On March 26, the 'Bukovinian Diaspora' department hosted a presentation of the reprint edition of the ethnographic map of Bukovina, compiled by Arkadiy Zhukovsky based on the 1910 Bukovina population census. The reprinting was initiated by Volodymyr Staryk, Head of the 'Ukrainian People's House' society.
The original of this map was published as an appendix to a large-scale fundamental work, which came about on A. Zhukovsky's initiative, but was made possible by the joint efforts of a group of like-mindedBukovinians who were in emigration. This is the book 'Bukovyna. Its Past and Present,' which was published in 1956 in the diaspora. It would be more accurate to write 'Book' with a capital letter, as it truly is a monumental work by a large number of people for whom the truthful interpretation of the history and cultural heritage of Ukraine and Bukovina, in particular, was paramount!
It is therefore not surprising that this interesting meeting took place in the 'Bukovinian Diaspora' department, where, through the joint efforts of the Ukrainian People's House, the Chernivtsi Regional Museum of Local Lore, the Chernivtsi Regional Council, the Scientific Library of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, and scholars from Chernivtsi National University, the memory of the prominent Bukovinian, academician, encyclopedist, and public figure – Arkadiy Ilarionovych Zhukovsky – was honored. Each of the speakers (Mykola Huitor, Oleksandr Dobzhanskyi, Zayachuk Myroslav Valeriy Rudenko, Viktor Pavliuk, Larysa Vornik) shared interesting memories of their interactions with this extraordinary personality.
Arkadiy Zhukovsky always advocated for the liberation of his homeland from the Moscow occupation authorities. Many of his words proved prophetic. The events of that time, the time of the 'Cold War,' echo with the present day. However, it is now in the active, hot phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war. But, as Arkadiy Zhukovsky himself said back in the pivotal year of 1991 for us: 'God is working for Ukraine! We must win!'
And it is very important, after our Victory, to draw the right conclusions!
And for this, we will again turn to the works of the distinguished Bukovinian. The archive of Arkadiy Zhukovsky, preserved at the Scientific Library of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, his scholarly legacy, and the monumental publication – 'Bukovyna. Its Past and Present' – will continue to inspire scholars, public figures, students, Bukovinians, Ukrainians – all who cherish their history and culture. And prompt them to preserve and popularize their national heritage.
