What Severnobacki okrug is known for

Subotica, a cultural hub in the Vojvodina region and the capital city of Severnobacki Okrug, showcases various historical and cultural landmarks. Over centuries, it has undergone multiple transformations, bearing witness to changes in rulers, names, and countries. This city has embraced more than 200 different names, reflecting its evolving identity. From Zabadka to Szent Maria and Maria Tereziopolis, Subotica has been governed by Hungarians, Turks, and Serbs and has been part of both the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires, as well as Yugoslavia. Today, Subotica features one out of a total of three active synagogues in Serbia, a Protestant church, several Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, and a newly built mosque.[8]

Palić Lake, situated approximately 8 kilometers from Subotica at an elevation of 102 meters, is an artificial lake known for its therapeutic mud and healing waters. Stretching over 8 kilometers in length and ranging from 350 to 960 meters in width, the lake has an average depth of 1.5 to 2 meters. It gained popularity as a spa resort during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The inception of Palić tourism can be traced back to 1845 when the first spa bath was constructed. Palić's architectural landmarks, including the Water Tower, Great Terrace, Musical Pavilion, and Women’s Beach, were designed in the Secession style, influenced by Hungarian folklore and craftsmanship. They were ceremoniously unveiled in 1912. Apart from architecture, visitors to Palić Lake can indulge in walks along the promenade encircling the lake. Various outdoor activities such as tennis, sports, cycling, sailing, and athletics are available, along with open-air and indoor thermal swimming pools. The Palić Lake beach includes the Women's Beach, attracting tourists. Additionally, the lake's tourist center boasts a park and a zoo.[9]

Another outdoor attraction, located in close proximity to the Kelebija border crossing, is the Ergela Kelebija. This equestrian facility provides modern stables, horse-drawn carriages, a carriage museum, a racetrack, a lake, and a park. The facility is home to over 60 Lipizzaner horses which visitors can ride. Tourists may also have the opportunity to take a carriage ride with these horses or enjoy performances by skilled riders. Ergela Kelebija covers a 20-hectare area and features state-of-the-art stables, pens, corrals, competition areas, and spacious pastures. It serves as a haven for its horse residents and a destination for numerous visitors and tourists. The primary objective of Ergela Kelebija is to breed horses that would be suitable for carriage sports and dressage riding. Since 1995, Ergela Kelebija has actively participated in reviews and competitions, showcasing their Lipizzaner horses from Kelebia. In collaboration with the Horse Breeders Association of the Lipizzaner breed of Serbia, the facility has hosted the STALLION CHAMPIONSHIP since 2006. Within the Ergela complex can also be found the Favory equestrian center, with an equestrian school offering individual and group classes for riders of all levels.[10]

Geography

Severnobacki Okrug is part of the larger geographical area called Bačka, which is a flat and fertile agricultural region situated within the Pannonian Plain. It lies between the Danube River to the west and south and the Tisa River to the east, with their confluence near Titel in Serbia's South Bačka District. The region is intersected by segments of the Danube–Tisa–Danube Canal system, serving various economic purposes. Bačka encompasses parts of both Serbia and Hungary. Most of Bačka's territory and population belong to Serbia's Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, which is further divided into the Southern Bačka, Western Bačka, and Northern Bačka districts. [4] Within Bačka, Severnobacki Okrug, located in northern Vojvodina, covers 1,784 square kilometers, representing 8.26% of Vojvodina's area and 2.01% of Serbia's total area. It includes three municipalities: Subotica, Bačka Topola, and Mali Iđoš, with Subotica as its capital city. The district is predominantly comprised of agricultural land, which represents nearly 90% of its territory. It also shares borders with Hungary and features border crossings at Kelebija and Horgoš.[5]

One of the local protected natural areas is the Subotica Sands, situated in the northern part of the Severnobacki Okrug near the Serbian-Hungarian border. The region is characterized by a forest-steppe environment, primarily consisting of man-made forest complexes. Its natural value is defined by the diverse mosaic of habitats, including sands, steppe, and wetlands, contributing to a considerable level of biodiversity. Notably, the area contains wet habitats developed on lower peat surfaces along the Kireš River, considered some of Europe and the world's most fertile and endangered ecosystems. One natural rarity found in the area is the saffron, a relict forest-steppe plant found exclusively in the Subotica Sands area. With over 170 recorded bird species, the region's varied habitats support diverse wildlife. Designated as a protected area of national importance since 2003, the Subotica Sands encompasses 5,370 hectares, along with a 2,773-hectare protection zone. Some traditional economic activities and lifestyles, as well as individual farms, are still preserved within the region and its surroundings.[6]

In terms of local climate, the months of May and September typically provide weather with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 26°C. For those wondering about the summer season in Subotica, it spans from June to September, encompassing the hottest months of the year. August stands out as the warmest month, with an average maximum temperature reaching 30°C. Conversely, Subotica experiences its coldest period in January, with an average maximum temperature of 5°C. Considering rainfall, June ranks as the wettest month in Subotica, accumulating around 76 millimeters of precipitation. In contrast, January is the driest month, with 40 millimeters of rainfall on average.[7]

History

The history of Subotica, the capital city of the Severnobacki Okrug, is marked by various prehistoric and ancient cultures, including the Starčevo, Vinča, and Tiszapolgár cultures. Indo-European peoples settled there around 3200 BC. Before the 1st century BC, the region was controlled by Celts, Dacians, and later, the Sarmatian Iazyges, often aligning with the Romans. During the Early Middle Ages, Subotica was under the rule of various Indo-European and Turkic groups, such as the Huns, Gepids, Avars, Slavs, and Bulgarians. Slavic settlement began in the 6th and 7th centuries, particularly by the Obotrites, a subgroup of the Serbs. In the 9th century, Slavic statehood began to take shape in the region, with the Principality of Lower Pannonia, Great Moravia, and the Bulgarian Empire playing considerable roles.[1]

Positioned on a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Subotica often found itself on the border of competing powers, Hungary and Turkey. In the 15th century, Subotica saw the construction of a fortress by Janoš Pongrac of Dengeleg, although it was eventually worn down by time. The city also played a role during the rule of Jovan Nenad the Black, who proclaimed himself emperor and established Subotica as his capital in the 16th century. Maria Theresa declared Subotica a free royal city in 1743, which led to further development of the city. After the occupation, which took place during the First and Second World Wars, Subotica became part of Yugoslavia in 1920.[2]

In terms of the history of the Severnobacki Okrug as a whole, in the 9th century, the region was under the rule of the Bulgarian-Slavic Duke Salan. During the medieval Kingdom of Hungary's administration from the 11th to the 16th century, the area was divided into various counties and regions, including Bodrogiensis County, Bacsensis County, Csongradiensis County, and Cumania. During the Ottoman rule from the 16th to the 17th century, Severnobacki territory was part of the Sanjak of Segedin. While it was under the Habsburg administration in the 18th century, it was divided between the Military Frontier and Batsch County, eventually merging into Batsch-Bodrog County. In the 1850s, it was included in the Sombor District and returned to Batsch-Bodrog County after 1860. Later, during the Yugoslav administration, the North Bačka area was part of various administrative regions, including Novi Sad County, Bačka Oblast, and Danube Banovina. During the Hungarian-German Axis occupation (1941 to 1944), it became part of Bács-Bodrog County. Since 1944, it has been part of the autonomous Yugoslav Vojvodina within Serbia. The current districts of Serbia, including North Bačka District, were officially established in 1992.[3]