Digitising the past: Chisinau's Polish cemetery preserved online
Over 70 graves of Polish and Polish-origin individuals at Chisinau's historic Roman Catholic Cemetery have been preserved through a digital mapping initiative undertaken by the Polish Women's League of Moldova.
The project, spanning over a year, safeguards vital information about this cultural haven that dates back to the early 19th century.
The "Polish Cemetery," as it's popularly known, housed not only ordinary citizens but also prominent figures like cultural patrons, noble families, and notable architects. Standing amongst its monuments are two unique architectural treasures from the early 20th century, including the neo-Gothic Ohanowicz-Demianowicz family tomb chapel.
However, time and neglect have taken their toll, particularly on the chapel. "It's sadly abandoned," lamented Tamara Ababii, president of the Polish Women's League. "Doors were intact a decade ago, but now it attracts vagrants and sects. On sunny days, remnants of stained glass barely whisper its former glory."
The cemetery faced further upheaval during the Soviet era and a devastating earthquake in 1977, leading to the loss of numerous graves. This motivated the League to create a virtual record of the remaining plots.
"We meticulously photographed each grave based on a comprehensive list," Ababii explained. "Our online platform lets visitors find the name of the deceased along with a picture of their final resting place. This is crucial for people searching for their roots. While ancestral remains might be lost to time, at least their memory can be preserved."
Adding to the cemetery's preservation efforts, Polish restorers, under the "Protection of Cultural Heritage Abroad" program, have been diligently restoring Polish graves and tombstones since 2015.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
