Exploring Odesa: A New Book Unveils the City’s Essence
On the eve of City Day, the UNION cultural center hosted the presentation of a new book in the series «Cities and Years" — "ODESA. History, Traditions, Love and Pain».
This publication continues a large-scale project that over the last decade has introduced readers to the lives of Ukrainian cities—from Kyiv to Kharkiv, from Lviv to Dnipro.
The book «"ODESA. History, Traditions, Love and Pain» combines archival materials, photographs, and personal stories to showcase how Odessa was and how it has transformed—raw, with love and pain.
Among the authors are Mykhailo Poizner, Gabriel Mykhailov, Oleg Etnarovych, and Oleksandr Hrabovskyi, alongside photographers Ihor Sytnyk, Borys Bukhman, and Oleksii Achepovskyi.
The event featured live discussions with the authors, meetings with well-known local historians, and conversations about the latest cultural-historical myths of Odesa, all set in the true spirit of the city.
Odesa mayor, Hennadii Trukhanov, wrote in the book’s foreword:
«Odesa is a city that exists in two dimensions: in reality and in legends. This book is not merely a recount of dates and facts but an attempt to grasp the spirit of Odessa, its ability to transform and impact human lives. From the first stone building to modern changes, from the heroic defense of 1941-1944 to the challenges of the 21st century, Odesa not only survives—it remains a symbol of resilience in the fight against fascism and Russian occupiers, embodying creative energy and an endless quest for freedom. Turn the page—before you lies Odesa»
