The 1973 postcard captures the legendary 700-year-old Zaporizhzhia Oak, located on Khortytsia Island in Zaporizhzhia. This natural landmark of republican significance is one of the city’s most famous attractions.
What is shown on the postcard
The foreground of the postcard features the massive trunk and sprawling branches of the Zaporizhzhia Oak, covered with dense green foliage. A well-maintained lawn stretches beneath the tree. In the lower part of the frame, there is a paved path where two young women are standing, observing the tree. The overall scene conveys the tranquility of a summer day.
Historical note
The Zaporizhzhia Oak is the oldest tree in Zaporizhzhia, associated with numerous legends about Zaporozhian Cossacks. It is believed that Bohdan Khmelnytsky gathered his troops under this oak, and Otaman Sirko with the Cossacks wrote a letter to the Turkish Sultan here. At the time of the 1973 postcard, the oak’s age was estimated at 700 years, although modern research suggests an age of approximately 300-400 years. In 1972, the oak received the status of a natural monument. The postcard depicts it in its prime, showcasing its mighty crown and vitality.
Present day
Currently, the Zaporizhzhia Oak is in a critical state. After being struck by lightning in the 1990s and subsequent drying, most of its crown perished. By the 2000s, the tree’s trunk had almost completely dried out. Despite this, the central part of the trunk and one living branch continue to be maintained by specialists. An historical and cultural complex “700-year-old Zaporizhzhia Oak” has been created near the oak, including a museum and a souvenir shop, and young oak trees, descendants of the legendary tree, have been planted.
Location (map)
Address: Zaporizhzhia, Khortytsia Island, Zaporizhzhia Oak
Coordinates: 47.886000, 35.059200
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates obtained from open geoinformation sources..
Questions and answers
- Where is the Zaporizhzhia Oak located? The Zaporizhzhia Oak is located on Khortytsia Island in Zaporizhzhia.
- How old was the oak on the 1973 postcard? At the time of the 1973 postcard, the oak’s age was estimated at 700 years, although modern research suggests an age of approximately 300-400 years.
- What is depicted in the foreground of the postcard? The foreground of the postcard shows the massive trunk and sprawling branches of the Zaporizhzhia Oak, as well as two young women on a paved path.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Zaporizhzhia from 1973.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.