Around thirty icons from the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova feature Saint Nicholas the Hierarch and Miracle Worker. While most represent the later iconographic tradition, a few early images stand out as rare examples due to their composition. In the icon "Saint Nicholas with Scenes from His Life", the hierarch is depicted bust-length, blessing the Gospel. He is framed by two round medallions showing Christ and the Mother of God, who hand him the Gospel and the omophorion. Saint Nicholas, earlier than other saints, was portrayed with scenes from his hagiographic cycle. The first images of his life date back to the 11th century, represented on a folding icon from the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai.
The museum icon dates from the early 19th century, preserving the traditional chest format typical of classical icons. Twelve panels illustrate episodes from the saint's life, arranged from left to right: four on the upper register, four on the lower, and two on each side, as follows: Birth of Saint Nicholas (1), Baptism of Saint Nicholas (2), Miracle of Healing the Crippled Woman (3), Apprenticeship of Young Nicholas (4), Ordination as Deacon (5), Ordination as Bishop (6) Vision of Constantine (7), Saint Nicholas Saves Three Voivodes from Execution (8), Miracle of Rescue from Drowning (9), Miracle of Saving Basil from the Arabs (10), Dormition of Saint Nicholas (11), Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas to Bari (12).
Saint Nicholas the Hierarch is commemorated by the Orthodox Church twice a year: on December 6/19, the day of his birth, and on May 9/22, the day his relics were transferred from Myra to Bari (1087). Among all saints of the Christian world, the image of Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular, easily recognizable even to those unfamiliar with iconography.
He was born in the Roman Empire, at Patara in the province of Lycia, between 260-280, though early sources omit the exact date. Coming from a wealthy family, he rejected fame and luxury. From an early age he devoted himself to prayer and the study of Holy Scripture, while also mastering other disciplines. He avoided noisy gatherings and idle talk, attended church regularly, and pursued a life of chastity. Later he dedicated himself to pastoral ministry, defending the Christian faith with perseverance and firmly opposing heresies. Through his care for people and the benefactions he performed everywhere, he became highly venerated not only in Myra but also in the surrounding regions. The grace of the Holy Spirit dwelling in his heart was revealed through miracles performed both during his life and after his death, earning him the enduring title of "Miracle Worker." Saint Nicholas passed away in the 330s (circa 334-337), and his remains were placed in a sumptuous marble tomb in the episcopal cathedral where he had served for many years. This soon became an important center of pilgrimage. Holy Tradition has preserved with accuracy the features of his portrait, and his appearance in icons is marked by a distinct individuality. Ecclesiastical art has produced numerous iconographic representations, ranging from bust images to full-length depictions. The diversity of these representations suggests that the final iconography of Saint Nicholas was not yet established, taking shape only in the 10th-11th centuries. It is said that an authentic icon from the basilica in Myra, executed during the saint's lifetime and mentioned in written sources as early as the 11th century, played a significant role in his veneration. Icons depicting the hagiographic cycle of Saint Nicholas spread widely in both Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, confirming the importance and popularity of his cult.
The Gagauz in the context of the Romanian-Turkish relations in the period from 1918 to 1940: History and personalities
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IX [XXIV], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie Chișinău, 2015
Abstract
The article first introduces unknown documents from the archives of Turkey, Romania and the Republic of Moldova related to the "Gagauz problem" in the context of the Romanian-Turkish relations. The authors have paid attention mainly on the education field, where Turkish cultural and ideological influence was the most noticeable. In the dissemination of the policy of the Turkish identity among the Gagauz in Bessarabia, Turkish government largely relied on Gagauz intellectuals and the youth. Therefore, Turkish teachers Zahit Mehmet Boztuna, Hasan Belal Kilic Ahmed Mehmed, Sali Ismail, Osman Abdullah, Ali and Bayram Cantarelli, and others were sent to Gagauz villages. They had an appropriate authorization from the Romanian Ministry of National Education to teach Turkish language for two hours a week and provided the training in the Gagauz and Bulgarian-Gagauz villages of Comrat, Congaz, Kubey, Chadir-Lunga, Congaz, etc. According to some reports, their activities were funded from the Turkish and partly from the Romanian budget. At the same time, the Turkish government encouraged Gagauz young people to enter secondary, high and specialized secondary schools in Ankara and Istanbul. Students were guaranteed a hostel, training for the budget account and scholarships. The article reflects a huge role of the Turkish Ambassador in Romania Hamdullah Subhi Tanriyover (1931-1944), who initiated and conducted most of the work on the organization of Turkish language teaching in Gagauz villages, provision of textbooks and teacher training.
List of the illustrations (photographs from St. S. Bulgar's personal archive): Fig. 1. The Turkish Ambassador in Romania Hamdullah Subhi Tanriyover (1931-1944). Fig. 2. Turkish teacher Osman Abdullah and his wife Anastasia (Sakally). Kubey village, 1940. Fig. 3. School-leaving certificate of Semen Vasilyevich Donchev (born in 1931) from the village of Cîrlaneni, signed by the school director Ali Cantarell (former teacher of Turkish language). 20.08.1946. Fig. 4. Gagauz students during studying in the Men's Teacher Training College. Istanbul, 1939. Fig. 5. Gagauz students with the teachers during the studies in the Men's Teacher Training College. Istanbul, 1939. Fig. 6. Building of a male school. Istanbul, 1930s. Fig. 7. Sleeping quarters of a male school. Istanbul, 1930s. Fig. 8. Gagauz students while studying in the Men's Teacher Training College. Istanbul, 1938. Fig. 9. The order signed by the President of Turkey Atatürk: the admission to study at the Galatasaray High School. Istanbul, 1934. Fig. 10. Building of the Galatasaray High School. Istanbul, 2014. Fig. 11. Magazine "VARLIK" (1939, ѡ 139), which published the works of folklore collected by P. Zavrak in Gagauz villages of Bessarabia. Fig. 12. Brothers Pyotr and Dimitry Zavrak (left to right). Turkey, 1941. Fig. 13. Intellectuals of Vulcanești village with representatives of the Romanian authorities in 1939 (Irina Bulgar stands in the second row, third from right). Fig. 14. Emin Mutaf (George Mutafov), Vice President of the Aegean University in Izmir, Turkey. 1960s. Fig. 15. Vasily Chebanov (Özdemir Chobanoglu) while studying in the Bolgrad Grammar School (in center, in a white hat). 1937. Fig. 16. Vasily Chebanov (Özdemir Chobanoglu). Fig. 17. Letter from Hamdullaha Subhi Tanryѐver to Özdemir Chobanoglu (Vasily Chebanov). 04.28.1964. Fig. 18. Teacher's Certificate issued to Özdemir Chobanoglu (Vasily Chebanov) by the Ministry of Culture of Turkey in 1939. Fig. 19. Musicologist and composer Veysel Arseven (Vasily Ёkyuzchyu) with his family. Ankara, Turkey, 1960s. Fig. 20. Director of the Galatasaray High School Ali Kaigy (George Kaikeyi). Istanbul, 1965. Fig. 21. From the personal file of the French language teacher Ali Kaigy (George Kaikeyi), Galatasaray High School. Istanbul, 1965. Fig. 22. Undocumented immigrants, issued to Mete Kargalyk (Dimitry Gargalic) in 1940 in the Republic of Turkey. Fig. 23. Certificate of assigning an oҌcer rank, issued to Mete Kargalyk (Dimitry Gargalic) after service in the Turkish army. 1947.
Ivan Duminica
The policy of the Russian Empire aimed at the granting of privileges to Bulgarian colonists in Bessarabia in the first half of 19th century
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Around thirty icons from the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova feature Saint Nicholas the Hierarch and Miracle Worker. While most represent the later iconographic tradition, a few early images stand out as rare examples due to their composition...
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
