2022-06-16 Thu

The Hungarian National Bank issued Hungarian Forint banknotes depicting Prince Gabor Bethlen in 2016.

Prince Gabor Bethlen was a prince of Transylvania between 1613 and 1629. He also ruled Duke of Opole between 1622 and 1625 and King-elect of Hungary between 1620 and1621, but he never took control of the whole kingdom. He was a skilled ruler, a cunning statesman and diplomat, and a patron of the arts. After taking control of Transylvania in his hand, he managed to elevate this small state to become a factor in European politics. He was very much aware of the fact that the independence of Transylvania; could be injured if it influenced Europe.

Prince Gabor Bethlen wanted to secure Transylvania; therefore he joined the Hague Alliance led by King Christian IV of Denmark, with the participation of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. He designed a modern state system in Transylvania based on a well-functioning, effective government, a state-sponsored army, and a mercantilist economic policy. He also reconstructed many buildings in Transylvania that were plundered during the 16th and 17th centuries. He also reconstructed Gyulafeherva (Alba Iulia) which was transformed into a true princely residence.

Image Courtesy: colnect.com