Dr. Istvanffy Endre 1890 - 1916
Dr. Endre was a distinguished figure not only for his family but also for Novi Bečej, although he tragically lost his life at the young age of 26 on May 8, 1916, during World War I. He left a lasting impression with his oratorical talent. He gave a lecture on Novi Bečej in which he vividly and brilliantly depicted life in Novi Bečej after the Great Rebellion from 1850 to 1890. This lecture was printed at Giga Jovanović's printing house under the title: Fighting Novi Bečej 1850-1890, with part of it published in individual chapters of the book Novi Bečej and Vranjevo through History.
Istvanffy Istvan 1840-1924
Istvan was a long-time state notary and prominent social worker in Novi Bečej. His significant achievement was ensuring that the Tisa River still meanders through the center of Novi Bečej. When the Hungarian Ministry decided to straighten the course of the Tisa River, moving it several kilometers away from Novi Bečej, the citizens of Novi Bečej sent a delegation to Budapest led by Istvanffy Istvan to explain to the Minister the implications of such a decision for a city that owes its development to the Tisa River.
In his resolute speech to the Minister, he said, among other things:
“Regulating a river is a noble and glorious task if done in a proper and fair manner. But experimenting with millions and reducing this region to poverty because of so-called ‘technical plans’ born in restless and ambitious minds—putting it mildly—represents negligent and unpatriotic arrogance... Bowing to you, on behalf of our city, with respect and trust, I implore you to carefully consider the problems of Turski Bečej and generously prevent the implementation of this ruthless plan, which would lead our city and our people to ruin. We implore you, Your Excellency, to take wise and energetic measures so that history will acknowledge Your Excellency’s noble actions.”
Perhaps it was these very words that ensured the Tisa River continued to flow through its historic course.
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