Back in the USSR - Time travelling in Transdniestr
Transdniestr is a different world; a living museum of times gone by. After the break-up of the Soviet Union, Moldova seriously considered joining Romania, much to the Transdniestrians chagrin. Next door to Ukraine, Transdniestr has more in common with Ukraine and Russia than with Romania.
After a brutal war in 1992, Transdniestr broke away from Moldova and declared its independence.
Tiraspol war memorial
This self-declared, break-away republic doesn’t officially exist. Yet there’s a Transdniestrian government, a Parliament, an army, a police force, a flag, a national anthem, currency and postage stamps. Which can only be used within the country.
Not internationally recognized, its citizens need Moldovan passports in addition to their 3-language Transdniestrian one. Hearing horror stories of Transdniestr border patrol officers, we were pleasantly surprised when everything ran smoothly. Nobody demanded any bribes or anything.
Border post near Bendery
Transdniestr’s capital, Tiraspol, is a nice enough city. Wide, leafy avenues, imposing buildings, plenty of monuments and pretty churches.
Russian Orthodox Church in Tiraspol
Lenin still reigns supreme:
Yuri Gagarin, first man in space, also holds a prominent position here:
Transdniestrian authorities select “best citizens” and their photos are displayed prominently. Some are selected for a year, some for life. President Igor Smirnov is found in the latter category.
Tags: Bendery, Blogsherpa, Eastern Europe, Europe, Mini countries, Moldova, Odd countries, Soviet, Time Travel, Tiraspol, Transdniestr, Transnistria, USSR
