Basic facts about Osijek

Osijek is a city in eastern Croatia and is situated in a valley on the right bank of the river Drava. It is the largest city in Slavonia, the fourth largest city in Croatia and the seat of the Osijek-Baranja county. The city is the industrial, administrative, judicial and cultural center. The average temperature is 11 º C, the air is quite humid, while the autumn and winter there are plenty of fog.

History about Osijek

Mild climate, plenty of water, diverse flora and fauna, made influence that  here first inhabited human community came in the early Stone Age. About this tell us many archaeological finds of weapons and tools made of stone and bone, various forms of ceramic vessels and other objects found in the western part of Osijek, in the oldest prehistoric settlement Starcevo (6 to 5 thousand years before Christ). The first inhabitants in this region were the first farmers and breeders of domestic animals. The continuity of life in this area are evidence of copper, bronze, and those from the older and younger Iron Age. The place in which latter period is situated Osijek passed at the end of 4th and the 3rd century BC, the Celts during their visit to Europe penetrating through Pannonia and the Danube to Greece and minor Asia. During the 1st century BC, military power of the Celts is declining. There are failures in the wars with the Dacians and Romans, but their cultural influence in this region is still pending. At the same time, according to historical sources, in Osijek and the surrounding area lived Andizeta Pannonian tribe, whose center was Mursa. The Romans, it seems, took to the old name and the site built a smaller camp, which is in the latter period, grew into a great ancient city with the status of the colony.

At the end of 1st century BC, during the reign of Augustus, the Romans conquered almost the whole Pannonia. Slightly raised on the south bank of the Drava, the Celtic and Andizet Murs, built a military camp. Mursa became one of the major hubs of trade, and further to the Romans significant military base. Skilled builders erected in Mursi forum, built public and administrative buildings, temples, an amphitheater, houses with floor heating and gardens of rich people and the patricians and made many city statues.

Mursa is completely abandoned in year 441 after the Huns invasion that destroyed the city. West of the ruins of Mursin in the 7th century Slavic built village. Slavic and early Croatian settlers named their village name Osijek (low tide, Osik). At this time Osijek visited a number of traders, travelers and visitors from distant parts. Osijek is since the mid 12th century widely known as market-place in which crossed the Drava.

In the second half of the 15th century Osijek did not look different from contemporary cities in Central Europe. Most people were craftsmen (tailors, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, millers and Shoemaker).

Ottoman Empire invade the city Osijek on 14th August 1526th, when Osijek is delivered without a fight. City remained under the Turks for more than 150 years, and is released 29th sptember 1687th.

Since 1687th Osijek and todays east Croatian territory were located within the Habsburg monarchy. At the end of 1918th and the collapse of Austria-Hungary, Osijek with today's eastern Croatian enters the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, 1929th changes its name to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In April 1941., starting the Second World War in Yugoslavia, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the dissolution of Osijek became part of the NDH. Since 1941. until 1945. Croatian part of Baranja belongs to Hungary and the frontier is Osijek city. After the collapse of fascism, in April, 1945th, all parts of today's Croatia and Osijek enter in the composition of the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia (later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia). Osijek is released 14th april 1945th.

During the Homeland War (1991.), Especially after the fall of Vukovar in November 1991., Serbian paramilitary forces and the Yugoslav National Army (JNA) penetrate close to the town. Under their artillery Osijek suffered considerable damage, but manages to hold.