The Boikivske community architecture landmarks that survived conventional and information warfare

Abstract

The aim of the paper, based on the analysis of literature and sources, is to present a currently identifiable image of the development of architectural landmarks in the settlements of the Boikivske village community of the Kalmius district in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, while identifying and analyzing the reasons for the current state of historicalarchitectural space of the district existing as it is. The analysis covers 19th–20th centuries’ architecture, when the region was under the control of the Russian Empire, and then the Soviet Union. Methodologically, the research is primarily based upon content analysis of materials such as data pieces and photography found on various online platforms (Google Map, Yandex Maps, along with a number of local websites, including under the control of the information warfare hybrid adversary) and news website reports on war events, which may have affected the architectural landmarks. The secondary sources amongst the material base were amateur travel blogs and websites on local lore and culture of the region, alongside websites of religious organization.
The results of the study reveal that neither the Russian Imperial, nor the Soviet government cared much for the development of eye-pleasing and historically-enduring architecture in what would become the Kalmius region, and the few historical buildings that remain standing are those that survived out of convenience, sturdinence, and continued use by governments. The only exception to that principle are the religious structures, which were maintained by the churches, including the oldest structure in the district, but even in their case government bias interfered greatly with the safety of buildings: Soviet anti-religion policies led to the destruction of a number of original churches, necessitating recreation in the 21st century.
The research is fully original and belongs to the author; it is mostly based on the materials that have been personally found or seen by the author in primary sources, all secondary sources are referenced separately. From the practical point of view, the results fully demonstrate how government bias, goals, and perceived needs influence the development of architecture. It also factors into information warfare trends, wherein the removal of German population from today’s Boikivske community “coincided” with the removal of characteristic architecture (or, in the case of the abandoned dairy plant, a remodeling of it), completely changing the historical cultural landscape and the memorial space of the district. Thus, the research’s materials have a certain use for historians of culture, architects, and government employees overseeing memorial spaces. Prospects for further research on the topic include the historical architecture remaining in the Kalmius district may either confirm the trends seen in Boikivske, or show otherwise. Furthermore, the article contains archival and visual materials, first introduced to academic use.