Emperor Jovan Nenad - Definition and Overview

Emperor Jovan Nenad was self-proclaimed "Serbian Emperor". He was born in town Lipova near river Moris, in northern Banat (today in Romania). After the Battle of Mohács in 1526, Jovan Nenad, together with army of Serbian mercenaries, founded an ephemeral semi-independent state consisted of Backa, northern Banat and a small part of Srem. Jovan Nenad proclaimed himself "Emperor" and took Subotica (city in Backa) for capital of his "Empire".

Taking advantage of the extremely confused military and political situation, the Hungarian noblemen from the region joined forces against him and defeated the Serbian troops in the summer of 1527. "Emperor" Jovan Nenad was assassinated and his state collapsed.

Over the years "Emperor" Jovan Nenad has become a legendary figure for the Serbs. Many historians regard him as architect of present day Vojvodina. There is statue of "Emperor" Jovan Nenad in Subotica, with inscription: "Your idea has won" (his idea is present day Vojvodina).

Some historical sources:

1. Dr. Aleksa Ivic, Istorija Srba u Vojvodini, Novi Sad, 1929.
2. Milan Tutorov, Mala Raška a u Banatu, Zrenjanin, 1991.
3. Drago Njegovan, Prisajedinjenje Vojvodine Srbiji, Novi Sad, 2004.

See also

• Vojvodina