Isztimer, Hungary

(the following is taken from a brochure on Isztimer's 800 year anniversary in 1993)

Isztimer is a community at the foot of the eastern Bakony Mountains.  Relative to the 1000 inhabitants the area is rather large, being 70 square km., divided equally into forests, fields and pastures.

Between the hills of the Mellar and the Nagynezo is the Burck Valley which is 10 km. long with rare geological and botanical findings.  The highest point of the "Komitat Fejer" mountain ia called the "Koves-Domb" which is 479.6 meters high.  It is situated in our community.  The rock formations are mostly dolomite, but limestone is also found.

In the Bakony area are 53 caves and the largest is called "Alba-Rega" cave and is 3 km. long and 200 meters deep with stalactites.  There are also 12 springs which are frequently dry.  Small brooks with a combined length of 13 km. flow within our neighboring communities.

The area of Isztimer was inhabited in the stone age.  Stone axes and remnants of vessels can be frequently found to indicate this.  A bronze ax was found in a "hillcock" grave near the Koves-Domb.  Little is known about the history of this fortress.  The construction of the fortress was probably begun in the time of the Celts.

In the year 1193 our community is mentioned for the first time in writing, under the name of "Stamer."  For centuries this area was in the possession of the Zichy family.  Some remnants barely recognizable as a cloister  remind us of the middle ages.  The knights of Isztimer were well known.

In the 17th century the village was abandoned during the Turkish invasion.  Much of the population was killed.  In 1751 many families from southern Bavaria came to Isztimer.  At this time the population was 2000.  More than 40 craftsmen worked their trades here and markets were established.  In the year 1848 the village was destroyed by retreating troops of the "Jellasics," and after the Battle of Mor, the village fell into Austrian hands.  Our community twice survived a big fire and a strong earthquake.

Between 1896 and 1910, 30% of the population emigrated to the city of Passaic in the USA.  The two world wars claimed many victims.  In 1948, 350 inhabitants were "re-settled" for "labor purposes."  This missing population was replaced from the Komitat Vas.  We hope for a peaceful future.

A Galler family outside their home in Isztimer in 1924

More Isztimer Pictures

LDS microfilm numbers

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