Bessarabia Collection

Devils Balalaika
Wedding guests of Bessarabia, Russia, foolishly dance in a graveyard, find themselves dancing to the Devils balalaika; when he stops they turn into a circle of stones

Romania: Cetatea Alba fortress, Bessarabia (b / w photo)
6017417 Romania: Cetatea Alba fortress, Bessarabia (b/w photo) by Hielscher, Kurt (1881-1948); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cetatea Alba fortress, Bessarabia)

Romania: Peasant house in Bessarabia (b / w photo)
6017405 Romania: Peasant house in Bessarabia (b/w photo) by Hielscher, Kurt (1881-1948); Private Collection; (add.info.: Peasant house in Bessarabia)

Romania: Hotin fortress, Bessarabia (b / w photo)
6017408 Romania: Hotin fortress, Bessarabia (b/w photo) by Hielscher, Kurt (1881-1948); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hotin fortress, Bessarabia)

Romania: Windmills in Bessarabia (b / w photo)
6017402 Romania: Windmills in Bessarabia (b/w photo) by Hielscher, Kurt (1881-1948); Private Collection; (add.info.: Windmills in Bessarabia)

European Turkey, Akermann and the Pruth (engraving)
1097146 European Turkey, Akermann and the Pruth (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: European Turkey, Akermann and the Pruth)

A Picturesque Map of the Seat of War, in the Danubian Provinces, Turkey, Asia Minor, Southern Russia
1607993 A Picturesque Map of the Seat of War, in the Danubian Provinces, Turkey, Asia Minor, Southern Russia, and the Crimea (engraving) by English School

Russian army captured Izmail fortress in 1790, 1829. Artist: Anonymous
Russian army captured Izmail fortress in 1790, 1829. From a private collection

The Battle of Rymnik on September 22, 1789, 1829. Artist: Anonymous
The Battle of Rymnik on September 22, 1789, 1829. From a private collection

Russian army captured Izmail fortress. Artist: Usypenko, Fyodor Pavlovich (1917-?)
Russian army captured Izmail fortress. Found in the collection of the State Central Artillery Museum, St. Petersburg

Racial / Bessarabia Girl
A girl from Bessarabia, Romania Date: 1939

Leper Colony
A group of octogenarian lepers in the colony at Valcov in Bessarabia circa 1900. (Photo by Kean Collection/Getty Images)

Design for the new gallery of busts and pictures, and so far will I trust thee gentle Kate, Henry 4th, part 1st, Gillray, James, 1756-1815, engraving 1792

Design For The New Gallery Of Busts And Pictures, And So Far Will I Trust Thee Gentle Kate, Henry 4th, Part 1st, Gillray, James, 1756-1815, Engraving 1792

ROMANIA: MOUTH OF DANUBE. A view of the mouth of the Danube River at Sulina, Romania (then a part of the Russian Empire), on the Black Sea. Steel engraving, English, 1844, after William Henry Bartlett

Bessarabia - Moldova
Bessarabia (which became Moldova) - typical village scene. Lucky storks nesting on the roof! Date: circa 1910s

Romanian Peasants Panic
Panic breaks out when a mobile cinema gives peasants of Bessarabia, Romania, their first glimpse of the wonders of cinematography !

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"Bessarabia: A Land of Rich History and Contrasting Landscapes" Step into the captivating world of Bessarabia, a region steeped in history and adorned with picturesque landscapes. From the haunting melodies of the Devil's Balalaika to the somber images captured in sepia photographs, this land has witnessed both triumphs and tragedies. One such tragic event that left an indelible mark on Bessarabian history was the Kishinev massacre, depicted vividly in L'Assiette au Beurre. The mortuary from this conflict stands as a stark reminder of the anti-Semitic uprising that shook Kishinyov in 1903. But amidst these dark chapters, there is also beauty to be found. Cetatea Alba fortress rises proudly against a black-and-white backdrop, showcasing Romania's historical presence in Bessarabia. Peasant houses dotting the countryside tell tales of resilience and simplicity, while windmills stand tall against an endless sky. Battles have shaped this land too; Akermann and Pruth bear witness to European Turkey's struggles for dominance over these lands. Engravings like "A Picturesque Map" provide glimpses into conflicts spanning Danubian Provinces, Turkey, Asia Minor, Southern Russia, and Crimea. In 1790 and again in 1829, Russian forces celebrated their victories by capturing Izmail fortress during battles like Rymnik. Anonymous artists immortalized these moments through their artistry - testaments to bravery and military prowess. As you explore Bessarabia's rich tapestry woven with tragedy and triumphs alike, let its stories unfold before you. Discover a land where history echoes through every corner - where past clashes with present against breathtaking backdrops that will leave you awe-inspired at every turn.