Mariupol is a great city of contrast. I love the beauty of the city and I can also see the environmental concerns of the city. There is so much beauty and history. I am fascinated by the new and vibrant aspects of the city and I am also reminded of her history. The Ukrainians that I meet look to the future. They also embrace their culture and heritage. Take a journey with me through the different aspects of Mariupol.
The first picture is a typical apartment building in Mariupol. The people have made their apartments very beautiful and warm. I have visited great people in these apartments.
Lenin seems to always present, but is not a part of everyday life in Ukraine. Interesting contrast.
The Aziov Sea is beautiful. The picture is of my host teacher Andrew and his daughter Vickie.
Mariupol is quite an interesting city from historian’s point of view.
If you walk down the Lenin ave., you’ll find an old part of the city, which was populated by italians somewhere around 19th century (we have a whole Italian street dedicated to this fact), and previously, back in 1st half of 18th century, we had one of “palanka’s” situated there. Palanka is an administrative-territorial unit (something you’d probably call a fort) that cossacks had in their later period of existence. We have a memorial for historical event, when palanka of Kalmius (by the name of the river it was situated on) suffered a siege and got ruined.
Also that area of the city was populated by greek at the end of 18th century, in 1778. This date is considered to be the official city’s foundation date.
THanks for the input from a real Ukranian, that helps us better understand the city!
You’re welcome!
I feel honored to tell you all a little about my homeland 🙂