**Ukrainian Community Gifts Larnaca Sculpture Honouring 18th-Century Traveller**
Larnaca, Cyprus – A bronze sculpture commemorating the 18th-century traveller Vasil Hryhorovich-Barsky was unveiled in Larnaca on Monday, marking a significant cultural milestone for both the local and Ukrainian communities. The sculpture, a donation from the Obiimy Cyprus Cultural Centre and Sushko Philanthropy, celebrates the contributions of Barsky, a Kiev-born explorer who documented the landscapes and inhabitants of Cyprus nearly 300 years ago.
The unveiling took place at the Obiimy Cyprus Cultural Centre, located on Grigoris Afxentiou street. This event is notable as it represents the first time the “Shukai!” project has extended its reach outside of Ukraine, with Larnaca chosen as the site for this important artwork. Organisers view the sculpture as a symbol of the enduring relationship between Cyprus and Ukraine.
Anna Sushko, co-founder of both the Obiimy Cyprus Cultural Centre and Sushko Philanthropy, expressed the significance of this gift. “Cyprus has become a second home for many Ukrainians,” she stated, highlighting the strong and welcoming nature of the local community. Sushko pointed out the deep historical ties between the two nations, noting that Barsky's travels to Cyprus occurred over three centuries ago. “Today, we continue that bond through culture,” she added.
The “Shukai!” project, which has been active for nearly a decade, aims to share the story of Kiev through small bronze artworks. To date, 52 sculptures have been installed in various locations throughout the Ukrainian capital. The decision to place the first international sculpture in Cyprus reflects not only the historical connections but also the presence of a substantial Ukrainian community on the island, which numbers over 30,000 residents.
Larnaca’s deputy mayor, Iasonas Iasonidis, welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the contributions of the Ukrainian community to the local society. “We’re proud to have the Sushko family and the Obiimy Cultural Centre in Larnaca,” he remarked, emphasizing the community's vital role in enhancing the cultural fabric of the city.
The sculpture pays tribute to Vasil Hryhorovich-Barsky, who was born in Kiev in 1701. Barsky embarked on extensive travels in 1724, spending 24 years exploring Europe and the eastern Mediterranean despite facing numerous challenges, including illness. His journeys took him to Cyprus on five separate occasions, where he produced detailed accounts and sketches that provide valuable insights into life on the island during the 18th century. His writings document various aspects of Cypriot life, including settlements, religious sites, customs, and daily activities, making them significant primary sources for historians.
Barsky was particularly welcomed in Cyprus due to Kiev's prominence as a centre of Orthodox Christianity, and his interactions with local communities were marked by mutual respect. He returned to Kiev in 1747, where he passed away later that same year.
At the unveiling ceremony, project adviser Lyola Filimonova underscored the importance of Barsky’s work in understanding the historical ties between Cyprus and Ukraine. “He identified as a pilgrim from Kiev and respected the countries he visited, especially Cyprus,” she noted, emphasizing that Barsky's legacy serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted cultural connections between the two nations.
The organisers hope that the sculpture will inspire visitors to delve into the shared history of Cyprus and Ukraine. The artwork is accessible to the public daily from 10 am to 5 pm at the Obiimy Cyprus Cultural Centre, which not only promotes Ukrainian culture but also serves as a community hub for various cultural and educational initiatives. Sushko Philanthropy continues to support projects worldwide that foster cultural exchange and education, while the Shukai! project highlights Kiev’s rich history through public art.
This unveiling represents a significant cultural exchange and a celebration of the historical bonds that unite Cyprus and Ukraine, reflecting the ongoing contributions of the Ukrainian community to the island’s multicultural landscape.