"You could feel the presence of the former residents" – the HVG book titled 'Our Abandoned Villages' has been published

Photographer Gábor Lakos and journalist István Balla explored Hungary's depopulated villages, capturing their stories in a new book. The project highlights the emotional impact of visiting abandoned places, revealing the history behind their decline due to various factors like war and economic changes. The book features eleven villages, showcasing the remnants of life and nature reclaiming these areas. During the presentation, geographer Péter Bajmóczy discussed the patterns of depopulation, noting that while some villages have completely vanished, others show signs of life. The authors emphasize the importance of preserving the memories of these communities.