate the Hungarian victory over the Turks at Nándorfehérvár (today Belgrade), Pope Callixtus III ordered in June 29 1456, that church bells be rung at noon in Christian churches to urge the faithful to pray for the containment of Ottoman efforts at expansion. Because this papal decree was inspired by the Turkish threat against Nándorfehérvár, and by the actual onset of the siege itself, the commemoration of the Hungarian victory that followed on July 22nd 1456, is both justified and appropriate.

MIKLÓS MELEGA: HOUSE(S) OF GYULA ÉHEN

-----Gyula Éhen is a legendary figure of Szombathely's history. During his mayoralty (1895-1902), an infrastructure development has been carried out of determinant significance. The memory of the mayor has been immortalised in several ways, i.a. by a memorial tablet placed on the wall of his supposed onetime house.
-----The study wishes to draw the attention to the fact that Gyula Éhen spent only the last part of his life in the house marked by the memorial tablet, and he spent his active years (1880-1912) in another house. This latter building is more significant from art history aspects as well since a nationally renowned architect, Alajos Hauszmann, has prepared its design. By presenting the history of these two houses, the main events and turning points from the life of the mayor are also revealed.