Without Babel and with Glodan: renaming streets in Odesa divided people 50/50
Kyiv • UNN
50% of respondents supported the renaming of streets in Odesa, 50% opposed it. The changes are aimed at strengthening Ukrainian identity and rejecting Soviet and imperial names.
Categorically against the renaming of streets in Odesa were 50% of respondents. Similarly, 50% fully supported the decision of the Odesa RMA. The relevant vote was published in the telegram channel of Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov, UNN reports.
More than 184,000 people took part in the survey. The renaming of streets in Odesa was initiated by the Institute of National Remembrance, and was based on the law passed by the Verkhovna Rada on the prohibition and condemnation of Russian imperial policy. A total of 84 streets were renamed.
The purpose of these changes is to break associations with Russian and Soviet history and to strengthen Ukraine's cultural and historical identity. For example, Pushkin Street will become Italian Street, Zhvanetsky Boulevard will be renamed Naval Forces Boulevard, and Dumskaya Square will be called Exchange Square.
Some streets will be named after famous Ukrainian figures and historical events. Thus, Zhukovsky Street will be renamed Lesya Ukrainka Street, and Babel Street will become Dmytro Ivanov Street.
It is worth noting that in general, the recommendations to the authorities of Odesa region included the renaming of 91 streets. But seven streets remained unchanged. In particular, the street of Leonid Utesov, a Soviet artist who dedicated one of his songs "By the Black Sea" to Odesa. As you know, the song is so beloved by Odessans that it is considered an informal anthem of the city.
At the same time, many street names have indeed lost their relevance. For example, Politkatorzhan, Hradonachalnytska, and Armiyska streets. Many of them will now honor the defenders of Ukraine.
The most controversial were the renaming of Dumska Square, Zhvanetska Street, Babel Street, and Ilf and Petrova Streets. The streets that, according to many Odesa residents, created the city's flavor. Instead of Dumskaya Square, there will now be Birzhovaya Square, instead of Ilf and Petrov, the Glodan family (who died from Russian attacks), and Zhvanetsky Boulevard will be renamed into the Boulevard of the Navy.
Lesya Ukrainka, Mendel Moishe Sforim, and Dmytro Pavlychko streets will also appear in Odesa. This process has caused different reactions among local residents. Some support the changes as a step towards strengthening national identity, while others express dissatisfaction, believing that it will create difficulties in orientation and daily life.
