During almost six centuries, Chisinau evolved administratively, territorially, socially, culturally, and economically, eventually becoming the capital and our dear city as we know it today. In a new edition of the “Tourist Chisinau” project, we invite you to find out how little Chisinau turned into a fair and what impact this historical event had on the growth of the future capital.
“The 16th century brings changes. On this diagram, we see two so important roads that met in the Bîcul valley: the Moldovenesc road, which came from Suceava, Iași, after which it went to Tighina and the Albă fortress, and the second road – which came from Lăpușna and led to Yanghi-Shehr or Shehr al Jedid – we know him as the Old Orhei. When the capital was moved in 1564 from Suceava to Iasi, these roads were of great importance. Water mills started to appear and not only,” explains the guide Iurie Dodiță.
In 1642, the town of Chisinau bordered the village of Buecani (now Buiucani district), Ghețioani – which was a community of Jews, Hrușca, Vovințeni, and Muncești.
In 1661, ruler Eustratie Dabija gave Chisinau the villages of Buecani, Hrușca, Vovințeni, and Muncești. From this moment, Chisinau becomes fair. Four years later, in 1665, Mr. Gheorghe Duca donated the village of Ghețioani to the future capital.
“The fair now has customs. They were the representatives of power who took the tithe. It was a different kind of management, more serious. Merchants from all the localities and nearest villages came here to do business,” states Iurie Dodiță.
After 1800, Chisinau moved little by little from the old city. It was in the perimeter of Ismail, Pushkin, Alexandru cel Bun, and Albișoara streets.
Next, we invite you to watch the full interview.
Project financed and implemented by Chisinau City Hall through the Chisinau Civil Budget Program, 2023 edition.