Fortochka
A fortochka (Template:Lang-rus) is a small ventilation window generally not greater than 35x45 cm.[1] It usually spans the frame of one window pane and opens on hinges independently of the whole window. Fortochkas are in common use in Russia, other post-Soviet states (Template:Langx, Script error: No such module "lang".), and Finland (Template:Langx).
A fortochka can be used for ventilation during cold winters, when opening a whole window would be impractical for heat conservation purposes.[2]
The window was designed by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli for the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg in 1754.[3]
Cultural significance
The true origin of the word appears lost, but its nearest relative appears to be the German Script error: No such module "Lang"., for "gate" or "gap".[4] Someone referred to as a "fortochnik" is a criminal specializing in the challenging art of sneaking into and out of a fortochka.[5] In the realm of dream interpretation, fortochkas have at least four roles – a broken one indicates a wasted effort; a dusty one indicates someone is spreading ill rumors about you; if you look through one, your dreams will come true; if you open one, your life will take a positive turn.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".