I am almost certain that you often hear in the news about Ukraine in recent days. I wish it will be more positive topic than war. But you should know that Ukrainians are very peaceful people. We have never encroached on another's land. And like our ancestors, we will defend ours to the last breath.
That's why I picked this photo for the Around The World: Challenge - #40/2. It's a wooden Baturyn Fortress founded in 1625. This cozy and quiet town on the north of Ukraine stands on the river Sejm. During its life it witnessed many political intrigues, military victories and tragedies.
It has became part of the so-called "Putivl frontier" - the eastern fortification line of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Polish presence in the region lasted until the early summer of 1648. Then Baturyn came under the control of the Zaporozhian Army (Kossaks).
It was the residence of Ukrainian Hetmans, among them Ivan Mazepa. In 1708 the city was captured and destroyed by Moscow troops, and its inhabitants were killed.
But in 1750 it again became the residence of the Hetman.
Nowadays, the city has cultural heritage sites that form the National Historical and Cultural Reserve "Hetman's Capital". I visited this place in October 2021 on the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks. The region itself, palaces and the fortress, and the river is very picturesque, especially in autumn.
I wish us and all of you only peace and good, always.
Cheers,
