Félegyháza

Félegyháza lies on the plain between the Danube and the Tisza, in the district known as Little Cumania. The medieval settlement was deserted during the Ottoman wars, leaving its lands as open puszta. In 1743 families from Jászság and other parts of Hungary came to settle there again.

Two years later the inhabitants took part in the redemption by which the Jász and Cuman districts purchased the restoration of their former collective privileges and lands. The arrangement brought personal freedom and local self-government in return for payment and military obligations. Félegyháza became the seat of the Little Cuman district in 1753; in 1774 Maria Theresa granted it market-town status and the right to hold fairs. Farming and extensive livestock raising supported the growing community.