"Thanks to photography we now know the face of a refugee. Since the camera has proven its usefulness to reporting countless faces of peaple taking refuge are documented in all parts of the world. And from whatever origin, from whatever part of the world, young or old, by far the biggest part shares one common characteristic. An expression of silent bewilderment."

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a spontaneous nationwide revolt against the government of the People's Republic of Hungary and its Soviet-imposed policies, lasting from 23 October until 10 November 1956. The revolt spread quickly across Hungary, and the government fell. After announcing a willingness to negotiate a withdrawal of Soviet forces, the Politburo changed its mind and moved to crush the revolution. On 4 November, a large Soviet force invaded Budapest and other regions of the country. Hungarian resistance continued until 10 November. Over 2,500 Hungarians and 700 Soviet troops were killed in the conflict, and 200,000 Hungarians fled as refugees.

Photographs by After announcing a willingness to negotiate a withdrawal of Soviet forces, the Politburo changed its mind and moved to crush the revolution. On 4 November, a large Soviet force invaded Budapest and other regions of the country. Hungarian resistance continued until 10 November. Over 2,500 Hungarians and 700 Soviet troops were killed in the conflict, and 200,000 Hungarians fled as refugees.

Photographs by Violette Cornelius and Ata Kando

Text by H.J.A. Hofland

English / Dutch /Hungarian