What Chernihiv was like in the 40s: rare wartime photos

Chernihiv is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, founded in the late seventh century at the confluence of the Stryzhen River and the Desna River. According to historians, in the Middle Ages, Chernihiv was one of the largest cities not only in Kyivan Rus but also in all of Europe at that time. In 1239, the city was destroyed by the Mongol-Tatars, and in the seventeenth century, it received Magdeburg Law and the status of the center of a province within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. During the Cossack era, Chernihiv was the main city of the eponymous regiment.

The city is famous for its numerous monuments from the times of Rus and the Hetmanate. Archival photos of Chernihiv during the Second World War have been posted online.

In the early 1920s and 1930s, Chernihiv retained its status as a cultural center. The Historical Museum, the archive of the Scientific Society Institute of Public Education, and the Shevchenko Theater were opened here.

During the period of the Holodomor organized by the Soviet authorities, at least 3602 residents died in Chernihiv, according to official figures.

During World War II, the city was under German occupation. Many locals were killed or taken to Germany for forced labor. In January 1942, a group of underground fighters began to operate in the city, led by A. D. Mykhailenko, a radio engineer. In the first months of 1942, an underground group led by N. Sharyi operated at the "Oktyabrsky Molot" plant.

Unique photos of Chernihiv during the German occupation were posted online.

On September 21, 1943, Chernihiv was occupied by Soviet troops.

After the Second World War, Chernihiv was rebuilt and reconstructed according to a new master plan. The historic city was completely rebuilt in 1950-1955.

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