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Evgeniy Skibin, pathfinder
Specially for “Prime Excursion Bureau”.
April 28 is the World Day of Sister-cities. There exist two versions about the appearance of the phenomenon. The first one points out the initiative of veterans of the French Resistance in 1957 when in Paris the first international non-governmental organization – the World Federation of Sister-cities was established. Another version states that it began much earlier when agreements about friendship and cooperation between member-states of WWII anti-Hitler coalition were concluded. The first agreement was signed in 1942 between Stalingrad in the USSR and Coventry in England, both were almost completely destroyed.
Sister-city relations envisage close relations in economic and cultural cooperation as well as in education, medicine, science, sports, protection of environment and architectural and historical monuments and in other fields of social life of the cities.
Naturally, our city was not an exclusion. In 1961 Kyiv joined sister-city relationship. As the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and Mother of Rus Towns Kyiv had a lot of sister-cities but according to then existing unwritten rules only Moscow, city # 1, could get related with capitals of foreign countries. Our city could choose “relatives” only among non-capitals. Such first ones became Polish Krakow and Finnish Tampere, later German Leipzig joined them. In seven years Kyiv signed agreements about sister-city relations with Italian Florence and Slovakian Bratislava. In 1970 Toulouse in France and a year later the ancient capital of Japan Kyoto joined the list of Kyiv’s sister-cities. In the 1960-70s new Kyiv streets were named after sister-cities such as Leipzigska, Krakowska,Kyoto, Bratislavska, Florence, Tampere, Toulouse. In honour of such cities movie theatres (Leipzig, Florence), hotels (Bratislava), restaurants (Leipzig), etc. were named. At that time the exchange of students, specialists, sportsmen, theatre groups was successfully carried out.
In 1989 Edinburg (Great Britain), Odense (Denmark), Edinburg (Great Britain) in the 1990s Uhan (China), in 1991 Chicago (USA) and Toronto (Canada) became related to the Ukrainian capital. The following years after the end of the cold war, the lifting of the iron curtain and disintegration of the Soviet Union a number of sister-cities of Ukraine’s capital was constantly growing. With Ukraine’s independence in 1991 Kyiv becomes the capital of the European state and concludes agreements on partnership with many capitals of the world. Among them there are Ankara (Turkey), Vienna (Austria), Paris (France), Helsinki (Finland), Pretoria (South Africa), Budapest (Hungary), Beijing (China), Warsaw (Poland), Havana (Cuba), Athens (Greece), Sofia (Bulgaria), Mexico (Mexico), Brussels (Belgium), Santjago-de-Chilli (Chilli), Stockholm (Sweden), Rome (Italy). And as a result in some countries Kyiv at the moment has two “relatives”. There are six states like that: Germany (Munich and Leipzig), France (Paris and Toulouse), Italy (Rome and Florence), China ( Beijing and Uhan), Finland (Helsinki and Tampere), Poland (Warsaw and Krakow). Availability of two sister-cities in Germany is explained by peculiarities of modern history of the country: Leipzig was in Eastern Germany, Munich – in Western Germany. After the fall of the Berlin Wall both cities occurred in one country. After the USSR disintegration a number of sister-cities extends at the expense of capitals of the former republics of the USSR which nowadays became capitals of independent states: Tallinn (Estonia), Yerevan (Armenia), Vilnius (Lithuania), Kishineu (Moldova), Astana (Kazakhstan), Moscow (Russia), Bishkek (Kirghizia), Minsk (Belarus), Baku (Azerbaijan), Tashkent (Uzbekistan),Riga (Latvia), Tbilisi (Georgia). In Kyiv there appeared new streets, squares, lanes with the names of the above capitals. It’s interesting that some of Kyiv’s districts also have their “relatives” abroad: Darnytsky district is related to the French town of Romenville and Dniprovsky – to the French town of Chalett.
Article 7 of the Statute of the territorial community of the city of Kyiv registered by the Ministry of Justice on 2 February 2005 reads: “Kyiv can have sister-cities. The choice of a sister-city is carried out according to the decision of the Kyiv city council on the basis of bilateral agreements”.
At present our city has 57 sister-cities. Contacts with them are being constantly extended, which helps Kyiv disseminate information about its history, potential opportunities with the purpose of attraction of tourists, investors, establish cooperation in economy, business, culture, sports, etc.
Unfortunately this work is carried out not so intensively as in Soviet times. We wish the city authorities studied long-term experience gained in the past and used it for extension of further fruitful cooperation with our sister-cities.
Sister-cities of Kyiv
| City |
Country |
Date of Agreement |
| Tampere |
Finland |
Dec 1954 |
| Leipzig |
Germany |
Oct 1956 |
| Florence |
Italy |
July 1967 |
| Bratislava |
Slovakia |
April 1969 |
| Kyoto |
Japan |
Sep 1971 |
| Toulouse |
France |
June 1975 |
| Odense |
Denmark |
April 1989 |
| Edinburg |
Great Britain |
July 1989 |
| Munich |
Germany |
Oct 1989 |
| Uhan |
China |
Oct 1990 |
| Vilnius |
Lithuania |
June 1991 |
| Chicago |
USA |
July 1991 |
| Toronto |
Canada |
Sep 1991 |
| Ankara |
Turkey |
Feb 1992 |
| Vienna |
Austria |
May 1992 |
| Paris |
France |
Oct 1992 |
| Moscow |
Russia |
Oct 1992 |
| Krakow |
Poland |
March 1993 |
| Helsinki |
Finland |
March 1993 |
| Kishineu |
Moldova |
Oct 1993 |
| Pretoria |
South Africa |
Oct 1993 |
| Budapest |
Hungary |
Oct 1993 |
| Beijing |
China |
Dec 1993 |
| Warsaw |
Poland |
Feb 1994 |
| Havana |
Cuba |
Feb 1994 |
| Tallinn |
Estonia |
Dec 1994 |
| Yerevan |
Armenia |
Sep 1995 |
| Athens |
Greece |
Nov 1996 |
| Minsk |
Belarus |
June 1997 |
| Sofia |
Bulgaria |
Sep 1997 |
| Baku |
Azerbaijan |
Sep 1997 |
| Mexico |
Mexico |
Sep 1997 |
| Bishkek |
Kirghizia |
Oct 1997 |
| Brussels |
Belgium |
Dec 1997 |
| Tashkent |
Uzbekistan |
Jan 1998 |
| Riga |
Latvia |
May 1998 |
| Astana |
Kazakhstan |
Jun 1998 |
| Santiago de Chile |
Chile |
Aug 1998 |
| Stockholm |
Sweden |
Mar 1999 |
| Tbilisi |
Georgia |
May 1999 |
| Rome |
Italy |
Nov 1999 |
| Genoa |
Italy |
May 2009 |
In the course of time after destruction of the “iron curtain” and the end of the “cold war” the list of sister-cities of the Ukrainian capital has almost doubled. But if earlier we considered some of them as the NATO aggressors, at present we see in them potential business partners.
12.08.2011 A million dollars for “the fifth element”: charming native of Kiev Milla Yovovich
Inessa BLYUM, journalist
Specially for “Prime Excursion Bureau”
Her full name is written in different ways in various sources. Or rather names, to be more exact. Militsa Bogdanovna (or Borgievna) in Russian and Ukrainian tradition, Militsa Natasha in Montenegrin tradition of her father, nice girl Milla and the Hollywood rescuer of the humanity — all these definitions are true for the native of Kiev Milla Yovovich.
13.07.2011 The Monument to the Founders of Kyiv
Inessa BLYUM, journalist
Specially for “Prime Excursion Bureau”
Kiev has many symbols, starting from St. Sophia`s Cathedral and St. Andre`s Church to the bell tower of Kiev Pechersk Lavra and the Motherland Mother monument. “Ladya” — the monument to the founders of Kiev: brothers Kiy, Schek, Khoriv and their sister Lybid — has been on this list for three decades. This monuments doesn`t just embody the old legend. It holds its special place in the capital...
14.04.2011 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Denmark in Ukraine Uffe BALSLEV: “WE HAVE BROUGHT “FAIRY-TALES” OF THE STATE OF DENMARK TO UKRAINE”
For many Ukrainians Denmark is associated with the image of a fairy-tale country. Not only because this oldest kingdom in the world gave humanity the great author of fairy-tales Hans Christian Andersen and the magic Mermaid, who meets guests on the seaboard of Danish capital Copenhagen and has become the unofficial symbol of the country. What surprises most is the miraculous combination of monarchy, democracy, market economy and real socialism — the subject of national pride of Danes.
25.03.2011 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of France in Ukraine Jacques FAURE: “I MEET COSSACK IVAN SIRKO ALMOST EVERY DAY…”
The French Embassy in Ukraine is located quite near St. Sophia`s Cathedral. Let`s turn over other common pages in the history of our two countries together with the Head of the Diplomatic Mission — the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of French Republic in Ukraine Jacques FAURE.
07.02.2011 Hard destiny of the residence: the main palace of the capital and peripetias of its “life”
Inessa BLYUM, journalist.
Specially for “Prime Excursion Bureau”.
When Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, who must have been the only Russian ruler, who treated Ukraine with respect, decided to build her palace in the city, it froze in expectation. The former capital of the Rus land finally got a chance to become governmental residence again. But these intentions were not realized…
18.01.2011 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Bulgaria in Ukraine Dimitar VLADIMIROV: “INTERTWINED FATES OF OUR NATIONS CAN BE RETRACED FROM DISTANT PAST”
Every year on the 1st of March with great constancy Bulgarians pin so-called “martenica” – a little interlacement of white and red threads in bright tracery with a heart or a flower - to their clothes. Such tradition has been well-known only in Bulgaria for a long time. Although it is respected by all Bulgarians throughout the country, but most attention is paid to it by peasants – probably, it is them, who go through biggest difficulties in the epoch of changes at all times. That is why from times immemorial local peasants decorate even animals in their farmsteads with red and white threads of “martenica”: this serves evidence and hope that new spring, new changes in nature will bring joy and prosperity into the house.
06.01.2011 Defense Attaché of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine Christoph BROON: “EACH CITY AND REGION IN UKRAINE OFFERS MUCH INTERESTING TO THOSE, WHO ARE ORIENTED TO LEARN MORE IN THE FIELD OF GEOGRAPHY, CULTURE AND HISTORY”
Switzerland is real paradise in the center of Europe. The country, associated with such notions as bank system, watches, chocolate, knives and ski resorts, attracts as the place of respectable pastime, a cozy area with high level of life, where, from the point of view of an ordinary Ukrainian, people live, wallowing in luxury. What do Swiss think about our country? How do they imagine Ukraine? What do they feel when they come here?
27.12.2010 Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine Ivan YURKOVICH: “PEOPLE SHOULD BE GIVEN GUARANTEES OF THE DIGNITY, WHICH THEY WERE ENDOWED WITH BY THE CREATOR”
Present-day Vatican, turning the eyes of its laymen towards tomorrow, often repeats Apostle Pavel`s words: “We are saved in hope”. And explains them: we obtain certain sense in hope. According to the Pope Benedict the Sixth, realization of dreams of Christianity is only possible outside “the prison of “I”, only within the unity called “we”. And if it is true, than our attention should be paid to the fact that in process of development of civilization there appears greater risk because of inadequacy of adoption of moral heritage of humanity by new generations. That is why it is so important to warn the world that “moral growth of humanity is necessary for progress to be real progress”.
20.12.2010 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Finland Christer MICKELSON: “SUCCESS OF FINNISH PROSPERITY WAS DETERMINED BY LIBRARIES AND SYSTEM OF EDUCATION”.
Almost a hundred years ago we lived in one state. Today Ukraine and Finland are separated not only by years, but by substantial distance in level of life of the two nations. Nowadays, Finland is one of the most developed countries of the world with the high level of income per head. And although its part in world production is not big, but it takes one of the first places in the world in size of gross national product (over 20 thousand $ per year).
18.12.2010 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Republic of Cuba in Ukraine Felix Leon CARBALLO: “WE ACTUALLY CAME FROM DIFFERENT SHIPS AND BUILT A SHIP OF OUR OWN – NATIONAL”
It seems not long ago that no New Year passed for us without mentioning distant Cuba. Each time it felt like we entered a new year with cheerful smile of Cubans. On the Island of Liberty much was told about the 1st of January – Liberation Day in holiday editions of local newspapers, radio and TV. Unfortunately, the tradition of common New Year has perished. But many Ukrainians keep good and grateful memories about the island of Cuba − a “ship” in endless ocean.
18.09.2010 “The city of a hundred thousand roses”
Vladimir CHERNOV, journalist.
Specially for “Prime Excursion Bureau”.
Cities are much like people: there are not two similar ones in the world and some have pseudonyms along with their names. So, Sumy is called “City over Psel” and “city of a hundred thousand roses”. About 200 years ago, in this comparably small regional center tens of thousands of these tender flowers really delighted everybody with their odor. Then there came times, when local authorities neglected flowerbeds and loans and roses disappeared. But the pseudonym “the city of a hundred thousand roses” survived.
25.05.2010 Mystical places of Kiev
Mikhail KALNITSKIY, historian.
Specially for “Prime Excursion Bureau”.
The most famous site in Kiev for performing different weird witches’ Sabbaths in Slavonic folklore is likely Lysaya Hora (Bald Hill). At the same time it is acknowledged that its “classical” location is under Kiev. Even in the respectable prerevolutionary paper Kiyevlyanin one could read: “According to a popular belief on Bald Hill in Kiev witches from all over the world gather to celebrate, together with vampires, a Sabbath and ride in the air..; here new witches get acquainted with old ones and learn various magic from them”.
09.02.2010 The building of the National Academic Ivan Franko Drama Theatre
Mikhail Kalnitskiy - historian
Special for Prime excursion burau ltd.
The building of the National Academic Ivan Franko Drama Theatre is in the same name square near Khreshchatyk. Not long ago it turned 111 years old, which is quite an age for buildings of old Kyiv. But intense historical memory and great significance for development of theatrical art in Ukraine makes the theatre building in Ivan Franko square one of the most interesting Kyiv relics.
10.12.2009 Khersones Taurical
Lidiya ZOTOVA, journalist.
Specially for “Prime Excursion Bureau”.
Khersones is a unique coastal natural monument at the Crimean foothill. Khersones was founded in 422-421 B.C. by Heracliots who had come from the south Black Sea coast city. It was called Khersones Taurical (from the Greek 'Chersoneses' − a peninsular). The Greeks named the whole region (modern Crimea) after its inhabitants, the Tauri.
04.12.2009 Gogol in Kiev
Mikhail Kalnitskiy, historian,
Special for Prime Excursion Bureau ltd.
In the autumn of 1831 the first part of “Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka” was published. At first sight the book resembled fashionable at that time “gothic novels” with devil, ghosts and other mystical things. But all this was enveloped in such vivid setting and with such wittiness that compositors were said to giggle while working. T
Sister-cities of Kyiv
