THE END OF HISTORY

 

"A nation that forgets its past has no future". Winston Churchill

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A number of outstanding historical buildings are in decay in Kyiv, Ukraine. The official designation of “architectural memorial” has not prevented them from being sold through dubious legal schemes.

Despite the remarkable history that stands behind them, these architectural and historical gems remain abandoned and are left for slow destruction to make way for new, commercially profitable construction. The city’s residents make attempts, but can do little to preserve Kyiv’s historical look, all the while witness to the slow and continuous agony of the city they love.

The inevitable development of a city need not necessarily be a reason to wipe away the important history embodied in its extant architecture. There are many examples of the successful preservation of historical buildings around the world. However, this is not the case in the struggling post-Soviet republic, which is still finding its way towards defining its own identity.

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In memory of my friend Alexander Belozor