The main idea is to demonstrate the cultural diversity of Mykolaiv through the history of national minorities, which will promote intercultural dialogue, strengthen the cultural identity of the region, integrate different communities and preserve historical memory.
Southern Ukraine has historically been a place where many ethnic groups have coexisted, including Ukrainians, Jews, Bulgarians, Greeks, Germans, Crimean Tatars, Poles, and other communities. Their traditions, languages, architecture, crafts, and history have shaped the region’s unique cultural mosaic. Unfortunately, many of these cultural layers are on the verge of being forgotten due to the historical events of the 20th century, including political repression, deportations, and Soviet assimilation policies. Additionally, for decades, Russian and Soviet propaganda shaped a distorted view of the history of southern Ukraine, downplaying the role of local communities and imposing colonial narratives.
The project will help restore forgotten or distorted chapters of the region’s history based on the testimonies of local residents, academic research, and cultural sources. It promotes the study, preservation, and promotion of little-known aspects of the history of national communities in southern Ukraine. Its relevance stems from both historical and contemporary challenges currently facing Ukrainian society. Therefore, implementing such an initiative is a necessary step toward preserving historical memory, shaping the region’s identity, and strengthening social cohesion. The unique stories collected as part of the project will also serve as an important tool for building a sustainable, conscious, and united community in the Mykolaiv region and southern Ukraine as a whole.
The project creates a space for dialogue among representatives of different nationalities, supports their integration into modern society, and provides an opportunity to share personal stories and experiences.
Therefore, the following activities are proposed as part of the project:
- research on national minorities in Mykolaiv and throughout southern Ukraine (notable figures, historical events, impact on local development);
- production of four animated videos about prominent figures who have made significant contributions to history and represent four different national communities in the South: Germans, Jews, Bulgarians, and Karaites;
- writing and distributing four articles based on research into national communities;
- writing and translating into English and German a general article about the ethnic diversity of southern Ukraine;
- organizing a tour of the city’s historic center to explore the cultural heritage of Mykolaiv.