Identity Statement

Reference Code

HU OSA 391

Title

Photographs of Gabriel Bodnar on the 1968 Invasion of Kosice

Date(s)

1968

Description Level

Fonds

Context

Name of creator(s)

Bodnár, Gabriel

Content and Structure

Scope and Content (Abstract)

38 furtively taken B&W photographs on the Warsaw Pact troops entering Kosice in eastern Slovakia in 1968. The Soviet and Bulgarian forces arrived in town on August 21; the local population showed scattered resistance: they threw stones at the military and their carriers, and at places mounted barricades from rail carriages. Even though there was no armed resistance, seven local people died during the invasion.

The close-ups vividly show the consternation and shock of the citizens. Anti-Soviet slogans and posters rapidly appeared on the sidewalks and buildings of the town. On one of the trucks someone quickly drew a swastika in white chalk.

The troops participating in the invasion were withdrew to their original bases in November 1968.

Accruals

Not Expected

Conditions of Access and Use

Conditions governing access

Open for research

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

The prints were digitized, see online gallery below

Description Control

Archivist's note

Processed by Miklós Tamási and Csaba Szilágyi, June, 2007.