In this special episode, I talk with Katerina Dunne, author of the historical novel Lord of the Eyrie.
Set in the time of Hunyadi János, her story brings 15th-century Hungary to life—told through the eyes of both a nobleman and his wife, caught in the chaos of war, politics, and survival.

Katerina is a Greek-born writer who lived in Ireland for 25 years and recently moved to Cyprus.
She learned Hungarian, fell in love with our history, and now shares it with the world in English.
We talk about her creative journey, historical reenactment, buhurt fighting, and why this era still matters today.

Her books are available in English, Hungarian, and German:https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/historium-press-katerina-dunne?fbclid=IwAR0QZnKvss4i2oQyFxMjY7BIz9W9kldle2BMwrr7W7vvwS0dDBZeo8xWDuo

and:

https://www.lira.hu/hu/konyv/szepirodalom/sasfeszek-ura#

In this electrifying episode, we uncover how King Matthias Corvinus – the legendary Raven King – stood as the last true Christian monarch to confront the rising Ottoman threat with both pen and sword.

⚔️ Matthias rebuilt Hungary's second line of defense on the southern borderland, held strongholds deep in enemy territory, and risked his own life in combat to beat back the Turks.

🏇 His feared Black Army not only terrified Europe but also marched to Italy’s rescue, liberating Otranto from Ottoman occupation. What if he had not sent there troops?

🛡️ And when the Sultan’s troops swarmed into Transylvania, it was his general Kinizsi Pál who met them in open battle at Kenyérmező (Breadfield)—and shattered the myth of Ottoman invincibility that had haunted Europe since the disastrous Battle of Várna in 1444.

📜 When Pope Innocent VIII considered handing over the Ottoman prince Djem to the sultan for some money, Matthias fired off a furious letter warning that if Christendom betrayed the cause, Hungary would not fall silently. Was his response heard? What if he could receive the Turk usurper in his court and launch his long-dreamed campaign after taking Vienna?

🔥 An epic tale of diplomacy, strategy, and sheer defiance against overwhelming odds.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
👉 Support the project: Patreon | BuyMe a Coffee | Substack | www.hungarianhistory.com

🚩 The ONLY English-language podcast dedicated entirely to Hungarian history.

You can also read some more details on my page: https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/essays/was-king-matthias-related-to-sultan-mohamed-ii/

🔥A Century of Struggle. One Historic Stand.

In this episode of the Hungarian History Podcast, wejourney through nine turbulent decades—from the first Ottoman war in 1366 to the epic Siege of Nándorfehérvár / Belgrade in 1456.

We must investigate the way that led to the siege ofNándorfehérvár / Belgrade—how betrayals, invasions, andresistance shaped the fate of Hungary and Europe.

Hear the dramatic tale of kings betrayed, cities lost, battleswon—and how Hunyadi János defied the seemingly unstoppable OttomanEmpire at the gates of Belgrade.

This is the story behind the noon bell that still rings acrossEurope today.
It’s not just Hungarian history—it’s European destiny.

🎧 Listen now and step into the fight for Christendom.

Visit: https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/

Follow: https://www.facebook.com/hungarianturkishwars

Substack RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2612727.rss

"The Ottoman Conquests Through European Eyes"

How did different nations experience Ottoman rule? In this episode of the Hungarian History Podcast, we explore:• The Ottoman claim of bringing tolerance—and the complex reality on the ground
• How Hungary, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean regionsremember this era differently
• Why the occupation left a lasting mark on Hungarian history and identity

Join us for a thoughtful examination of this pivotal historical period.

What perspective did your history books offer on the Ottoman Wars? Share below—we may feature your thoughts!

The Origins of the Turks and the Meaning of the Ottoman Conquests

Where did the Turks come from — and how did they become Ottomans?

In this episode of the Hungarian History Podcast, we trace the early history of the Turkic peoples, from the Asian steppes to the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Discover how a tribal alliance became a global power, and how “Turkish” identity evolved along the way.

What made the Ottoman state so different from the medieval Kingdom of Hungary? And how did these two worlds see themselves — and each other — before the wars began?

Join Szántai Gábor for a deep dive into the roots of the Ottoman world, the transformation of identity, and the looming clash of civilizations that would shape Central Europe for centuries.

🛡️ The only English voice telling the story of Hungary —from the frontline of history.

All episodes are going to be available on Substack:

https://open.substack.com/pub/gaborszantai/p/episode-2-the-turks-are-coming?r=3v2wim&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-2-turks-127377049?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Buy Me A Coffee:

buymeacoffee.com/duhoxoxa/episode-2-the-turks-coming

🇭🇺 BREAKING THE SILENCE: Hungary’s History Is Now In English 🎙️

Greetings to all! I’m Szántai Gábor, the creator of the "Hungarian History 1366-1699" Facebook page. After adecade of battling historical amnesia on social media, I’m launching the Hungarian History Podcast—the only English-language show dedicated to Hungary’s buried legacy.

I am thrilled to announce the introductory episode of the Hungarian History Podcast. So far, it is the only English-language podcast diving deep into Hungary’s untold stories.

Hungary’s past isn’t just a footnote—it’s Europe’s missing chapter.This podcast brings overlooked battles, kings, and turning points to light, proving that Hungary’s past belongs to center stage.

Visit my Facebook page for updates:

https://www.facebook.com/hungarianturkishwars/

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