This province is the historical seat of the medieval principality of Moldavia, now part of Romania. It came under Moldavian rule in the XIV century, and it was a part of it until 1775, when the Austrian Empire annexed it, following the negotiations at the end of the Russian-Turkish war. It would appear the name Bukovina or Bukowina came into effect during the Austrian ruling of this province, perhaps linked to the name of the Austrian governor, general Bukow. However, it would appear that the name Bukovina has been also in use prior to that.
Bukovina is now split between Ukraine and Romania, but in the medieval times this area contained the seat of power for the Moldavian rulers. For Romanians, it is the birth place of Moldova and the area is now locally named “northern Moldova” (Nordul Moldovei, in Romanian language). It is where the old fortress of Suceava is located, and also where the most Moldavian medieval monasteries and monuments are situated.
The churches with external mural paintings of northern Moldavia, built from the late 15th century to the late 16th century, are masterpieces inspired by Byzantine art, now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. For me, as a native Moldavian, it is the place that it appeals to me mostly, much more so than Bucharest.
A few pictures here, not as many as I would have liked to show. There are still tens of folders to look through, in order to be able to find and organize all Minox photographs of this area (and others). So, while not the best Minox photographs, they represent a place which is close to my Moldavian heart and soul.
Medieval fresco, XVI-th century, Moldavian monastery
All photographs in Bukovina here, taken with Minox 8×11 camera, on 9.2 own slit flims and own process.