Renaming of toponyms in Ukraine: loss of historical memory and identity or political necessity
Every year in Ukraine, not only the political landscape changes, but also the map of our cities. The renaming of streets, squares and parks has become part of everyday life in domestic metropolises and small towns. However, should toponyms be changed when history and identity are involved? Is this process always logical and reasonable? Why are the names of heroes of the Second World War, famous figures of culture and science in danger of being forgotten? And don’t cities lose their identity together with historical names?
What and how was it renamed
After the start of the decommunization process in 2015, thousands of streets, squares, parks and other toponyms were renamed in Ukraine. The main goal of this campaign was to get rid of the Soviet legacy associated with the totalitarian regime. But over time, this process took on the character of a kind of “witch hunt”, when even those names that had nothing to do with Soviet ideology were renamed.
After the beginning of the full-scale attack of the Russian Federation on Ukraine in 2022, many Ukrainian cities again witnessed a wave of renaming of streets, squares and other toponyms. The main goal was to eliminate any references to Russia, the Soviet past and people associated with it. For example, in Kyiv, Lev Tolstoy Street was renamed Hetman Pavlo Skoropadskyi Street, Maryna Tsvetaeva Street now bears the name of Oleksandra Ekster, and Lev Tolstoy Square became Ukrainian Heroes Square. Perova Boulevard became Voskresensky Avenue, and Vyzvolitelev Avenue became Georgiy Narbut Avenue.
On July 26, a wave of renamings also took place in Kharkiv: 3 metro stations and 48 streets, alleys and boulevards received new names. Prospekt Gagarina metro station became Levada, Heroes of Labor became Saltivskaya, Malyshev Plant became Zavodskaya. Rybalka Street is now called Brigada Hartiya Street, Shumilova Street – Ivan Kryvoshlyk Street, Gagarin Street – Trenerska Street, Druzhba Narodiv Street – Sobornosti Ukrainy Street, Lermontovska Street – Maika Johansen Street, and Chaikovska Street became Mykhailo Semenko Street.
On July 29, 85 toponyms in the city and 347 in the region were renamed in Odesa and the Odesa region in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Condemnation and Prohibition of Propaganda of Russian Imperial Policy in Ukraine and Decolonization of Toponymy.” Three major avenues received new names: instead of Akademik Glushko, now it is Prince Yaroslav the Wise, instead of Dobrovolsky, it is Prince Volodymyr the Great, and instead of Gagarin, it is Lesia Ukrainka. 28th Brigade Street replaced Paustovskyi Street, Naval Forces Boulevard replaced Zhvanetskyi Street, Hospitalieriv Lane replaced Lermontovskyi 2nd Street. Pushkinska, Babel, Ilfa and Petrov streets, Tchaikovsky lane, Gagarin plateau were also renamed, and Dumska square became Birzhova.
Public opinion
The renaming of streets causes different, extremely contradictory reactions among the population. For some, this is an important step in restoring historical justice and establishing national identity. For others, it is only a formality that does not affect the real problems of society. Also, many are outraged by the fact that a lot of money is being spent on renaming, and this is not the right time now, during the war.
There is also a large share of Ukrainians who are extremely dissatisfied with the fact that it creates difficulties in orientation and everyday life. Also, people believe that many renamings are completely ill-conceived and unfounded, because they directly affect the lives of citizens and the cultural identity of cities. For our citizens, it is not clear what Yuri Gagarin, Oleksandr Pushkin, Mykhailo Lermontov, Petro Tchaikovsky and others did to Ukraine. It is also not clear what is seditious in the titles “Heroes of Labor” or “Friendship of Peoples”.
Heroes of the Second World War: what did they do?
Many streets named after World War II heroes were renamed as part of decommunization. In particular, this applies to such figures as Marshal Zhukov, General Vatutin, Marshal Rybalko, Colonel Ivan Tankopia and many others. For some Ukrainians, they are associated with the struggle against Nazi Germany, but at the same time, for others, they are symbols of the Soviet occupation. This gives rise to complex emotions and discussions among citizens.
Ukrainians who came to the defense of the heroes of the Second World War believe that these people heroically liberated our cities and villages at the cost of their lives. Therefore, renaming toponyms is perceived by many as a real sacrilege, an act of deep disrespect for the memory of heroes. This hurts everyone who remembers the great sacrifices and exploits of their parents and grandfathers, those who gave their lives for the freedom of our country.
The renaming of toponyms is considered by their descendants to be a devaluation of the exploits and efforts that ensured a peaceful future for our children and grandchildren. These people in their time left behind a huge contribution to our history and culture, so their names should live forever in our hearts and on our maps.
Loss of identity
Many Ukrainians consider the renaming of toponyms a loss of the identity of cities that are deeply rooted in the history and culture of our country. For them, this is not just a change of license plates, but the loss of a part of their own hometown identity. The names of many streets and squares, for example, Kharkiv and Odesa, which they have known since childhood, carry memories. Replacing these names with new ones is often perceived as devaluing important historical events and prominent figures associated with these places.
Thus, the renaming of Zhvanetskyi, Babel, Ilfa and Petrov streets was the most controversial in Odessa. These streets, according to many Odessa residents, created a unique color of the city. Mykhailo Zhvanetskyi, Isak Babel, Ilf and Petrov are considered outstanding figures of great importance for the history and identity of the city itself, as well as for Ukrainian culture as a whole.
Odesa is a whole world, a unique city that has always been a source of inspiration for many outstanding artists and writers. Mykhailo Zhvanetsky, Isak Babel, Ilf and Petrov not only lived and worked in Odessa, but also immortalized it in their works, conveying the spirit, color and special humor of this city. A native Odessan, one of the most prominent satirists, Mykhailo Zhvanetsky often referred to images of Odessa in his monologues. His unique humor, in particular, about Odessa life and mentality, became a hallmark of the city, his humorous works were extremely close and understandable to Odessans. Zhvanetsky was a real people’s artist, whose performances gathered full halls and left listeners in awe. In his monologues, he used expressions that became popular, for example: “Odesa is not just a city, it is a small planet with its own laws and regulations.”. His speeches were filled with life wisdom, observation and love for his native city and Odessans, which was felt by every listener.
Isak Babel, the author of “Odesa Tales”, created a unique literary image of the city, which was remembered by many generations of readers. In his stories, Babel talked about the life of the Jewish population of Odessa at the beginning of the 20th century, showed the colorful and rich world of Odessa courtyards, bazaars and criminal elements. In particular, he wrote about the legendary criminal authority Benyu Kryk. The stories “King” and “How it was done in Odessa” demonstrate colorful images of Odessa courtyards, bazaars and criminal elements that have become symbols of literary Odessa. Thanks to Babel, we see Odessa not only as a place on the map, but as a living organism with a rich history and culture. Babel’s works have become true classics of world literature, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of numerous fans around the world.
Ilf and Petrov, the authors of the famous novels “Twelve Chairs” and “The Golden Calf”, also made a huge contribution to the popularization of Odessa through their works. Many of their heroes were of Odessa origin, and the authors themselves were closely connected with the city. Their characters, such as Ostap Bender, became cult figures, and the dialogues and situations described in their works often had a touch of Odessa humor and life philosophy. In the novel “Twelve Chairs”, the authors through Ostap Bender spoke about the city as follows: “Odesa is a big city with its own mentality and unique character. Only here can you understand what true freedom and humor are.” This phrase reflects the special atmosphere of Odessa, where every corner breathes the history, culture and unique spirit of the city. The characters of these writers have become cult figures, and the authors themselves have gained worldwide recognition.
The loss of their literary symbols resonates painfully in the hearts of Odessans, who are proud of their city and its outstanding representatives. Residents of the city believe that such decisions deprive Odessa of its cultural heritage and disrespect its history. They do not understand why, instead of well-known prominent persons, there will now be streets named after, for example, the little-known writer Mendel Moishe Sforim? What bad things did outstanding Odessans do for Ukraine and why should we forget about them? Opponents of renaming believe that they have made a much greater contribution to Ukrainian culture and the development of the city than those in whose honor they propose to rename the streets. Their influence on Odesa is undeniable, and therefore the people of Odesa, led by the mayor, demand the preservation of this important part of their cultural identity.
Therefore, the change of toponyms in all Ukrainian cities is a complex and ambiguous process, during which it is important to understand that each renaming has its consequences and affects the society and cultural heritage of the cities. At the same time, it is extremely necessary to find a reasonable balance between the necessity and preservation of the memory of real heroes and the cultural identity of cities. We should not only get rid of the negative aspects of the past, but also preserve those elements that make our cities unique and distinctive. Only in this way can a harmonious combination of historical justice and cultural identity be achieved.
Should renaming be done at the cost of losing names that have become an integral part of history and culture? This question remains open and needs wider discussion in society.
Oksana Ishchenko
