There are several stories about the origin of the bagel. One of the most popular accounts states that in 1683, a baker in Austria wanted to pay tribute in gratefulness to King Jan Sobieski of Poland, who had helped drive Turkish invaders out of Austria. King Jan was well known as a skilled horseman, so the Austrian baker decided to shape some dough into an uneven circle resembling a stirrup. There are many other stories about the origin and name of the bagel, many of which involve the common association of the bagel with the Jewish culture. Today, bagels are widely available and enjoyed in almost all parts of the United States.
Donuts have a hole cut out from a round piece of dough.
Bagels, on the other hand, are made from dough that is pulled around into a circle and joined to form the ring.