It was the capital of Ukraine: old photos of Kharkiv shown online
Kharkiv, the second most populous city in Ukraine, has a rich historical heritage that was largely shaped in the 20th century. One of the most important periods in its history was when the city became the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) from 1919 to 1934.
During this time, Kharkiv became a major cultural, industrial and scientific center, and its architecture experienced a real boom in constructivism. Old photographs of the city allow us to return to those times and see Kharkiv as it was known many decades ago.
What Kharkiv was like in the early 20th century.
Source: capital_ofculture/instagram.com
History of Kharkiv: from fortress to capital
Kharkiv was founded in 1654 as a fortress to protect against the raids of the Crimean Tatars and Nogays. Over the centuries, the city developed, becoming the regimental center of the Kharkiv Sloboda Cossack Regiment, and in 1765 it received the status of a provincial city. In the early twentieth century, Kharkiv became an important commercial, industrial, and educational center of Sloboda Ukraine in the Russian Empire. At the same time, the role of Kharkiv in political processes was growing, as the creation of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic was announced in this city.
What Kharkiv was like in the early twentieth century.
Source: capital_ofculture/instagram.com
Period of capital status: industrial and cultural center
In December 1919, Kharkiv became the first capital of the Ukrainian SSR and remained so until 1934. It was a time of active industrialization and scientific achievements. Kharkiv became an important center where plants and factories were developing, and the cultural environment was actively shaping. It was the first place in the USSR to split an atomic nucleus, and the city became a platform for architectural experiments.
What Kharkiv was like in the early 20th century.
Source: capital_ofculture/instagram.com
The architectural heritage of constructivism
One of the biggest architectural trends of the time, constructivism, became part of the image of Kharkiv. A number of iconic buildings were constructed during this period, including the Derzhprom building. This style is characterized by strict forms, a rejection of decorativeness, and the use of the latest materials, including reinforced concrete. Today, constructivism is one of Kharkiv's greatest architectural assets.
What Kharkiv was like in the early 20th century.
Source: capital_ofculture/instagram.com
Start of construction of Derzhprom: interesting facts
Derzhprom, which has become a symbol of Kharkiv constructivism, was not originally intended for this location. In the early 30s, it was planned that the post office building would be located there. However, the competition for the design of this building was won by architect Panteleimon Holosov, but in the end, the project of a young student Arkady Mordvinov was chosen. The 1930 post office building was one of the first facilities in the USSR to use reinforced concrete structures.
What Kharkiv was like in the early 20th century.
Source: capital_ofculture/instagram.com
Symbols of the time: Kharkiv's architectural heritage
Old photographs of Kharkiv demonstrate what the city was like during the period of "capitalism" – impressive industrialization, the latest architectural trends, and a huge number of cultural initiatives. The Derzhprom, with its massive forms and geometric clarity, became a symbol not only of Kharkiv, but also of the entire constructivist era. However, this style lasted only until the early 40s, giving way to more classical architectural trends.
What Kharkiv was like in the early 20th century.
Source: capital_ofculture/instagram.com
It is important to note that Kharkiv was not only the capital of Ukraine, but also became a symbol of industrialization and progress. Over the centuries, the city has developed as an important economic center, where various industries, science and culture have flourished. Kharkiv's factories, scientific institutions and universities made a significant contribution to the development of the entire country. Today, old photographs and architecture remind us of the glorious times of this city, which, despite numerous difficulties, continues to be an important center of Ukrainian culture.
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