One of the world’s largest yurts, built as part of the Great Hun-Turk Gathering in Hungary, offered visitors a journey through the shared history and cultural heritage of Hun and Turkic peoples.
Known as the "Attila Tent," the massive structure, measuring approximately 20 meters (66 feet) in diameter and 7 meters in height, became one of the most prominent symbols of the gathering, which brings together communities of Hun and Turkic descent.
The tent, one of the most striking structures at the gathering grounds, welcomed tens of thousands of visitors with an immersive display recreating aspects of Hun-era history and culture.
Inside, replicas of archaeological artifacts from the time of Attila, including swords, plates, bowls and jewelry, were displayed alongside an extensive archaeology and anthropology exhibition exploring the shared past of Hun and Turkic peoples.
Three mounted warrior sculptures depicting fighters from the period offered visitors a visual representation of the Huns’ military life, while sections of the tent’s interior walls were covered with depictions of battles involving the Huns under Attila’s leadership.
From swords and jewelry to battle scenes, mounted warriors and burial traditions, the Attila Tent presented different aspects of daily life and warfare during the Hun period.
At the center of the exhibition, visitors were greeted by one of its most striking pieces: a massive cauldron representing a funeral tradition associated with the deaths of prominent figures.
According to information provided by exhibition officials, gold and silver jewelry belonging to the deceased would be melted in the cauldron and later buried near a river in memory of the person.
The ritual was intended not only as a farewell but also as a way of preserving the memory of the deceased, allowing the community to gather again later to commemorate the person.
Another major attraction inside the tent was an exhibition titled “From Ordos to Orseg: Treasures of the Huns, Turks and Hungarians,” which drew visitors interested in the historical connections among the communities.
Next to the tent, the Hungarian National Museum presented an exhibition featuring replicas of artifacts dating back to the time of Attila.
Varga Zoltan, a board member of the Hungarian Turan Foundation, one of the organizers of the gathering, said the tent was deliberately named after Attila, one of the most prominent figures in Hungarian history.
“The reason this tent is so important to us is that it hosts all kinds of exhibitions coming from Turan, especially scientific exhibitions based on archaeology and anthropology,” Zoltan said.
As part of the exhibition, visitors could also see specially prepared archaeological facial reconstructions, he added.
Zoltan said the exhibition’s biggest attraction was a “golden crown,” whose origins trace back to the Ordos region.
The crown was discovered in what is now modern-day China, Zoltan said, describing it as a particularly significant piece for those interested in the Hun period.
“It is a unique masterpiece for people who love and are interested in the Hun era,” he added.
Hungarian jewelry designer Lenya Goblarka said the neighboring exhibition featured valuable pieces shedding light on Hungarian history.
