Timočka Krajina

Timočka Krajina (Тимочка Крајина) is a geographical region located in Serbia. It is situated in eastern Serbia around the Timok River. The population of Timočka Krajina is 284,112 (2002 census).

Name

Its name means "the Timok frontier". The region was named due to its location around the Timok River and near the state border (hence the name "krajina" - "frontier" in English). In Serbian, the region is known as "Timočka Krajina" or Тимочка Крајина, in Vlach/Romanian as "Valea Timocului" or "Timoc", and in Bulgarian as Тимошко ("Timoshko").

History

Between 1918 and 1922, two districts of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes existed in the area - Krajina District, with seat in Negotin, and Timok District with seat in Zaječar. In 1922, these two districts were merged into newly formed Timok Oblast with seat in Zaječar. Timok Oblast existed until 1929 when it was included into newly formed Morava Banovina with seat in Niš. Today, there are two districts in the area - Bor District with seat in Bor, and Zaječar District with seat in Zaječar.

Geography

Timočka Krajina roughly corresponding to Bor and Zaječar districts of Serbia, and includes 8 municipalities:
*Zaječar
*Bor
*Negotin
*Knjaževac
*Sokobanja
*Kladovo
*Boljevac
*Majdanpek

The main town in the region is Zaječar.

Ethnic groups in Timočka Krajina (2002 census)

*Serbs = 243,148 (86%)
*Vlachs = 22,636 (8%)
*Roma = 2,723 (1%)
*Romanians = 968

Language

Inhabitants of Krajina traditionally speak a Torlakian dialect, however standard Serbian shtokavian is used in formal communication. The Vlachs speak the Vlach language (Romanian).

Religion

The almost exclusive religion is Serb Orthodoxy, but Romanian Orthodox Church is also present.

Economy

The region is rich in copper and gold mines, especially in the Bor and Majdanpek areas.

Gallery

ee also

*Geographical regions in Serbia
*Bor District
*Zaječar District
*Vlachs of Serbia