Rotunda Controversy in Alushta
A promised replica of the rotunda in occupied Alushta failed to open by May 31, the city's day, missing its deadline. The new structure differs from the original with a different inscription on its pediment. The original rotunda was demolished using heavy machinery under the guise of restoration. The occupation authorities had estimated the restoration costs at nearly 10 million rubles.
The project faced multiple delays: initially slated for completion by the May holidays in February, the date was then pushed to May 31 in April. Yet, as of June, the site remained fenced off with construction trailers and scattered materials. The head of the Russian-appointed city administration, Galina Ogneva, claimed that
"work is proceeding strictly on schedule."
History of the Rotunda
The original semi-rotunda was built in 1951, designed by engineer Oleksandr Gryzo, and was recognized as a cultural heritage site. Its frieze originally bore a quote from Article 119 of the USSR Constitution:
"Citizens of the USSR have the right to rest."Later, the inscription was changed to 'Alushta – a resort.' The new replica features the original Soviet-era quote on its pediment: 'Citizens of the USSR have the right to rest.'
As a result, the opening of the rotunda replica in Alushta remains uncertain, with no confirmed completion date in sight.
This situation highlights the challenges in executing cultural heritage projects in occupied regions. The destruction of original architectural landmarks and their replacement with replicas that do not always match the historical context raises concerns about preserving the region's cultural identity and historical memory. The ongoing developments surrounding the rotunda could shape public perception of the occupation authorities and their cultural initiatives in the area.