Heritage under attack: Ukrainians revive interest in culture

In Ukraine, the ongoing war has led to significant damage to many cultural sites, which are vital to the nation's identity. One notable example is the Hryhoriy Skovoroda National Literary Memorial Museum, dedicated to the 18th-century poet and philosopher Hryhoriy Skovoroda. On the night of May 7, 2022, a Russian missile struck the museum, causing extensive destruction. Nastya Ishchenko, the deputy director of the museum, described the scene, stating, 'The roof was completely blown off, the walls are burnt and only Skovoroda's statue survived. It's a miracle that it did. ' This incident is part of a larger pattern of cultural destruction in Ukraine, with the United Nations cultural organization, Unesco, reporting that 432 cultural sites have been damaged since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. This includes 139 religious sites, 214 buildings of historical or artistic significance, 31 museums, 32 monuments, 15 libraries, and one archive. The destruction of these cultural landmarks has not only distanced Ukrainians from the Russian cultural influence they experienced during Soviet rule but has also sparked a renewed interest in their own cultural heritage, leading to what some have termed a 'Ukrainian cultural boom.

The management at the Hryhoriy Skovoroda Museum had anticipated the possibility of an attack and had taken precautions by relocating many valuable artifacts to safer locations. The museum itself was not located near any military installations, making the missile strike particularly shocking. In contrast, museums in areas occupied by Russian forces have faced a different set of challenges. In Kherson, for instance, Russian troops reportedly plundered the Kherson Art Museum, removing entire truckloads of artworks and historical artifacts under the pretense of 'safekeeping. ' The museum has identified 120 artworks taken to Crimea, another region under Russian control, but the total loss exceeds 10,000 items. Additionally, some museums in occupied territories have had their exhibitions altered for propaganda purposes. An exhibition on Ukraine's modern history in Berdyansk was replaced with one that glorified the Russian military's actions.

Another significant cultural loss occurred with the destruction of the Faktor Druk printing house in Kharkiv, which was essential for Ukrainian book publishing. In May 2023, a missile strike on the facility resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and the destruction of 50,000 books. This attack was widely perceived as a deliberate act against Ukrainian culture. While not every cultural site has been targeted intentionally, many have been damaged due to their proximity to military targets or to render them unusable for Ukrainian officials. The loss of these cultural sites has had a profound impact on the morale of the Ukrainian people. Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, who oversees Unesco's efforts in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of cultural institutions for community cohesion and resilience during wartime. She stated, 'What I've seen is communities really asking for culture and their cultural centres. They recognise its importance for the community and they need it for their resilience. ' Despite the challenges, there is a growing appreciation for Ukrainian culture among the populace. Ishchenko noted that the current situation has led many to value what is at risk of being lost. 'It's like in a relationship: to understand what you've lost, it has to be taken away,' she remarked. This sentiment is echoed in the vibrant cultural scene that continues to thrive, with new bands, performances, and plays emerging across the country. Volunteers have played a crucial role in supporting this cultural revival, providing not only essential supplies but also musical instruments. As UK-based musician Irina Gould shared, 'Children said that music helped them emotionally, it took them to a place where they don't hear bombs or sirens. It helps them enormously.