Salajka

Salajka, a vibrant Novi Sad neighborhood with a rich history, transformed from a Serbian agrarian region to a hub of artisans and intellectuals, reflecting resilience, tradition, and progress through its captivating tales and enduring spirit.

Gather 'round, for I shall weave a tale of the vibrant neighborhood known as Salajka, a realm of rich history and spirited souls. Situated within Novi Sad, this quarter once thrived as a deeply Serbian and agrarian region, but time has brought change to its character, transforming its inhabitants into artisans, traders, workers, and intellectuals.

The name Salajka finds its roots in the ancient Hungarian county of Zala or Salla, neighboring western Slavonia across the Drava River in present-day Hungary. It was from here that a part of the Serbian community sought refuge to preserve their identity and traditions. They became known as Zalajci or Salajci, and over time, the names evolved into Salajka and Salajchani.

In the days of old, Salajka bustled with life, hosting a vibrant marketplace on Temerinska Street in the 19th century. Here, a rich tapestry of goods unfolded, from fruits and vegetables to livestock, craftsmanship, and timber. Two gates, Kisachka and Temerinska, guarded the entrance to the city from Salajka, controlling the flow of people and goods and collecting tariffs.

In its earlier days, Salajka stretched all the way to today's Shajkaska Street, formerly known as Shanachka, until the interwar period when land was parcelled for house construction from Schultz's Mill to the Canal. This expansion led to the creation of a new part of Salajka, known as Schultz's Settlement. Craft workshops flourished, while on the left side of Temerinska Street, a bustling array of merchants and service shops adorned the landscape.

Salajchani possessed a vivacious and temperamental nature, known for their fighting spirit and strong sense of patriotism. Not even the Austro-Hungarian gendarmes dared to venture into Salajka when incidents occurred. During the Hungarian occupation (1941-1944), Salajchani supported the resistance movement, with many young individuals joining guerrilla and propaganda groups, enduring imprisonment and suffering in prisons and camps.

As the city's first urban plan was drafted after the war, a part of Salajka faced displacement to make way for an industrial zone. However, the fierce resistance from the citizens prevailed, and the City Assembly, in 1986, abandoned the plan, relocating the industrial zone elsewhere.

A celebrated bard, George Balaž, also known as Djordje Balaševitch in Vojvodinian, found his inspiration in Salajka. Growing up on Jovana Cvijića Street, Balaž gathered knowledge and inspiration from this vibrant community. He authored many songs that resonate with the spirit of Salajka, immortalizing its tales and triumphs through his lyrical melodies.

And so, the story of Salajka unfolds, a place where tradition intertwines with progress, where the echoes of the past guide the steps of the present. As the great bard's songs linger in the air, let us embrace the enduring spirit of Salajka, a realm that proudly bears the mark of its people's resilience and unwavering pride.