Bakhchisarai. Entrance to the city 1970

Yuriy Khymych painted this view of Bakhchisarai, likely in Soviet Ukraine, using oil on cardboard. Its stylized shapes and muted palette invite us to consider its cultural context. Bakhchisarai, in Crimea, has a rich history reflecting cultural exchange between the Crimean Tatars, Ottoman Turks, and later, the Russian and Soviet empires. The minaret prominently placed in the composition marks the town's Islamic heritage, suppressed during the Soviet era. Khymych’s architectural paintings often highlighted historical sites, preserving cultural memory amidst Soviet urban development. But was his interest purely preservationist, or did it carry a subtle critique of Soviet cultural policies? This question encourages us to dig into archives, explore exhibition histories, and delve into the socio-political context of Soviet Ukraine. Only then can we understand how Khymych's image engages with the complex politics of cultural identity.