The Troubles of a Hungarian Student in Wittenberg : The Studies of Peter Türk of Levoča (1578 – 1583)

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Autor/ Author: Jaroslav Nemeš 

In: Kultúrne dejiny

ISSN: 1338-2209 (Print)

ISSN: 2989–3313 (Online)

Ročník/ Volume: 17

Číslo/ Issue: Supplement

Strany/ Page Range: 39-66

Rok vydania/ Publication Year: 2026

Jazyk/ Language: Slovak

Vydavateľ/ Publisher: VERBUM – vydavateľstvo Katolíckej univerzity v Ružomberku

Abstrakt/ Abstract: The study is based on the correspondence of Peter Türk from 1579–1585, preserved in the Spiš Archive in Levoča, which provides an authentic insight into the everyday life of a Hungarian student in the late 16th century. The letters trace Türk’s path from obtaining a scholarship in 1577, through his studies in Wittenberg, to his return to Levoča and his subsequent ecclesiastical career. They reveal the crucial role of the Thurzó testamentary foundation, through which the town of Levoča supported students abroad, as well as the persistent financial difficulties they faced, including high living costs and chronic lack of funds.
Türk also critically assessed the declining conditions at the University of Wittenberg, marked by confessional conflicts and institutional instability. His correspondence reflects not only material hardship but also personal and professional uncertainty. After returning home, he encountered limited career opportunities, which ultimately led him to accept positions outside Levoča. The study highlights academic peregrination as a key educational practice while illustrating the broader social, financial, and existential challenges faced by early modern students.

Kľúčové slová/ Keywords: Hungary, 16th Century, History of Education, University of Wittenberg, Levoča, Peter Türk.

Citácia/ How to cite:
NEMEŠ, Jaroslav, 2026. Ťažkosti uhorského študenta vo Wittenbergu. Štúdium Petra Türka z Levoče v rokoch 1578 až 1583. Kultúrne dejiny. Online. Roč. 17, č. Supplement, s. 39-66. ISSN 1338-2209 (Print). ISSN 2989–3313 (Online). Dostupné na:

Toto dielo je publikované pod/ This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Táto štúdia vznikla v rámci riešenia projektov: VEGA 1/0464/24 Študenti a učitelia zo Slovenska na vybraných nemeckých univerzitách do roku 1945; APVV-23-0277 Učebné pomôcky vo výchovno-vzdelávacom procese na Slovensku (16. – 20. storočie).
This study was produced within the framework of the projects VEGA No. 1/0464/24, Students and Teachers from Slovakia at Selected German Universities until 1945, and APVV-23-0277, Teaching Aids in the Educational Process in Slovakia (16th–20th Centuries).