Foto: The citadel of Bender (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Transnistria - In Bender, we make a brief stop at a monument. Opposite is the Sheriff supermarket. Much in Transnistria is owned by the Sheriff family: gas stations, hotels, the football stadium, and sports parks. Oleg considers them smart businesspeople, albeit involved in corruption. Corruption is a general problem in the country, though Oleg notes the situation has improved since relations at the eastern border with Ukraine worsened. Bender has an old Turkish citadel. Oleg explains how the Turks, Swedes, and Russians fought here—a true history lesson. During this, Oleg also mentions that Moldova’s currency, the leu, derives from the old Dutch “Groot” coin, which featured a lion. Since “Groot” was hard to pronounce, it became “lion,” later the leu. The citadel once housed sixty thousand people. Much was destroyed during the Russian period. Later, the castle within the citadel was restored. We explore the fort, visit the small museum, and climb the watchtowers. In the distance, we can already see Tiraspol across the Dniester River.
Tiraspol Little Russia
Transnistria - From Chisinau, we drive to Tiraspol. Oleg tells us about the history of Moldova, Transnistria, and Romania. He also explains Russia’s interest in the creation of Transnistria. During the Soviet era, Russia invested economically and militarily in the ...