Press release, 28.01.2026.

A poet behind the numbers – Gyula Vargha receives a memorial plaque

At the initiative of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (HCSO), a memorial plaque was unveiled on 27 January 2026 in honour of Gyula Vargha (1853–1929), statistician, poet, and former Director of the HCSO. The plaque was placed on the fence of the house located at 16 Bimbó Street in District II, where Gyula Vargha once lived. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Dr Áron Kincses, President of the HCSO, as well as Dr Szabolcs Tóth and Dr Tamás Tóth, Deputy President of the Office. The event was made especially meaningful by a personal tribute: Dr Prof. András Vargha, a descendant of Gyula Vargha, recalled his life, which left a lasting mark on Hungarian science and literature.

Gyula Vargha was the third Director of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office between 1901 and 1914. He began his career at the institution in 1872, while still a law student. Thanks to his talent and diligence, he rose quickly through the ranks and was appointed Deputy Director in 1892. He is credited with several significant works in statistics and economics, including the four-volume series Agricultural Statistics of the Countries of the Hungarian Crown and the book The History of Hungarian Credit and Credit Institutions. The Hungarian Academy of Sciences recognised his scientific work by electing him a corresponding member in 1892 and a full member in 1907.

His career was marked by a unique duality: in addition to his achievements in the field of statistics, he is also recognised as a distinguished figure in Hungarian literary history. Although his poetry was pushed into the background during his years at the head of the Office, he returned his attention to literature after his retirement. It was during this period that he wrote his most mature and influential poems. His poetic oeuvre is most often compared to that of János Arany.

The Hungarian Central Statistical Office considers it particularly important that the memory of statisticians who have achieved significant scientific results is not forgotten, and that initiatives such as this should help make the rich history of Hungarian statistical science visible to the wider public.

Detailed information about the life and work of Gyula Vargha can be found on the HCSO website.

Hungarian Central Statistical Office
H-1024 Budapest, Keleti Károly utca 5–7. Phone number: (+36-1) 345-6000
Postal address: H-1525 Budapest, P.O.Box 51
www.ksh.hu