Doesn’t the name Pestújhely sound like a fresh start? It literally translates to New Settlement by Pest. We are standing in one of Budapest’s northern suburbs. Pestújhely is part of District XV.
Let’s dive into the history of Pestújhely. Until the late 19th century this area was marshy and uninhabited. It belonged to the village of Rákospalota. Imagine this place as a blank canvas waiting for its first strokes.
Then came 1897. Building plots were auctioned off and a new chapter began. This new settlement grew and grew. In 1909 Pestújhely became independent from Rákospalota.
Who were the people shaping Pestújhely? They were clerks postmasters and railwaymen. Many worked in Budapest. Pestújhely became a commuter’s haven. The village thrived until World War II. Houses churches and schools sprang up.
But progress wasn’t without its challenges. Pestújhely faced legal battles and infrastructure shortcomings. Imagine the residents’ frustration with the lack of roads and utilities. They even boycotted taxes demanding basic services.
Despite these hurdles Pestújhely persevered. Key dates mark its journey to independence. January 9 1909 saw the submission of the independence request. October 27 1909 brought ministerial approval. March 26 1910 marked the first session of the local representative body.
Initially the area where Pestújhely emerged was a military training ground known as Újmező or Neue Felder. The military wanted to buy the land but Rákospalota sought better offers. A lawyer named Bezsilla found a solution. He involved Count Crouy Chanel to parcel and sell the land. This created Széchenyi-telep the predecessor to Pestújhely.
However the plan faltered. The Count withdrew and sales stalled. A real estate agent’s aggressive tactics led to more problems. Rákospalota eventually took control of the sales.
The lack of roads water and lighting fueled discontent. People even called the area “flea district”. Bezsilla collected signatures in 1907 for Pestújhely to secede.
In 1908 heavy rains caused a house to collapse. It underscored the need for infrastructure. Rákospalota decided to build Rákos Road instead of Kolozsvár Street angering residents. This sparked renewed calls for separation.
Naming the new village was tricky. Pestújváros and Széchenyifalva were considered. But the Ministry rejected them. They suggested Pestújhely among others. Finally Pestújhely was chosen on June 30 1910.
In 1950 Pestújhely became part of Greater Budapest along with Rákospalota. Today Pestújhely retains a quiet market-town feel. Old villas and three small churches dot the landscape. It is a peaceful corner of a bustling city. Pestújhely a testament to community and perseverance.