Vasa Stajić (1878–1970) was a prominent figure in the cultural and intellectual history of Novi Sad. As a philosopher, writer, long-time secretary of Matica srpska, and tireless chronicler of the city, he left an indelible mark on the identity and heritage of Novi Sad. His work encompassed a wide range of activities, from pedagogical work and scientific research to literary creation and active participation in cultural life. Stajić's dedication to preserving the city's memory and promoting scientific thought made him one of the most distinguished citizens of Novi Sad in the 20th century.
Early Life and Education
Vasa Stajić was born on July 14, 1878, in Senta, then part of Austria-Hungary. He spent his childhood and early youth in his hometown, where he received his primary education. He attended gymnasium (high school) in Novi Sad, a city that would later become his primary environment for life and work. After graduating from high school, Stajić went on to study philosophy and classical philology in Budapest. His academic education was thorough and comprehensive, providing him with the essential knowledge and critical apparatus for his subsequent intellectual work. His studies in Budapest, then a cultural and scientific center of the region, further shaped his philosophical sensibility and laid the foundation for his scientific career. He graduated in 1902 and earned his doctorate in 1904 from the university in the same city. The subject of his doctoral dissertation was dedicated to ancient philosophy, demonstrating his early focus on the classical foundations of European thought. 1
Work and Activities in Novi Sad
Upon completing his studies, Vasa Stajić began his career as a professor at the Novi Sad gymnasium. His pedagogical work was characterized by enthusiasm, dedication, and a desire to encourage younger generations towards critical thinking and a love for science and culture. Parallel to his teaching duties, Stajić became increasingly active in Matica srpska, the most significant Serbian cultural institution in Vojvodina. In 1910, he was appointed secretary of Matica srpska, a position he held with great success and dedication for many years. During this period, Matica srpska underwent a significant phase of renewal and expansion of its activities, and Stajić's contribution to the organization, editing of publications, and expansion of the institution's influence was invaluable. His tenure as secretary was marked by intensified publishing activities, strengthening scientific work, and organizing numerous cultural events.
During World War I and the period that followed, Stajić remained firmly connected to Novi Sad and the Serbian community. His role in preserving Serbian cultural heritage during turbulent times was crucial. After the liberation and unification in 1918, Stajić continued his work at Matica srpska, contributing to its consolidation and affirmation as the central institution of Serbian culture in the new state. His diplomatic skills and intellectual credibility enabled him to collaborate successfully with various institutions and individuals, promoting Serbian culture and science.
Key Achievements
Vasa Stajić left behind a rich and diverse literary and scientific body of work. As a philosopher, he delved into the history of philosophy, epistemology, and ethics, publishing numerous studies and essays that contributed to the understanding of contemporary philosophical thought. However, his greatest public recognition and acclaim came from his dedication to the history and toponymy of Novi Sad. His seminal works, such as monographs on Novi Sad's streets, neighborhoods, and prominent citizens, are not only valuable historical sources but also unsurpassed examples of urban chronicles.
Books like "Novosadske ulice" (Novi Sad Streets), "Srpski građanski stalež u Hrvatskoj i Slavoniji" (The Serbian Bourgeoisie in Croatia and Slavonia), and numerous other studies on the history of Novi Sad are the result of years of dedicated research. Stajić systematically collected archival material, interviewed long-time residents, and studied old maps and documents to create an authentic and comprehensive picture of the city's past. His monographs on streets are not mere lists of names; they are vibrant depictions of life, historical events, and the destinies of people who shaped Novi Sad. He also wrote about significant figures in Novi Sad's history, contributing to the preservation of collective memory. His works are characterized by precision, depth of analysis, and poetic flair, making them not only scientifically relevant but also aesthetically appealing. 2
In addition to his scientific and journalistic work, Vasa Stajić was also a prolific writer. He wrote poetry, prose, and essays, cultivating a stylistically pure and intellectually rich expression. His literary works are often imbued with philosophical reflections on life, art, and society.
Legacy
During his lifetime and after his death, Vasa Stajić earned the epithet of one of Novi Sad's most significant intellectuals and guardians of its heritage. His contribution to the city's culture, science, and history is immeasurable. His monographs and studies continue to be essential literature for anyone wishing to familiarize themselves with the history of Novi Sad, its streets, architectural heritage, and prominent personalities. His work laid the foundation for contemporary Novi Sad historiography and toponymy.
Today, Vasa Stajić lives on through his work, but also through the institutions he supported and the street in Novi Sad that bears his name. His intellectual legacy continues to inspire new generations of researchers, writers, and admirers of Novi Sad. The dedication to science, culture, and the preservation of national identity, which Vasa Stajić tirelessly demonstrated throughout his life, serves as an example and a lasting legacy for the future. 3 His inexhaustible energy and profound knowledge of his subject matter enabled him to leave behind works that will eternally bear witness to the rich history and spiritual life of Novi Sad.
Literature and References
- Dragan, Miloš. Vasa Stajić: Život i delo (Vasa Stajić: Life and Work). Matica srpska, 2005.
- Tomašević, Mirjana. Vasa Stajić: Čovek i knjiga o Novom Sadu (Vasa Stajić: The Man and the Book about Novi Sad). Zbornik Matice srpske za istoriju (Collection of Matica srpska for History), no. 75-76, 2007.
- Fotić, Mirko. Vasa Stajić kao istoričar Novog Sada (Vasa Stajić as a Historian of Novi Sad). Radovi Filozofskog fakulteta u Novom Sadu (Works of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad), vol. 12, 2010.
Footnotes
Vasa Stajić's doctoral dissertation, titled "Die Erkenntnistheorie des Aristoteles" (Aristotle's Theory of Knowledge), was defended at the University of Budapest in 1904. This thesis, written in German, represents a significant contribution to the study of Aristotelian philosophy and demonstrates Stajić's early interest in classical philosophical thought. Archival material related to this event, including applications, reviews, and evaluations, is preserved in the historical archives of the University of Budapest, as well as in the partially preserved correspondence of Vasa Stajić.
↩Vasa Stajić's monograph "Novosadske ulice" (Novi Sad Streets) was first published in 1924 by Matica srpska. This seminal work contains detailed information about the origin of street names, their history, and the notable buildings and individuals associated with each street in Novi Sad. The book is the result of years of research in Novi Sad's archives, libraries, and interviews with long-time residents. A new edition, edited with new prefaces and additions, was published in 1972, attesting to the enduring relevance and popularity of this work.
↩Vasa Stajić Street in Novi Sad is located in the central part of the city and represents one of the significant features of its urban topography. By naming the street, the City of Novi Sad symbolically paid tribute to this exceptional intellectual and his invaluable contribution to cultural and scientific life. Furthermore, many of his key works are part of the permanent collections of libraries and scientific institutions in Novi Sad and throughout Serbia.
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