Tinca Commune: A Rich History and a Vibrant Community in the Heart of Crișana

Tinca (Hungarian: Tenke) is a significant commune in Bihor County, Crișana, Romania. It’s made up of several villages: Tinca (the administrative center), Belfir, Ghiușeu, Girișu de Criș, Hodoș, Râpa, and Tămașda. Each village, with its own unique identity and traditions, contributes to the commune’s charm and diversity.

Deep Roots in History

First documented in 1338, Tinca has a much older history, lost in the mists of time. The area has been inhabited since ancient periods, serving as a testament to the continuity of Romanian life in this region.

An Era of Wars and Resistance

Throughout the centuries, Tinca, like the entire Bihor area, witnessed numerous historical events. The Ottoman occupation, which included this region after the fall of Oradea in 1660, brought years of severe hardship for the inhabitants. The commune came under the administration of the Ottoman pashalik, a period marked by heavy taxes and uncertainty. Liberation from Ottoman rule came in the late 17th century with the advance of the Habsburg armies.

Subsequently, Tinca fell under the long and often harsh rule of the Habsburg Empire. This period was characterized by attempts at Magyarization, with restrictions on the use of the Romanian language in schools and administration. Despite this, the Romanian spirit persisted, and local priests and teachers played a crucial role in preserving the national identity. Echoes of the Horea, Cloșca, and Crișan peasant revolt in 1784 and the 1848 Revolution also reached Tinca, demonstrating the spirit of defiance against oppression.

Contribution to the Great Union and Modern Romania

Tinca’s residents personally experienced the hardships of World War I, with many men conscripted and sent to the front. Their sacrifice was immense, and those who returned home carried with them the scars of war.

A moment of utmost importance was the Great National Assembly in Alba Iulia on December 1, 1918. Tinca commune was represented at this historic event by courageous delegates, who strongly supported the will of Romanians to unite with the Motherland. The active participation of Tinca’s inhabitants in this fundamental act of Romanian history underscores the community’s patriotism and desire for self-determination.

After the Union, the agrarian reform of 1921 brought significant changes, redistributing land to war widows and landless peasants. This contributed to greater social equity and the economic development of the commune.

Today, Tinca is a modern commune that cherishes its historical heritage while looking towards the future, constantly developing for the well-being of its residents.