Molochansk
Molochansk Молочанськ Молочанск | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 47°12′26″N 35°35′41″E / 47.20722°N 35.59472°E | |
Country | Ukraine |
Oblast | Zaporizhzhia Oblast |
Raion | Polohy Raion |
Hromada | Molochansk urban hromada |
Founded | 1804 |
Population (2022) | |
• Total | 6,099 |
Climate | Dfa |
Molochansk (Ukrainian: Молочанськ, IPA: [moɫoˈt͡ʃɑnʲsʲk]; Russian: Молочанск, German: Halbstadt) is a city in Polohy Raion, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine. The Molochna River flows through the city. Population: 6,099 (2022 estimate).[1]
History
Molochansk was founded in 1804[2] by Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonite settlers who were invited by Empress Catherine the Great to settle on the vast steppes of the Tsar's Russian empire. They called the new village "Halbstadt". Mennonites had earlier, in 1789, founded the Chortitza Colony at the invitation of Catherine the Great. It was the successful founding of Chortitza that encouraged expansion into the Molochna River region. By 1850, there were over 50 Mennonite villages south and east of Molochansk/Halbstadt.
Because of hostile national policies toward Mennonites in the 20th century Soviet Union, almost no Mennonites are left in the region. During Soviet rule, a large number of people lost all their possessions, left the country, or were relocated to the remote parts of Kazakhstan.
In 2004, the 200th anniversary of Molochansk/Halbstadt was celebrated with worldwide distinguished guests in attendance. Canada's ambassador to Ukraine was present at this gala event.
Demographics
Ethnic distribution according to the 2001 Ukrainian census:[3]
Gallery
- Heinrich H Willms Mill
- Heinrich H Willms Residence in Molochansk
- Mädchenschule (Girls' School), presently the Mennonite Centre
See also
References
- ^ Чисельність наявного населення України на 1 січня 2022 [Number of Present Population of Ukraine, as of January 1, 2022] (PDF) (in Ukrainian and English). Kyiv: State Statistics Service of Ukraine. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 July 2022.
- ^ "Історія рідного краю". www.molochanskmr.gov.ua. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
- ^ "Національний склад міст".
- ^ "Національний склад міст".
External links
- The murder of the Jews of Molochansk during World War II, at Yad Vashem website.