In the Kharkiv region there is a "sweet" city - Izyum. On the map of Ukraine, you can see that it is located in the place where the Dry Izyumets and Wet Izyumets rivers flow into the Seversky Donets. The city is the center of the Izyumsky district. Near it are the villages of Donetsk, Dibrova, Kamenka, Kapitolovka, Pimonovka, Babenkovo. Izyum (city) has an advantageous geographical position. The map will show that the river blocks the path to it from three sides, and behind it is protected by Mount Kremenets (colloquially Kremenets).
A bit of history
It is this position of the city that caused it to see many battles in its history. And although in official written sources one can find references to the city, or rather, to the watchman "Izyumskaya Sakma", only from 1571, scientists are inclined to believe that the age of this settlement should be counted from an earlier time. So, in the territory where it is now located, in the 11th-12th centuries, wars were fought between the Polovtsians and Russian princes, and in 1111 the army led by Vladimir Monomakh won a victory on the Salnitsa River. This riverchronicle, and it is not found on the maps. However, historians are sure that it was a tributary of the Seversky Donets and flowed into it just near the place where Izyum is now located. The city as such was formed, of course, not immediately. In the 16th century, the Izyum sakma was one of the main roads along which the Tatars raided Russia. That is why guard fortifications were erected on Kremenets. And already in the second half of the 17th century, the Izyum fortress was built. The city began to grow gradually around, and since 1685 it has become a regimental one.
The 20th century was also marked by bloodshed in this village. Denikin's brutal reprisals against almost a hundred political prisoners of the Izyum prison. In memory of this tragedy, a white-stone obelisk was erected, located on Mount Kremenets. Brutal battles during the Great Patriotic War. It was here that the Kharkov operation was carried out. Izyum is a city that held back the advance of the Nazis for eight whole months. Nazi Germany rightly considered it a “door” to the Donbass, which is why it was so important for the enemy army to capture it.
Modern City
Now the city of Izyum, Kharkiv region, is a picturesque small town with a population (according to the 2001 census) of just over 56 thousand people. There are still huts along the banks of the river. Walking around the city, you can meet the surviving county houses that were not destroyed by the war. Although five-story buildings predominate in the city. Very close - one of the largest forests in Ukraine. Predominantly pine forestsoccupy about 60,000 hectares of land, and 430 - within the city. The Chervonooskol reservoir is located 9 kilometers away - one of the largest in Eastern Ukraine. In the XIX - XX centuries. The industrial development of the city proceeded by leaps and bounds. The railway that passed through it was extremely important even in tsarist Russia, to say nothing of the times when mining was carried out in large volumes. Izyum became the first city in Russia where they began to produce optical glass. In 1916, the construction of a plant for its production began.
Polovtsian women
Despite the fact that Izyum is a small town, there is a lot to see for travelers who love history. The most ancient monuments include the statues of the so-called "Polovtsian women". There is no consensus among historians about their origin. But there is one legend. According to her, these statues were once people who worshiped the god of the sun. An angry deity once turned them into stone. They did not always stand on the slope of Kremenets. The statues were collected from all over the county. The time of their appearance is approximately the XII century. If we leave aside the legends and talk about scientific hypotheses, then some historians believe that these are idols for worshiping the goddess of fertility. There is, however, another opinion: these stone sculptures are tombstones. Whatever it was, but if you study them, you can get an idea about the life, tools, jewelry, weapons of the ancient nomads.
Memorial complex for the 40th anniversary of the Victory
A memorial was opened on the top of Mount Kremenets on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. It can be seen from anywhere in the city. On the territory there is a monument "Grieving Mother" and the grave of the "Unknown Soldier". The road to the top passes through Victory Park. Somewhat unusual and amazing place. Even the urns in it resemble an exploding shell. There is also a monument representing soldered bombs. Also on the central alley are military equipment from the Second World War. There are artillery pieces, T-34, KV tanks and, of course, the legendary Katyusha. It is at this place that festive events, torchlight processions and fireworks are held annually on May 9.
Savior Transfiguration Cathedral
Izyum is a small town, as already mentioned. It has only three churches, but each of them is worthy of attention. Almost the same age as the city is the Transfiguration Cathedral, built in 1684, shortly after the foundation of the Izyum fortress. In 1751 it was repaired, and in 1886 the complex was supplemented with a bell tower and a vestibule. The next restructuring took place at the beginning of the 20th century. And as a result, the appearance of the temple has changed significantly. It became very reminiscent of buildings in the style of Ukrainian wooden architecture. The Great Patriotic War did not spare the cathedral either. It was very badly damaged. However, already in the 50s of the last century, it began to be reconstructed. As a result, the temple almost regained its original appearance and interior. The walls were cleared of traces of all repairs. And even if it was necessary to restore part of the masonry, the bricks were made using old technologies.
Nikolaev Church
In 1809-1823 Nicholas Church was built. Its other name is the Holy Cross Ex altation Church. Later, side aisles were erected. It is much smaller in size and built in a classic style. And although in terms of architecture it is not so interesting, but the painting of interiors is amazing.
Ascension Church and miraculous icon
Finally, the third temple is the Ascension Church (Holy Ascension Cathedral). It was built in 1792 on the site of an old wooden church. In 1903, side aisles appeared, and the bell tower increased by one tier and became four-tiered. Each of them is made in its own style. The lower one is in harmony with the facade of the church. The second one is square. It is limited by the cornice and window frames. The third has the shape of an octahedron and is decorated with flat porticos with pilasters, reminiscent of the style of the Corinthian order. Triangular gables complete the design.
The Holy Ascension Cathedral is also known for the fact that it houses a relic that the city of Izyum is proud of. Ukraine honors the miraculous icon of the Peschanskaya Mother of God. For the first time she appeared to St. Josaphat of Belgorod. And in 1999 she was found again. And then an unparalleled religious procession was held: for five days, the icon was carried by plane along the Russian borders.
Holy spring
One of the most beloved corners of the city residents and guests is Kirichenkova Krinitsa. It is located near the Holy Ascension Cathedral. Topeople often come to the spring to draw healing water. A chapel-bath was built nearby. They say that by visiting this holy place, you can get rid of many ailments and wash away all sins. To take a dip in the bath, you need to take a cotton shirt with you. And inside you need to be quiet, keep clean.
The City of Izyum, whose photos show its unusualness and beauty, is permeated with warmth and comfort.
