Tvardita is a village in the southeast of Moldova, located in the Taraclia district, and is approximately 110 km south of the capital city of Chisinau. The village has a population of around 3,500 people and is situated near the border with Ukraine.
Tvardita is known for its beautiful landscapes, vineyards, and orchards. The village has several cultural monuments, including the Tvardita Monastery, which dates back to the 16th century, and the Tvardita Necropolis, which is an ancient burial site. The village also has a history museum that showcases the history and traditions of the region.
Agriculture is the primary economic activity in Tvardita, with grape and fruit cultivation being the main crops grown. The village also has a small manufacturing industry, including a factory that produces construction materials.
Tvardita has a mixed population, with Moldovans, Bulgarians, and Ukrainians living together in the village. The majority of the population is Christian Orthodox, and the village has several churches and religious monuments.
Tvardita is a small and charming village in Moldova, with a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a great destination for those looking to explore the rural regions of Moldova and experience its unique culture and traditions.
history of Tvardica Moldova 15th-21st Centuries
The history of Tvardita dates back to the 15th century, when it was part of the Principality of Moldavia. During this time, the village was known for its vineyards and orchards and was an important trading center.
In the 16th century, Tvardita became part of the Ottoman Empire, and many Turkish and Bulgarian settlers arrived in the village. The Ottomans allowed the local population to continue practicing their Christian Orthodox religion, and several churches were built during this time.
In the 19th century, Tvardita became part of the Russian Empire, and many Russian settlers arrived in the village. The Russians introduced new agricultural techniques and helped to modernize the local economy.
During World War II, Tvardita was occupied by Nazi Germany and was later liberated by the Soviet Union. After the war, Tvardita became part of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic and was known for its agricultural production, particularly grapes and fruits.
In 1991, Moldova gained independence from the Soviet Union, and Tvardita became part of the newly formed Republic of Moldova. Today, the village is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural surroundings, and traditional agricultural practices.
Tvardita has several cultural monuments, including the Tvardita Monastery, which dates back to the 16th century, and the Tvardita Necropolis, which is an ancient burial site. The village also has a history museum that showcases the history and traditions of the region. The primary economic activity in Tvardita is agriculture, with grape and fruit cultivation being the main crops grown.
Bulgarians in Besarabia
Bulgarians have a long and complex history in the region of Besarabia, which is now part of Moldova. The region was historically part of the Principality of Moldavia, which was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. During this time, the Ottoman Empire allowed Bulgarians to settle in the region, and many Bulgarian communities were established.
After the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, Bessarabia became part of the Russian Empire, and many Bulgarians continued to settle in the region. In the early 20th century, Bessarabia became part of Romania, and many Bulgarians became Romanian citizens. During World War II, the region was occupied by the Soviet Union and was later incorporated into the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.
Today, there are still Bulgarian communities in Bessarabia, particularly in the southern region of Taraclia, which has a significant Bulgarian population. The Bulgarian community in Taraclia has its own cultural center, where Bulgarian language and culture are preserved and celebrated. The community is also represented in the Moldovan parliament by a Bulgarian political party, the Democratic Union of Bulgarians in Moldova.
Overall, Bulgarians have a long and significant history in Bessarabia, and their contributions to the region’s culture and society continue to be recognized and celebrated today.
The Gagauz people in Bessarabia
The Gagauz people are an ethnic group with a distinct culture and language who primarily live in the southern region of Bessarabia, which is now part of Moldova. They are one of the recognized minorities in Moldova and have their autonomous region called Gagauzia, which has its own government and parliament.
The history of the Gagauz people in Bessarabia is complex and has been shaped by various political and cultural influences. The Gagauz people are believed to have migrated to the region from the Balkans in the 18th century, settling primarily in the Bugeac region of Besarabia.
Gagauz people in Soviet Era
During the Soviet era, the Gagauz people faced restrictions on their cultural and religious practices, which led to a resurgence of Gagauz identity and demands for greater autonomy. In 1990, Gagauzia was established as an autonomous region within Moldova, with its own government, parliament, and constitution.
Today, the Gagauz people in Bessarabia are recognized as a distinct ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage. They speak the Gagauz language, which is related to Turkish, and have a unique blend of Orthodox Christian and traditional Turkic beliefs and customs. The Gagauz people are known for their hospitality, love of music and dance, and their traditional crafts, including pottery and carpet weaving.
Overall, the Gagauz people have a rich and complex history in Bessarabia, and their unique culture and traditions continue to be celebrated and preserved in the region.