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When the Soviet union collapsed in 1991, some took it harder than the others. Namely the South-Eastern part of Moldova, which decided to stay loyal to the ideals of Communism and declared itself a separate country of Transnistria.
When the photographer Julia Autz heard about it, she had to go down there and investigate for herself: "I wanted to see if I could discover how it feels to live in a country with such an uncertain future," she told the Huck Magazine.
What she found was a self-proclaimed republic with its own currency, border controls, a parliament, a national anthem, and citizenship. Yet all of these things are not recognized by the outside world or even Russia, which is still perceived as a beacon of hope among the Transnistrians who dream of a better future.
The ones who didn't make the choice of this life in seclusion are the youth of Transnistria: "Many young people want to leave Transnistria because it’s increasingly difficult to find a job that pays enough, not to mention the degrees of the Transnistrian University aren’t even recognized outside of the country. So many kids told me they dream of studying abroad in Russia."
In March 2014, during the Ukraine crisis and the annexation of Crimea, the Transnistrian government asked to become a part of Russia, which eventually didn't happen and this paints an even foggier picture of the Transnistria's future.
More info: Julia Autz (h/t: demilked)
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Susanna Vesna 8 years ago
The big fans of Ukraine wear these colours, cz they are the colours of the Ukrainian flag...
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John L 8 years ago
Even in a society where everything is controlled by the State, there are still citizens who go out of their way to show their unique individualism, which makes them different from all others.
Kira Thesloth 8 years ago
I think the only reason you got downvoted here is because the people in the photo are purposely displaying unity rather than trying to show individualism.
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#2
John L 8 years ago
Its so sad when the only thing of which one is proud, is only what the State decides to give you. No property, no land, no automobile, because the State owns all of that. Welcome to Communism, Collectivism at its finest. :(
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Pierre Rolyat 8 years ago
Reminds me of a 1950's corner shop with those brands 'Outspan' oranges, 'Tide' detergent.
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Jamie Walker 8 years ago
I have an almost identical birthmark slightly more on the center of my shin. That's so cool!
#10
Lemur 8 years ago
Where douchebags don't bully normal people, but become best friends with them.
jacluckycat 8 years ago
... Because their youth plays at the lake? What is actually your problem with these people?
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Mirriam Banda 8 years ago
But do they teach just like most other countries? (not trying to be rude by the way).
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#12
Lara-Andrea Beck 8 years ago
I love the atmosphere in this picture. Kinda sad but i do see some positive thoughts in this. Beautiful.
Jerie Ragsac 8 years ago
it's probably photoshopped to give that atmosphere. But whatever tickles your imagination
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#13
Jerie Ragsac 8 years ago
"dreary, ugly place" is HOME for some. And this is why there are rich and poor. Some people judge others by the appearance of their houses. But not every mansion is a home. For example, the Kardashian Estate
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bern Habubbi 8 years ago
How does the rainbow apple logo fit in with this? I feel I'm missing something
#18
Monika Przymuszala 8 years ago
It's on the way... they probably can't find the address ;)
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#21
John L 8 years ago
I wonder how those two would cope, if they were suddenly dropped in the middle of Western Europe, or North America?
nike.bordom 8 years ago
From what I read, people there are quite pro-russian. And I guess a lot of people from the former soviet "republics" would feel very alienated outside of Russia.
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#32
Alberto Curutchet 8 years ago
I can see a Lambda-class T-4a pidgeon... ok, sorry for being so nerd.
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What do you think ?
Nadya 8 years ago
There are a lot of places in Russia still that look like from Soviet Union, if you will just move little bit further from big cities.
Susanna Vesna 8 years ago
Another post trying to make people look like some rare zoo animals...There are cities in Ukraine and Russia, which look exactly like this...Didn't see anything new in it. However, I don't think it is right to be stubborn and make your own people suffer, when even Russia does not recognize them. It is time to move on! Yes, we all make choices which look right at the time, and we shouldn't condemn ourselves or others for them. One day the choices of today will look stupid and wrong...
John L 8 years ago
Have you noticed that in spite of all the State enforced sameness, poverty, and ideological Collectivism, there is still a strong sense of Individualism on the personal level. The unique clothing that many choose to embellish shows that people really want to be different from all the others, even though it is all they can afford, or be allowed to own. So Sad. :(
Sally Brite 8 years ago
What "collectivism" are you talking about? Ignorance. So Sad. :(
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Gheorghita Maria 8 years ago
Transnistria is part of Moldova. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transnistria
Oskaras Brežinskas 8 years ago
Photographing people in an artistic way for me doesnt show what is happening in that country and how people are living there. I would much more like to see pictures of peoples livestyle, their work and what do they do on theyr free time , rather than trying to be artistic with pictures and not showing the full story of a country.
Nadya 8 years ago
There are a lot of places in Russia still that look like from Soviet Union, if you will just move little bit further from big cities.
Susanna Vesna 8 years ago
Another post trying to make people look like some rare zoo animals...There are cities in Ukraine and Russia, which look exactly like this...Didn't see anything new in it. However, I don't think it is right to be stubborn and make your own people suffer, when even Russia does not recognize them. It is time to move on! Yes, we all make choices which look right at the time, and we shouldn't condemn ourselves or others for them. One day the choices of today will look stupid and wrong...
John L 8 years ago
Have you noticed that in spite of all the State enforced sameness, poverty, and ideological Collectivism, there is still a strong sense of Individualism on the personal level. The unique clothing that many choose to embellish shows that people really want to be different from all the others, even though it is all they can afford, or be allowed to own. So Sad. :(
Sally Brite 8 years ago
What "collectivism" are you talking about? Ignorance. So Sad. :(
Load More Replies... Gheorghita Maria 8 years ago
Transnistria is part of Moldova. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transnistria
Oskaras Brežinskas 8 years ago
Photographing people in an artistic way for me doesnt show what is happening in that country and how people are living there. I would much more like to see pictures of peoples livestyle, their work and what do they do on theyr free time , rather than trying to be artistic with pictures and not showing the full story of a country.
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