Germany - The Cathedral of Ottobeuren
Foto: Lenin in the center of Tiraspol (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
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 Tiraspol area. In addition to military bases, large amounts of ammunition were stored here. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moldova threatened to join Europe-oriented Romania—a logical step, as old Moldova once comprised the Romanian province of Moldavia, extending to the Black Sea. By supporting a rebellion in eastern Moldova, Russia secured its interests in the region. Transnistria declared independence. No country recognizes it as an independent state. Since the war between Russia and Ukraine, Transnistria has become more isolated. Passports must be registered at the border. Oleg explains how odd this is. Moldova considers the area part of Moldova and sees no reason for border checks. However, they cannot track who travels to Transnistria via Ukraine. Essentially, this means one could enter Europe unchecked. Europe considers Transnistria a black hole. In Tiraspol, we observe Soviet architecture. We visit a tank monument commemorating the short war over Transnistria in 1992. Along the main boulevard stand colossal Soviet-style buildings. The Lenin statue is prominent. Another tank is displayed at the memorial for the fallen in WWII, the Afghanistan war, and the Transnistria war. Walking here feels bizarre—like a piece of Russia in Moldova. Russian flags hang alongside Transnistrian flags. Late afternoon, we drive back to Chisinau.
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The Citadel of Bender
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 ...