Molochansk

Molochansk (Template:Langx, ; Template:Langx; Template:Langx) is a city in Polohy Raion, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine. The Molochna River flows through the city. Population: Template:Ua-pop-est2022

Molochanks was occupied by the southern front of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022.

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.

Demographics

Ethnic distribution according to the 2001 Ukrainian census:

Ethnic groups in Molochansk percent Ukrainians   76.34% Russians   21.17% Belarusians   0.93% Bulgarians   0.38% Germans   0.30% Tatars   0.13%

Gallery

• Heinrich H Willms Mill
  Heinrich H Willms Mill
• Heinrich H Willms Residence in Molochansk
  Heinrich H Willms Residence in Molochansk
• Mädchenschule (Girls' School), presently the Mennonite Centre
  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.

Template:Asbox