Vranjevo emerged as a settlement following the disbandment of the Potisje-Pomorišje Military Frontier in 1751. The Serbs who had defended the Austrian Monarchy from the Turks and settled in these areas after the Great Migration of 1690, but chose not to emigrate to Russia, established the so-called Velikokikinda District under the Austrian Crown, with its seat in Kikinda.
Vranjevo, a predominantly Serbian village, was included in the district and became an important hub for exporting Banat grain, which was highly valued by the Monarchy. The village was initially named Francisdorf after Emperor Francis, though other interpretations in historical and other literature suggest it was named either after the numerous crows ("vrane") in the area or possibly after the settlers' origins near Vranje.
The district was established on November 12, 1774, by Empress Maria Theresa but became operational only in February 1776. Its privileged status within the Monarchy was a reward for the Serbs’ long-standing role in guarding the Austrian border against the Turks for nearly two centuries.
From the district's inception, numerous issues arose. One of the most significant concerned the use of "iberland" (marshland) and its leasing, which brought considerable revenue to the municipality of Vranjevo. This issue sparked dissatisfaction among Vranjevo’s residents, who often appealed to higher authorities, believing they were entitled to these lands.
Vranjevo and its residents leveraged their status as a major grain export center in Banat. They not only constructed a grain storage facility, which still stands today in Novi Bečej, but also profited from ferrying grain across the river and transporting it by barges. Prominent families such as the Glavaški, Nedić, and Kostović emerged during this period, growing wealthy rapidly. The economic strengthening of Vranjevo contributed to the social unrest and the desire to relocate the district’s center to Vranjevo in 1777.
The economic growth of Vranjevo led to a rebellion against the municipal authorities in February 1777, driven by social grievances. The population expressed dissatisfaction with the taxes imposed by the district and the allocation of "iberland" lands. The rebellion was led by Jakov Vujackov, a municipal clerk, and revolved around the belief that, as former frontier guards, they should not be subjected to high land taxes. The rebellious villagers stormed the municipal building, ousted the authorities, and looted the treasury.
The rebels were particularly hostile toward Senator Nikola Perić for his strict tax collection efforts and municipal judge Gliša Pecarski, who supported him. Their first act was to remove Judge Pecarski from office. Historical sources mention that the rebels even elected their own leader, though his name remains unknown. This rebellion had a distinctly social character, with the seizure of the treasury seen as a revolutionary act.
Aćim Marčićev and Marko Igrački led the rebellion, attempting to incite similar uprisings in other district villages, particularly Melenci, Kumane, and Taroš, but failed to garner support.
The magistrate responded harshly to the rebellion, appointing Judge Dimitrije Bugarski to investigate and restore order, accompanied by four hussars and a corporal. A preserved report stated that “Judge Bugarski was primarily responsible for the rebellion’s escalation, though the Vranjevo residents also behaved punitively.” The villagers demanded the removal of Senator Nikola Perić, but the municipal administration firmly opposed the initiative. While unrest continued on a smaller scale in subsequent years, the rebellion eventually subsided.
Comments