Bega (Tisza)

The Bega is a river in Romania and Serbia. It is a 254 km (158 mi) long left tributary of the Tisza river. Its source is in the Poiana Ruscă Mountains of Romania. The Bega flows through the Romanian counties of Timiș and Arad, and the Serbian autonomous province of Vojvodina.

The Bega river is historically significant for its role in the development of the Banat region. In the 18th century, much of the river was canalized under Habsburg rule, creating the Bega Canal (also known as the Bega Veche), significantly improving navigation and drainage in the area. The city of Timișoara, Romania, is situated on the banks of the Bega Canal and owes much of its historical and economic development to the river.

The river's course is split into two main branches: the Bega Veche (Old Bega), largely canalized and navigable, and the Bega Nouă (New Bega), a more natural river course. The Bega's water quality varies along its length, facing challenges from industrial and agricultural runoff. Efforts are ongoing to improve water quality and preserve the river's ecological health.