Exhibition on German Heritage in Ukraine
The UNESCO center in Regensburg has unveiled an exhibition titled "The Historical Homeland of Germans in Ukraine and Odessa".
Transported from Odessa, this exhibition features a collection of historical materials that detail the lives of German colonists in the Odessa region since the early 19th century and their influence on the development of Odessa and the surrounding area.
The exhibition is divided into three parts: historical, artistic, and contemporary. The historical section was prepared by the well-known Odessa historian Alexander Surilov. The artistic section showcases oil and watercolor paintings by Odessa artist Tatyana Romanenko.
The exhibition also highlights the cooperation between our cities and the assistance Regensburg has provided to Odessa since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
It was developed and organized with the support of the Department of Culture, International Cooperation, and European Integration of Odessa and the Department of Culture and Heritage Protection of Regensburg.
During a working visit to Germany, Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov and Regensburg Mayor Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer participated in the exhibition opening. Historians, scientists, political and creative figures, as well as Odessans living in Germany, were also present at the event.
The Mayor expressed his deep gratitude and respect to those present for their support and assistance to Odessa.
"Soon it will be a thousand days of full-scale war, marking a thousand days of our heroic defense and the incredible support that European countries, especially Regensburg, have provided to Ukraine", - said Gennady Trukhanov.
The mayor noted that during the war, Odessa has become a second home for tens of thousands of displaced persons, just as it was when Ukrainians, Germans, Jews, Greeks, Armenians, Poles, and many others found their home on the shores of the Black Sea. Each contributed to the development and culture of our city, creating a unique character that makes Odessa extraordinary today.
"Germany significantly impacted the development of agriculture in the region, thus affecting the port and other infrastructure. We highly value this contribution, remember it, and continue to foster our relations in many areas. And today we are here to thank you by revealing interesting, and for some, unknown pages of our shared history", - emphasized the Mayor of Odessa.
Today, our relationship with sister city Regensburg is as strong and unwavering as our faith in victory, love for freedom, and independence of Ukraine. We believe in a better future and know that together we can overcome any challenges.
