Celebrating Cossack Heritage in Odessa
On June 19, Ukraine's Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochitsky visited Kuyalnik Cemetery in Odessa, recognizing it as one of the most significant Cossack burial sites in Ukraine, located along the Khadjibey Road.
This cemetery symbolizes the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit. After the fall of the Zaporizhian Sich, Cossacks who refused to submit to the empire settled here. Known as "nerubai," they remained on their native land. The oldest preserved grave dates back to 1791.
The cemetery still holds around 200 authentic stone crosses carved from local shell rock, featuring inscriptions in Church Slavonic and Ukrainian, as well as names of Zaporizhian colonels and Cossack surnames.
“Every cross here is not just a sign of mourning; it is a stone testament to the strength of the Ukrainian spirit and loyalty. The state's duty is to protect these monuments to ensure the memory of our ancestors lives on for future generations,” noted the Minister.
This site has been designated a local historical monument. It is the only cemetery in the Odessa region officially recognized for its protective status. The Minister emphasized the importance of systematically safeguarding such sites, including installing protective signs and involving local communities.
Odessa region also preserves several other Cossack cemeteries, including:
- The Great Usatov Cemetery in Usatove village, a burial site for Zaporizhian Cossacks with unique crosses;
- The Cossack cemetery in Hlyboke village, a historical burial site that urgently needs preservation.
- Also known are Cossack burials in Nerubayske, Kyslytsia, and other villages.
It is worth noting that Mykola Tochitsky held a meeting with cultural institutions in Odessa.
