This 1984 postcard from Zaporizhzhia is a diptych, featuring a bustling Lenin Avenue and the solemn Memorial Complex in honor of Soviet Army Soldiers.
What is shown on the postcard
The left part of the postcard captures Lenin Avenue (now Sobornyi Avenue), a main thoroughfare of the city. A multi-story building with a large portrait of Karl Marx on its facade is visible, characteristic of the Soviet era. The roadway shows active traffic with cars, buses, and trolleybuses, while pedestrians occupy the sidewalk. Other multi-apartment buildings form the urban landscape in the background.
The right part of the postcard is dedicated to the Memorial Complex in honor of Soviet Army Soldiers. Its central element is a monumental bronze statue of a female figure, known as ‘Motherland’, with a flowing banner behind her and an oak branch in her hand. In front of the statue, there is a granite platform featuring the Eternal Flame in the shape of a five-pointed star. The complex is surrounded by dense greenery, lending it a solemn and secluded appearance. A person, presumably a child in a school uniform, is visible near the Eternal Flame.
Historical note
The Memorial Complex in honor of Soviet Army Soldiers was inaugurated in Zaporizhzhia in 1975, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. It was erected to honor the memory of soldiers and officers who fell in battles for the city’s liberation from Nazi invaders. Until 2016, the main street where the complex is located was known as Lenin Avenue, reflecting the ideological orientation of the time.
Present day
As a result of decommunization in Ukraine, Lenin Avenue was renamed Sobornyi Avenue in 2016. The Memorial Complex continues to be a significant place of remembrance and an important landmark in Zaporizhzhia. Commemorative events are held here annually, and the tradition of honoring the fallen at the Eternal Flame is maintained.
Location (map)
Address: Sobornyi Avenue, Zaporizhzhia
Coordinates: 47.830900, 35.184300
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: OpenStreetMap and Google Maps data for Glory Memorial in Zaporizhzhia.
Questions and answers
- What does the 1984 postcard depict? The postcard depicts Lenin Avenue (now Sobornyi Avenue) with a multi-story building adorned with a portrait of Karl Marx, and the Memorial Complex in honor of Soviet Army Soldiers featuring the ‘Motherland’ monument and the Eternal Flame in Zaporizhzhia.
- When was the Memorial Complex in honor of Soviet Army Soldiers inaugurated? The Memorial Complex was inaugurated in Zaporizhzhia in 1975, on the 30th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, to commemorate those who fell for the city’s liberation.
- What is Lenin Avenue in Zaporizhzhia called today? As a result of decommunization in 2016, Lenin Avenue was renamed Sobornyi Avenue.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Zaporizhzhia from 1984.
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