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Timișoara

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Timișoara
City
Victory Square
Victory Square
Coat of arms of Timișoara
Coat of arms
Country Romania
CountyTimiş County
StatusCounty Capital
Government
 • MayorGheorghe Ciuhandu (CDNPP)
Area
 • City129.2 km2 (49.9 sq mi)
 • Metro
1,070.4 km2 (413.3 sq mi)
Elevation
89 m (292 ft)
Population
 (est. 2009)[1]
 • City312,113
 • Density2,400/km2 (6,300/sq mi)
 • Metro
359,132
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Websitewww.primariatm.ro

Timișoara (Romanian pronunciation: [timiˈʃo̯ara] ⓘ; German: Temeschburg, also Temeswar or Temeschwar, Hungarian: Temesvár, Serbian: Темишвар, Temišvar), is a city in the Banat region of western Romania. It is the capital of Timiş County.

One of the largest Romanian cities, with an estimated population of 312,113 inhabitants (the third most populous city in Romania), Timişoara is the main economic and cultural center in Banat, in the western part of the country.

History

Timişoara was first mentioned as a place in either 1212 or 1266. The territory later to be known as Banat was conquered and annexed by the Kingdom of Hungary in 1030. Timişoara grew considerably during the reign of Charles I, who, upon his visit here in 1307, ordered the construction of a royal palace. Timişoara's importance also grew thanks to its strategic location, which facilitated control over the Banat plain. John Hunyadi established a permanent military encampment here, and moved here together with his family. In 1552, Ahmed Pasha conquered the city with a 160,000-strong Ottoman army and transforms it into a capital. The local military commander, Stefan Losonczy, was captured and beheaded on July 27, 1552 after resisting the Ottoman invasion with just over 2,300 men.

Timişoara 1656 Nicolas Sanson map

Timişoara remained under Ottoman rule for nearly 160 years, controlled directly by the Sultan and enjoying a special status, similar to other cities in the region such as Budapest and Belgrade. During this period, Timişoara underwent a process of Islamization, until Prince Eugene of Savoy conquered it in 1716. Subsequently, the city came under Austrian rule, and it remained so until the early 20th century except Ottoman occupation between 1788-1789 during Ottoman-Habsburg war. During this time, Timişoara evolved from a strategic fortress to an economic and industrial center: numerous factories were built, electric illumination and public transport were introduced, and railroad connections were established. The city was defortified, and several major road arteries were built to connect the suburbs with the city center, paving the way for further expansion of the city limits. [citation needed]

It was the first mainland European city to be lit by electric street lamps in 1884.[2] It was also the second European and the first city in what is now Romania with horse drawn trams in 1867. Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, built one of Timişoara's footbridges over the Bega.

On October 31, 1918, local military and political elites establish the "Banat National Council", together with representatives of the region's main ethnic groups: Hungarians, Romanians, Serbs and Germans. In the aftermath of World War I, the Banat region was divided between the Kingdom of Romania and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and Timişoara came under Romanian administration after Serbian occupation between 1918-1919. In 1920, King Ferdinand I awarded Timişoara the status of a University Center, and the interwar years saw continuous economic and cultural development. A number of anti-fascist and anti-revisionist demonstrations also took place during this time.

During World War II, Timişoara suffered damage from both Allied and Axis bombing raids, especially during the second half of 1944. On August 23, 1944, Romania, which until then was a member of the Axis, declared war on Nazi Germany and joined the Allies. Surprised, the local Wehrmacht garrison surrendered without a fight, and German and Hungarian troops attempted to take the city by force throughout September, without success.

After the war, the People's Republic of Romania was proclaimed, and Timişoara underwent sovietization and later, systematization. The city's population tripled between 1948 and 1992. In December 1989, Timişoara witnessed a series of mass street protests by Romanians, Hungarians and Serbs, in what was to become the Romanian Revolution of 1989.

Demographics

For 2009,[1] Timişoara has an estimated population of 312,113, the third largest in Romania after Bucharest and Iaşi. 14.2% of the population are under 15 years of age, 4.0% are over 75. The Timişoara metropolitan area has a population of 365,545.

The ethnic makeup, as of 2009, is as follows: 85.52% Romanian, 7.5% Hungarian, 2.25% German, 4.73% other. The Ukrainian community is currently growing, partly due to the presence of Ukrainian language educational facilities. In recent years, local investment by Italian companies has spurred the creation of an Italian community,[3] even leading to calls for an Italian Cultural Center.[4]

Since 1990, Timişoara saw a slight population decline owing to migration and a drop in birthrates. Notably, the Hungarian and German communities experienced significant decline, with the latter being reduced by half between 1992 and 2002.[5]

Economy

Timişoara has been an important economic center since the 18th century when the Habsburg administration was installed. Due to Austrian colonization, ethnic and religious diversity and innovative laws, the economy began to develop. The technicians and craftsmen that settled in the city established guilds and helped develop the city's economy. Notably, in 1717 Temesvar became host to the region's first beer factory. [citation needed]

During the Industrial Revolution numerous modern innovations were introduced. It was the first city in the monarchy with street illumination, and the first city on mainland Europe illuminated by electric light. The Tisza (Bega) river was also channelled during this time. It was the first navigable canal on current Romanian territory. This way, Timişoara had contact with Europe, and even with the rest of the world through the Black Sea, leading to the local development of commercialism.[6][7][8]

File:McDonald's Timisoara..jpg
Fast Food restaurant in Timisoara(McDonald's)
File:Constructii noi in Timisoara..jpg
New constructions in Timişoara(Fructus Tower)
File:Iulius Mall Timisoara.jpg
Iulius Mall Timişoara

In the 19th century the railway system of the Hungarian Kingdom reached Temesvar. Timişoara was the first city in the country with international routes economic boom as the amount of foreign investment, especially in high-tech sectors, has risen.[9] In terms of living standards, Timişoara ranks fourth nationwide.[10] In an article in late 2005, French magazine L'Expansion called Timişoara Romania's economic showcase,[11] and referred to the increased number of foreign investments as a "second revolution".

Apart from domestic local investment, there has been significant foreign investment from the European Union, particularly from Germany and Italy. Continental AG has produced tires since opening a plant in 2000. [12] The Linde Group produces technical gases, and a part of the wiring moulds for BMW and Audi vehicles are produced by the company Dräxlmaier Group locally. Also, Swiss company FM Logistic, already present in Timiş County for Nestlé, P&G and in Bucharest for Cora, L'Oréal, Sanofi Aventis and Yves Rocher, and for companies like PROFI Rom Foods, BIC, Kraft Foods or SCA Packaging - offering them domestic transport services and international transport services for Bricostore, Arctic, Danone, Unilever or Contitech, the growth of FM Logistic in Romania and in Dudeşti through its 1st own warehouse in Romania (Dudeştii Noi gives FM the opportunity). Nestlé produces waffles here.

The USA company Flextronics maintains a workplace in the west of the city for the production of mobile telephony and government inspection department devices. In 2009, the company laid off 640 workers.[13] The American company Procter & Gamble manufactures washing and cleaning agents in Timişoara. Smithfield Foods - the world's largest pork processor and hog producer - has two subsidiaries in Timişoara and Timiş County: Smithfield Ferme and Smithfield Prod.

As most of Romania, Timişoara experienced economic slowdown in 2009, due to the global economic downturn.[14]

Transport

Timişoara's public transport network consists of 10 tram lines, 8 trolleybus lines and 20 bus lines, of which 5 are metropolitan lines and 6 are express lines. It is operated by Regia Autonomă de Transport Timişoara (RATT), an autonomous corporation of the City Hall. The city is served by Romania's third busiest airport, Traian Vuia International Airport, which is the hub of the Romania's second-largest airline, Carpatair. The city is connected to a series of major European and domestic destinations. Timişoara is a major railway centre and is connected to all other major Romanian cities, as well as local destinations, through the national CFR network.

Cityscape

File:Night panorama of Timisoara.jpg
Night panorama of Timişoara

The tallest building, when completed in 2011, will be the Tender Financial Center, at 180 meters tall. The tallest building currently is the Fructus Tower, at 65 meters. Another proposed building, the Timişoara High Tower, when completed, will have a height of 138 meters, but it is not scheduled to open until 2012.

Geography

Climate

Climate data for Timişoara, Romania
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 17.4
(63.3) 		20.5
(68.9) 		28.2
(82.8) 		32.0
(89.6) 		34.5
(94.1) 		38.4
(101.1) 		39.6
(103.3) 		41.0
(105.8) 		39.7
(103.5) 		33.8
(92.8) 		27.1
(80.8) 		20.2
(68.4) 		41.0
(105.8)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 2
(36) 		5
(41) 		11
(52) 		18
(64) 		23
(73) 		26
(79) 		28
(82) 		28
(82) 		25
(77) 		18
(64) 		11
(52) 		4
(39) 		17
(63)
Daily mean °C (°F) −1
(30) 		1
(34) 		5
(41) 		11
(52) 		16
(61) 		19
(66) 		21
(70) 		21
(70) 		18
(64) 		12
(54) 		6
(43) 		1
(34) 		11
(52)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −5
(23) 		−3
(27) 		0
(32) 		5
(41) 		10
(50) 		13
(55) 		15
(59) 		14
(57) 		11
(52) 		6
(43) 		2
(36) 		−1
(30) 		5
(41)
Record low °C (°F) −35.3
(−31.5) 		−29.2
(−20.6) 		−20.0
(−4.0) 		−5.2
(22.6) 		−5.0
(23.0) 		2.2
(36.0) 		5.9
(42.6) 		5.0
(41.0) 		−1.9
(28.6) 		−6.8
(19.8) 		−15.4
(4.3) 		−24.8
(−12.6) 		−35.3
(−31.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 47
(1.9) 		44
(1.7) 		46
(1.8) 		56
(2.2) 		71
(2.8) 		91
(3.6) 		67
(2.6) 		53
(2.1) 		51
(2.0) 		46
(1.8) 		57
(2.2) 		59
(2.3) 		688
(27.1)
Average precipitation days 12 10 8 7 12 15 11 10 10 9 11 11 145
Average rainy days 2 3 5 7 10 14 11 10 10 8 6 4 90
Average snowy days 10 7 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 7 33
Average relative humidity (%) 91 87 81 80 77 79 74 75 76 85 92 89 82
Mean monthly sunshine hours 62 85 155 180 210 240 280 279 210 155 85 60 2,001
[citation needed]
  • Highest Recorded Temperature: 41.0°C(105.8°F)
  • Lowest Recorded Temperature: -35.3°C(-31.5°F)
  • Warmest Month: July
  • Coolest Month: January
  • Highest Precipitation: June:91.0mm(3.189 inches)
  • Lowest Precipitation: February:44.5mm(1.437 inches)

The climate which defines Timişoara city is the temperate continental moderate climate which characterizes the Southern-Eastern part of The Pannonian Basin. The temperate continental climate has some submediteranean characteristics as well of the Adriatic climate.

Climatic general features consist of various and irregular weather conditions. The dominating temperate air masses during spring and summer are of oceanic origin and come with great precipitations. Frequently, even during winter period, the Atlantic humid air masses bring rainy and snowy weather, rarely cold weather.

From September until February frequent continental polar air masses coming from East invade the area. In spite of all that, the Banat climate is also influenced by the presence of cyclones and warm air masses which come from the Adriatic Sea and The Mediterranean Sea. Their characteristic feature is that of complete snow thaw during the winter period and stifling heat during the summer period.

Neighborhoods

  • Cetate
  • Freidorf
  • Zona Odobescu
  • Fratelia
  • Mehala I, II
  • Ronaţ
  • Fabric
  • Elisabetin
  • Iosefin
  • Calea Girocului
  • Circumvalaţiunii I, II, III, IV
  • Dacia
  • Matei Basarab
  • Mircea cel Batran
  • Bucovina
  • Soarelui
  • Tipografilor
  • Calea Şagului
  • Dâmboviţa
  • Complex
  • Steaua
  • Torontalului
  • Bucovina
  • Calea Aradului
  • Aradului vest
  • Calea Lipovei
  • Blaşcovici
  • Ion Ionescu de la Brad
  • Olimpia
  • Stadion
  • Complex studenţesc
  • Ciarda Roşie
  • Crisan
  • Plopi
  • Ghiroda
  • Padurea Verde
  • Kuncz
  • Braytim
  • Lunei
  • Chişoda
  • Plăvăţ
  • Banat I
  • Noua Timişoară
  • Badea Cârţan
  • Traian
  • Modern
  • Fabric

.

Culture

The city center largely consists of buildings from the Austro-Hungarian era. The old city consists of several historic areas. These are: Cetate (Belváros in Hungarian, Innere Stadt in German), Iosefin (Józsefváros, Josephstadt), Elisabetin (Erzsébetváros, Elisabethstadt), Fabric (Gyárváros, Fabrikstadt). Numerous bars, clubs and restaurants have opened in the old Baroque square (Unirii Square).

Landmarks include:

Performing arts

  • Banatul Philharmonic of Timişoara (Filarmonica Banatul Timoșoara)
  • Romanian Opera House (Opera Romana Timişoara)[15]
  • National Theatre (Teatrul Naţional)
  • German State Theatre (Teatrul German de Stat)
  • Hungarian State Theatre (Teatrul Maghiar de Stat)
  • Puppet Theatre (Teatrul pentru copii si tineret "Merlin")
  • Festivalul Plai, a world music and jazz festival

Education

Timişoara has a number of universities:

Sport

Football

Basketball


Twin towns — Sister cities

Timişoara has 15 twin towns and sister cities, as listed below:

Natives

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Timişoara.

References/Notes

  1. ^ a b "Largest cities in Romania" (in Romanian). Agerpres. February 2, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2010.
  2. ^ Ilieşiu 2006, op. cit. p. 330
  3. ^ "Timişoara, mina de aur pentru investitorii italieni". 9am.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  4. ^ QCT Connect (1992-08-19). ""Timişoara este floarea de la butonieră a relaţiilor româno-italiene" | Primaria Timişoara | Secţiuni suplimentare | Cooperare internaţională şi dezvoltare economică". Primariatimisoara.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  5. ^ "Centrul de resurse pentru diversitate etnoculturală". Edrc.ro. 2010-05-30. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  6. ^ "Timişoara, monografie Istorică", dr.Nicolae Ilieşu
  7. ^ "Agenda". Agenda.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  8. ^ "Agenda". Agenda.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  9. ^ "La Timişoara, e vremea boom-ului economic". Wall-street.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  10. ^ Scris de Lucian Paulescu. "Timişoara, desemnat al patrulea oraş din România ca standard de viaţă - Ziua de Vest". Ziuadevest.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  11. ^ "Timişoara Romania's economic showcase". Lexpansion.com. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  12. ^ http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/uk/en/continental/automobile/themes/about_continental/history/1997_2006_en.html
  13. ^ http://www.evertiq.com/news/14398
  14. ^ "Economie: Economia timiseana a traversat un an destul de greu in 2009". Timisoreni.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  15. ^ "Romanian Opera House". ort.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  16. ^ "The West University of Timişoara". Uvt.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  17. ^ "The Politehnica University of Timişoara". Upt.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  18. ^ "Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara". Umft.ro. 2009-08-29. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  19. ^ "The Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences in Timişoara". Usab-tm.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  20. ^ "The Dimitrie Cantemir University of Timişoara". Ucdctm.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  21. ^ "The Tibiscus University of Timişoara". Tibiscus.ro. Retrieved 2010-06-18.

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