Legends associated with Zaporozhye oak

Zaporozhye oak is a rarity and one of the most important sights of the city, which at the moment is more than 700 years old. Let's get acquainted with him.

Zaporozhye oak: description with photo

The tree is located in the Upper Khortitsa area. Description of the Zaporozhye oak: the height of the tree is 36 m, the diameter of the crown is about 43 m, the trunk in the girth is 6 m, weight is approximately 60 t.

A little less than half a century ago the tree became a protected object, and 7 years ago (from 2010) received the title of "National tree of Ukraine".

For a long time, Nikifor Deikun was following the tree. He kept looking at the oak all the time, guarding and protecting him.

Scientists believe that the true age of the tree exceeds 9 centuries. The first and truthful information about the cult worship of the tree is found in the work of the chronicler of the IX century AD K. Porphyrogenitus. Archaeological research, which has been conducted quite recently, is proved by the statements mentioned in ancient manuscripts.

The territory of the rapids, the Lower Dnieper, the Azov Sea-Lukomorye is a peculiar homeland, thanks to which a large number of ethnic groups and cultures were formed. Aramaic, Iranian, Proto-Bulgarians, Croats, Hungarians, Khazars, Polovtsians - and this is not the whole list of peoples who at one time enjoyed themselves near the tree.

Oak preservation work

In connection with the increase in the level of groundwater, the root system was damaged, and the Zaporozhye oak (photo of the tree can be seen in the article) began to dry out gradually. The sight of the city has long been in a bad state. And about 20 years ago the tree was struck by lightning for the first time, a second hit occurred in 2015.

By decision of the city council in 2009, the territory of the complex is guarded by the All-Ukrainian Federation of Cossack martial arts called "Spas", which was founded and headed by AL Pritula.

At present, work is under way to preserve the tree, since only one branch remains alive. The staff of the center installed poles of metal to support the branches, treated the wood with preservatives, and also strengthened the subsiding soil.

Zaporozhye oak

The tree has always been one of the attractions of the Cossacks. Considering the great importance of this oak as a natural monument, the regional state administration assumed responsibility and on the holiday of the Independence Day of the country 16 years ago created the historical and cultural center "700-year-old Zaporozhye oak". In the implementation of this project, 22 different organizations of the Zaporozhye Territory participated and assisted. The Zaporizhzhrazhdanproekt institute was engaged in design and estimate documentation of the center. The construction of the cultural and historical memorial was due to financial support not from the country's budget, but with the help of the charitable foundation for the promotion of spirituality and culture "Zaporizhzhya shrines."

Now the famous tree is in a lot of tourist booklets, as it is interesting for many guests of the region. The center also offers:

• Chapel of the Protection of the Holy Virgin;
• Theater of the Cossack battle "Zaporizhzhya Savior";
• Current performances for children;
• Horseback riding and riding lessons;
• Cafeteria "Near the Oak";
• A shop with souvenirs.

Also on the territory are sites that are provided for the demonstration of professional theatrical Cossack performances. So, regularly on the land of Zaporizhzhya there are gaming performances for children and performances of the Cossack theater "Zaporizhzhya Savior".

The historical and cultural monument is open from 9am to 9pm.

Legends

There is an opinion that a lot of different legends are associated with the Zaporozhye oak:

• Near the tree the army of Zaporozhye B. Khmelnitsky gathered;
• The ataman of the Zaporozhye Sich, I.Sirko, was writing a letter to the Sultan in Turkey under a tree that is now a landmark in the city of Zaporozhye;
• In the distant XIX century, the poet from Ukraine TG Shevchenko read here the poem "Katerina" written by him;
• According to legend, the Makhnovists wanted to liquidate the tree in the Civil War, and during the Great Patriotic War the Germans were going to send it to Germany.

Without due care, the further life of the 700-year-old oak was a big question. But with the help of appropriate measures taken on time, the city managed to prolong the existence of a legendary tree known all over Ukraine and beyond its borders.