The systematic research in parts of the city is essential for confirming the role, value and importance of urban archeology, for knowing the past and developing the urban territory, said archeologists of the State Teacher Training University “Ion Creangă” who carried out research on several archeological sites in Chisinau. According to them, the first discoveries can prompt new research so as to detect those traces and somehow bring them back to the urban landscape, while the inhabitants and visitors of Chisinau will be able to learn about this reality.
In a news conference staged by IPN, Ion Tentiuc, a member of the research team, said the archeology of Chisinau is at the incipient stage. “In Europe, urban archeology started in the 19th century, while in Chisinau it began in the 21st century. I’m glad that bright minds appeared, which realize the role and purpose of archeology for knowing history,” stated the archeologist.
The archeologists of “Ion Creangă” University carried out research on two sites in Chisinau – “Constantine and Helen” Church, around the Visterniceni cemetery, and the Old Market of the Chisinau Fair, where Maternity Hospital No. 2 is currently located. Ion Tentiuc said the discoveries are impressive and the investigations are solid, even if they were conducted slowly. There are yet many unknowns, but Chisinau gradually starts to shine.
“Archeology deserves to be supported. By our efforts, we try to cast more light on the past of Chisinau and these efforts deserve to be supported by the authorities,” stated Ion Tentiuc.
Research team member Ion Ursu said the archeological research in Chisinau so far was sporadic. “In 2022, we can already speak about the start of systematic research. The research was sporadic and the archeologists usually went behind the bulldozer to save what could be yet saved. Regrettably, not many sites and untouched places that can provide extensive information and can be turned into tourist attractions remained in Chisinau,” noted the archeologist.
Coordinator of the archeological excavations Sergiu Musteață, doctor habilitate, of “Ion Creangă” University, said the first investigations are encouraging. “We do not stop here. The contract is valid for 11 months and we go on. Excavations were carried out up to the current stage and the preliminary results are gladdening. We will continue to process the discovered information in laboratories so as to compare, analyze and better frame it from cultural and chronological viewpoints,” stated Sergiu Musteață.
In this connection, the head of the Architecture Division Svetlana Dogotaru said the archeological research was conducted as part a Chisinau City Hall project that was launched this year following the allocation of funds for archeological research. “It is actually for the first time that such research is financed and conducted with budget funds in Chisinau and even in the Republic of Moldova. We had the occasion of cooperating with “Ion Creangă” University that today presents the first research results. We are examining five sites and works started on two of them – “Constantine and Helen” Church, around the Visterniceni cemetery, and the Old Market of the Chisinau Fair, close to Maternity Hospital No. 2 . The made discoveries confirmed the investigation is valuable,” stated Svetlana Dogotaru.
Next year the archeologists will carry out research on another three sites – traces of “Saints Archangel Mikhail and Gabriel” Church, the area close to the Water Tower where the Museum of Chisinau is situated and the medieval Tatar Settling not far from Visterniceni area.
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