HISTORICAL ARCHIVE SUBOTICA – Subotica

HISTORICAL ARCHIVE SUBOTICA – Subotica

In the second half of the 19th century, with the development of historiography as a scientific discipline, Subotica recognized that archives were indispensable sources of valid historical information. An example of this is the research conducted by István Iványi, a professor at the Subotica Gymnasium, using the archives of the city administration at the time, which was successfully published in a detailed two-volume monograph.

The archival area was established in 1946 for the city of Subotica and the Bačka Topola district. In 1952, by decision of the Executive Committee of the City People’s Committee, it was formally established as an independent institution under the name City State Archive in Subotica. By a decision of the Subotica District Assembly in 1964, the institution received its current name – Historical Archive Subotica.

The oldest document preserved in the Archive dates from 1658. Until the establishment of the Magistrate in 1743, only a few additional acts have survived. From that year onward, it is possible to trace a growing, well-preserved body of materials created by the work of this city institution. Materials generated by subsequent municipal authorities, including the Senate, People’s Committee, and Municipal Assembly, have been largely preserved, forming one of the most significant and valuable segments of the Archive’s holdings. The 19th and especially the 20th centuries saw a dramatic increase in the volume of written documents, and thus archival material, either collected or received by the Archive.

The Archive holds the status of an inter-municipal archive, serving the municipalities of Subotica, Bačka Topola, and Mali Iđoš. It houses a specialized professional library, containing works on archival practice and local history, primarily intended for researchers.

The Archive’s core activities include collecting, preserving, researching, and providing access to registry and archival materials. Upon request, it issues photocopies, transcripts, and certificates of data from the documents it holds.

The Archive preserves 450 archival collections and fonds, totaling 4,794 linear meters. These documents cover the period from the mid-17th century to the present, reflecting the history of the city, its surrounding area, and the broader territories under the Archive’s jurisdiction. The oldest and most significant fonds include:

Magistrate of the privileged royal-chamber town of Saint Mary (Subotica), 1743–1778 (1782)

Magistrate of the Free Royal City of Subotica, 1779–1849

City Council of the Free Royal City of Subotica, 1861–1918

City Administration of Subotica, 1919–1941

These fonds are among the most frequently consulted for research purposes. Additionally, the Archive preserves important maps, and city plans within the Collection of Plans and Geographic Maps, spanning 1556–1976.

 

Working Hours:

Monday – Friday: 09:30 AM – 01:30 PM

Weekend: Closed

1 Trg slobode, Subotica
+381 (0)24 524 033
[email protected]
www.suarhiv.co.rs

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