Birda


Birda is a commune in Timiș County, Romania. It is composed of four villages: Berecuța, Birda, Mânăstire and Sângeorge.

Geography

Birda is located in the southeastern part of Timiș County, bordering the town of Gătaia and the communes of Tormac, Voiteg, Opatița and Denta.

Climate

The climate is temperate continental, having an intermediate character between the continental, Mediterranean and oceanic climates. Winters are relatively mild, summers are long and hot, springs and autumns are short. The average annual temperature is, and the average annual rainfall is, ensuring very good conditions for plant cultivation and animal husbandry.

History

The first recorded mention of Birda dates from 1690, from Marsigli's notes. It is probably much older and inhabited during the Turkish occupation. By 1717 Birda is recorded in the Habsburg imperial documents with 80 houses; Berecuța with 28 houses; and Sângeorge with 30 houses. After 1779, it belonged to Temes County, Plasa Deta, with a post office and later a train station. In 1828, the Aerarium sold Birda to the Termacici family. By 1842 it had become the property of Baron Lo Presti. In 1852 it came into the possession of Baron Ukermann's wife. Until the end of the 19th century, Birda was inhabited only by Romanians, but at that time, the great owners settled German and Hungarian families here to cultivate their estates.
The commune of Birda was established by Law 84/2004, separating from the town of Gătaia.

Demographics



Birda had a population of 1,819 inhabitants at the 2021 census, down 1.46% from the 2011 census. Most inhabitants are Romanians, larger minorities being represented by Serbs, Germans and Hungarians. For 8.19% of the population, ethnicity is unknown. By religion, most inhabitants are Orthodox Church|Orthodox], but there are also minorities of Pentecostals, Roman Catholics and Serbian Orthodox. For 8.57% of the population, religious affiliation is unknown.

Politics and administration

The commune of Birda is administered by a mayor and a local council composed of 11 councilors. The mayor, Gheorghe Marius Stoian, from the Social [Democratic Party (Romania)|Social Democratic Party], has been in office since 2008. As from the 2024 local elections, the local council has the following composition by political parties:

Notable people