"KHARKOV - my mother city" Ukraine by Oris

Ukraine Travel Guide: 8,457 reviews and 25,270 photos

Kharkiv's birthday - 350 anniversary - Ukraine

After three centuries and a half a small Cossack fortress in the middle of Wild field has grown up to become a contemporary city on a par with European ones. Owing to the geographical location and the historical role Kharkiv is famous for its tremendous economic, intellectual and creative potential as well as for its hospitality and benevolence.

Its foundation is dated mid-seventeenth century, but even in seventh-eighth centuries there was a fortified advanced post of Kyivs'ka Rus within the up-to-date city boundary line.
Founded in the middle of 17th century, the city has had a university since 1805. During the early years of the Soviet Union, Kharkov was the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (from 1917–1934).
During World War II Kharkov was captured by Nazi Germany and its military allies, recaptured by the Red Army, captured again twice by the Nazis and then finally liberated on August 23, 1943. Seventy percent of the city was destroyed and tens of thousands of the inhabitants were killed. Before the occupation, Zavod Malysheva tank building company was evacuated to Siberia with all its equipment and became the heart of Red Army's tank programs (particularly, producing the legendary T-34 tank earlier designed in Kharkov).
On the Eastern Front of World War II, the first Battle of Kharkov was a May 1942 attempt by the Soviet Union to recapture the Ukrainian city of Kharkov from the Germans.
The attack failed; by the end of the month the Germans had regained all lost ground, and captured 80,000 Soviet prisoners as well. The Second Battle of Kharkov was the last major German victory of World War II. Led by Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, the Germans retook the city of Kharkov from the Soviet armies in bitter street fighting. The SS Panzer Corps, equipped with heavy Tiger tanks, played a significant role.
Kharkov had originally been captured on 25 October 1941, but had been retaken by the Soviets in February 1943 following the German defeat at Stalingrad. The Second Battle of Kharkov left the city only temporarily in Axis hands; on 22 August 1943, in the aftermath of the Battle of Kursk, the Germans were driven out once again.

monument to a violinist on a roof

I have an honour to say that my beautiful Kharkiv city was 350 years old in August, 23, 2004! The Birthday of the city was widely celebrated with lots of concerts, dancings, music, festivals, fireworks, and much more.

Kharkiv is the second largest city in Ukraine with a population of 1,8 million. Kharkiv is the biggest students city of the Ukraine with 40 state universities and 40 private universities of higher education with a combined enrollment of over 300,000 students. Moreover, it turns out that there are sights worth to look at in Kharkiv. And in general we are fine to have enough sightseeing opportunities.

Intro Updated Aug 11, 2005
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Reviews (4)

very nice in summer Nightlife (2)

Not bad to visit it once (no more:-))) more travel advice

cockroaches in food! Tourist Traps (1)

I warn you of visiting bar "Hunter", Str. Pushkinskaya, 61. Me and my friends found cockroaches in salsds and the... more travel advice

hope you like it;-) Nightlife (2)

Casino, billiards, disco, boling no sports shoes;-) more travel advice

Bon Appetite;-) Restaurants (1)

Wonderful restaurant with exquisite cuisine, casino, super disco club, sauna and bouling. more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 16, 2005

1 photo

SUNSET

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Comments (9)

hunterV Jun 13, 2006 at 1:21 AM Report Abuse

Privet, Marianna! Yes, things do happen...You've traveled a lot indeed! Congratulations!
Lebanese May 31, 2006 at 4:44 AM Report Abuse

Nice page! Greetings from Dubai!!
planxty Jan 19, 2006 at 2:10 AM Report Abuse

Hi, Mariana, cockroaches indeed! I won't be visiting the bar "Hunter2 then. Good tip. fergy.
ronniekononow Jul 24, 2005 at 8:29 PM Report Abuse

My mother who is 81 & lived in Kharkov when she was a young girl & I travelled to Kharkov in June this year.We also visited Kharkov 2 years ago & found it to be very interesting & the people very friendly.
cosmopolit Mar 17, 2005 at 1:32 PM Report Abuse

Very informative pages n beautiful pics. Well done, thank you.
JLBG Mar 15, 2005 at 8:54 PM Report Abuse

Very good and informative page. I hope to visit your country, I don't know when yet !
Cailean_Mac Feb 16, 2005 at 12:32 AM Report Abuse

Brilliant. Can we have more pages about Kharkiv please. It looks and sounds a fantastic place. My best wishes to all Ukrainians for a bright future.
scotlandscotour Jan 27, 2005 at 2:54 AM Report Abuse

Welcome! How is life in Ukraine after the elections? What is your view of the future? Which is more dominant - Europe or Russia? my best wishes from Scotland ;-)
kenmerk Jan 26, 2005 at 4:57 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the Sharm comment, Mariana, and welcome to VT...