Molochansk

Molochansk Молочанськ Молочанск
Centralschule (Boys School) in Molochansk
Flag Coat of arms
Molochansk Molochansk
Coordinates: 47°12′26″N 35°35′41″E
Country	Ukraine
Oblast	Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Raion	Tokmak Raion
Founded	1804
Population  (2021)
• Total	6,224
Climate	Dfa

Molochansk (Ukrainian: Молоча́нськ, pronounced [moɫoˈt͡ʃɑnʲsʲk]; Russian: Молочанск) is a city in Tokmak Raion of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine. It is located at around 47°12′26″N 35°35′41″E. The river Molochna flows through the city. Population: 6,224 (2021 est.).

History

Molochansk was founded in 1804 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.

Gallery

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  Heinrich H Willms Mill

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  Heinrich H Willms Residence in Molochansk

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  Mädchenschule (Girls' School), presently the Mennonite Centre

See also

• Molotschna

External links

• The murder of the Jews of Molochansk during World War II, at Yad Vashem website.