Bicske

Bicske
Town
Flag Coat of arms
Bicske Location of Bicske
Coordinates:47.49074°N 18.63625°E/47.49074; 18.63625
Country	Hungary
County	Fejér
District	Bicske
Area
• Total	78.88 km2(30.46 sq mi)
Population (2017)
• Total	12,100
Time zone	UTC+1(CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2(CEST)
Postal code	2060
Area code	(+36) 22
Motorways	M1
Distance from Budapest	36.7 km (22.8 mi) East
Website	www.bicske.hu

Bicske(Hungarian:[ˈbit͡ʃkɛ];Latin:LusomanaorLumanum) is a town inFejér County,Hungary.Its name is also spelledBykche,Biccke,Bykcze,Biczke,andBitske.It is around 35 km (22 mi) west ofBudapest.Its administration has undergone many changes; it has been a settlement, a village, a market town, and a village constituting an administrative division.

History

Aerial view ofBatthyány Mansion, Bicske

The name of the Byckche family has been known since 1258 when some members got a large donation of land from the king. According to a document dating from 1306, Botond's sons János (John) and Péter were granted permission to levy tolls in the locality of Bicske.

From 1596 onward, Bicske belonged to theOttoman Empire.

Count ÁdámBatthyánybought the land in 1642. The Batthyány family built a castle in 1754–1755, and made it their residence. The Batthyány family also built anobservatoryand a little castle (Hegyi-kastély) for theastronomers.During the Batthyány era, the village, which had been destroyed by theTurks,became a prosperous town. From 1688 to 1877, it was the chief town of the district.

AJewishcommunity developed in Bicske during the 18th century; most of its members were associated with the Neolog orReform Judaismmovement. They built asynagogueand a school, which was open to both Christian and Jewish students.By the 19th century Bicske was a well-developed market town and cultural centre. From 1877 to 1946 it belonged to the district of Vál.

AfterWorld War I,an era known as the "White Terror,"lasting from 1919 - 1921, saw the Jewish community of Bikse under attack by Christians, as homes were looted and citizens were murdered.

In 1940, duringWorld War II,Jewish farms and shops were confiscated and nationalized and able-bodied Jewish men were sent toUkraineto work in the mines. In May 1940, aghettowas erected in Bicske and Jews from neighboring towns were brought there for confinement. In June 1940, the ghetto was liquidated and its entire Jewish population was sent to theKomáromghetto and, that same month, toAuschwitzconcentration campfor extermination. The town's synagogue was completely destroyed.

Bicske was captured on 24 December 1944 bySoviettroops of the3rd Ukrainian Frontin the course of theBudapest Offensive.On the night of 4 January 1945 theGermanNazi5th SS Panzer Regiment, under the command ofFritz Darges,advanced towards Bicske but was stopped by the41st Guards Rifle Divisionof the Soviet4th Guards Army.The Germans retreated, but destroyed more than thirty Soviet tanks during the battle.

In 1947 Bicske became independent.

There were 12,000 inhabitants in 1986.

Main sights

• Roman CatholicChurch (18th century) with aMaulbertschpanel painting
• Batthyány Mansion, Bicske(built in 1754-1755)
• In the center of the town are excavated ruins of a temple with several tombs, dating from the 15th century
• Ruins of the Observatory and the astronomers' castle

Sport

Theassociation footballclub,Bicskei TC,is based in the town.

Twin towns – sister cities

See also:List of twin towns and sister cities in Hungary

Bicske istwinnedwith:

• Altshausen,Germany
• Băile Tușnad,Romania
• Chop,Ukraine
• Reci,Romania

External links

• Official websitein Hungarian