Zaporozhye oak is a rarity and one of the main attractions of the city, which at the moment is more than 700 years old. Let's get to know him.
Zaporozhye oak: description with photo
The tree is located in the Upper Khortytsya area. Description of Zaporozhye oak: the tree is 36 m in height, the crown diameter is about 43 m, the trunk in girth is 6 m, weight is about 60 tons.
A little less than half a century ago, the tree became a protected object, and 7 years ago (since 2010) received the title of “National Tree of Ukraine”.
For a long time, Nicephorus Deikun followed the tree. All the while I watched the oak tree, guarding and guarding it.
Scientists believe that the true age of the tree exceeds 9 centuries. The first and true information about the cult worship of the tree is in the work of the chronicler of the 9th century AD K. Bagryanorodny. Archaeological investigations, which have been conducted quite recently, prove the statements mentioned in ancient manuscripts.
The territory of the rapids, the Lower Dnieper, the Sea of Azov-Lukomorye is a kind of homeland, thanks to which a large number of ethnic groups and cultures were formed. Aramaic, Iranian, proto-Bulgarians, Croats, Hungarians, Khazars, Polovtsy - and this is not the whole list of peoples who once had fun near the tree.
Oak conservation work
Due to the increase in groundwater level, the root system was damaged, and Zaporizhzhya oak (photo of the tree can be seen in the article) began to gradually dry up. The attraction of the city has long been in poor condition. And about 20 years ago, a tree was struck by lightning for the first time, a second hit occurred in 2015.
According to the decision of the City Council in 2009, the territory of the complex is taken care of by the All-Ukrainian Federation of Cossack Martial Arts under the name "Spas", which was founded and headed by A. L. Pritula.
Currently, work is underway to preserve the tree, since only one branch remained alive. The staff of the center installed metal poles in order to maintain the branches, treated the wood with preservatives, and also strengthened the sagging soil.
Zaporozhye oak
The tree has always been one of the attractions of the Cossacks. Given the great importance of this oak tree as a natural monument, the regional state administration took responsibility and set up the 700-year-old Zaporozhye Oak historical and cultural center 16 years ago on the Independence Day of the country. In the implementation of this project, 22 different organizations of the Zaporizhzhya Territory participated and assisted. The design and estimate documentation of the center was dealt with by the Zaporizhzhgrazhdanproekt Institute. The construction of the cultural and historical memo took place thanks to financial support not from the budget of the country, but with the help of the Zaporizhzhya Shrines charitable foundation for the development of spirituality and culture.
Now the famous tree is in many tourist booklets, as it is interesting to many guests of the region. The center also offers:
- Chapel of the Protection of the Holy Virgin;
- Cossack battle theater "Zaporizhzhy Spas";
- acting performances for children;
- horseback riding and riding lessons;
- Oak Cafeteria;
- souvenir shop.
Also on the territory are sites that are intended for the demonstration of professional theatrical Cossack performances. So, regularly on the ground of Zaporizhzhya there are game performances for children and performances of the Cossack theater "Zaporizhzhy Spas".
The working hours of the historical and cultural monument are from 9am to 9pm.
Legends
There is an opinion that many different legends are associated with Zaporozhye oak:
- near the tree the army of Zaporizhzhya B. Khmelnitsky gathered;
- the ataman of the Zaporizhzhya Sich I. Sirko under a tree, which is currently a landmark of the city of Zaporozhye, wrote a letter to the Sultan in Turkey;
- in the distant XIX century, the poet from Ukraine T. G. Shevchenko re-read here the poem "Katerina" written by him;
- According to legend, the Makhnovists wanted to eliminate the tree during the Civil War, and during the Great Patriotic War the Germans were going to send it to Germany.
Without proper custody, the further life of the 700-year-old oak tree was a big question. But with the help of appropriate measures taken on time, the city managed to extend the existence of the legendary tree known throughout Ukraine and beyond.