Exhibition of German Heritage in Odesa
The UNESCO center in Regensburg is hosting an exhibition titled "The German Heritage in Ukraine and Odesa".
This exhibition, brought from Odesa, features a collection of historical materials narrating the lives of German colonists in the Odesa region since the early 19th century and their impact on the development of Odesa and the surrounding area.
The exhibition is divided into three parts: historical, artistic, and contemporary. The historical section was prepared by the renowned Odesa historian and writer Oleksandr Surilov. The artistic part showcases oil and watercolor paintings by Odesa artist Tatyana Romanenko.
Additionally, the exhibition highlights the collaboration between our cities and the assistance that Regensburg has provided to Odesa since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
The exhibition was developed and organized with the support of the Department of Culture, International Cooperation, and European Integration of Odesa and the Department of Culture and Heritage Preservation of Regensburg.
During a working visit to Germany, Odesa's mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov and Regensburg's mayor Ms. Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer participated in the opening of the exhibition. The event was also attended by historians, scholars, political and creative figures, as well as Odesans living in Germany.
The mayor expressed deep gratitude and respect to those present for their support and assistance to Odesa.
"Soon, it will be a thousand days of full-scale war, and thus, a thousand days of our heroic defense and the incredible support that European countries provide to Ukraine, which Regensburg offers to Odesa," said Hennadiy Trukhanov.
The mayor noted that during the war, Odesa became a second home for tens of thousands of displaced persons, just as it was when Ukrainians, Germans, Jews, Greeks, Armenians, Poles, and many other nations found their homes along the Black Sea. Each contributed to the development and culture of our city, creating a unique character that makes Odesa unparalleled today.
"Germany significantly influenced the development of agriculture in the region, and consequently, the port and other infrastructure. We highly value this contribution, preserve its memory, and continue to develop our relationships in various areas. Today we are here to thank you by uncovering intriguing, and for some unknown, pages of our shared history," noted the mayor of Odesa.
Today, our relationship with sister city Regensburg is as strong and steadfast as our faith in victory, love for freedom, and the independence of Ukraine. We believe in a better future and know that together we can overcome any challenges.
