Maidan Nezalezhnosti facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Independence Square

Maidan Nezalezhnosti  (Ukrainian)
View of Maidan Nezalezhnosti in 2013 before Euromaidan; the Independence Monument in the foreground
Location within Kyiv
Location	Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates	50°27′0″N 30°31′27″E / 50.45000°N 30.52417°E / 50.45000; 30.52417

Maidan Nezalezhnosti (which means Independence Square in Ukrainian) is the main square in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine. It is one of Kyiv's most important squares, located on Khreshchatyk Street in the Shevchenko area. People often just call it Maidan, which means "square". The famous Independence Monument stands proudly in the middle of the square.

In the 1800s, important buildings like the city council and noble assembly were located here.

Since Ukraine started its journey to independence in 1990, Maidan Nezalezhnosti has been a key place for big public gatherings and protests. These have included major events like the 1990 student Revolution on Granite, the 2001 "Ukraine without Kuchma" protests, the 2004 Orange Revolution, and the 2013–14 Euromaidan. While the square also hosted non-political events, many of these were moved after 2014. This was because it was considered respectful to avoid entertainment in a place where people had lost their lives during Euromaidan. For example, Christmas Fairs and New Year celebrations now often take place in Sofiyivska Square.

Understanding the Name of Independence Square

The square got its current name on August 26, 1991. This was just two days after Ukraine declared its independence, as the Soviet Union was coming to an end.

What "Maidan" Means

The word Maidan is Ukrainian for "square" or "open space". You can find similar words in the Middle East and South Asia. These words usually refer to an open area in or near a town, used for parades or public meetings. The word Maidan comes from the Persian word meydân, which also means "town-square" or "central gathering place". It was also borrowed into languages like Crimean Tatar and Turkish, which likely brought it into Ukrainian.

Maidan Nezalezhnosti is special because it's the only square in Kyiv officially called a "Maidan" in Ukrainian. Other squares in Kyiv are called "Ploscha" (ploshcha), which is a more common Ukrainian word for "square". This was how squares were named during Soviet times. In Russian, as spoken in Ukraine, it's also the only public square called "Maidan".

Timeline of Names

The square has had many names throughout history:

• 1869: Khreshchatyk Square
• 1876: Parliament Square (Dumskaya Ploshchad)
• 1919: Soviet Square (Sovetskaya Ploshchad)
• 1935: Kalinin Square (Ploshchad Kalinina), named after Mikhail Kalinin
• 1941: Parliament Square (Dumska Ploshcha)
• 1943: Kalinin Square (Ploshchad Kalinina)
• 1977: October Revolution Square (Ploshcha Zhovtnevoyi revolyutsii)
• 1991: Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)

Other cities in Ukraine, like Khmelnytskyi and Sumy, also have squares called Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Some cities, such as Kropyvnytskyi, Kremenchuk, and Odesa, have "Independent Squares" named Ploshcha Nezalezhnosti, using "ploshcha" instead of "maidan".

Where is Independence Square Located?

Independence Square is one of three squares along Khreshchatyk Street, Kyiv's main street. It's near the northeastern end of Khreshchatyk, close to European Square, Kyiv.

Connecting Streets

Besides Khreshchatyk, which divides the square, several other streets lead to it. These include Architect Horodecki Street, Institute Street, Michael Street, Kosciol Street, Minor Zhytomyr Street, Sophia Street, Taras Shevchenko Lane, and Boris Hrinchenko Street.

Underground Levels

The square has multiple levels. At ground level, Khreshchatyk Street crosses Institute Street and Michael Street. Below the square, you'll find the Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station, part of the Kyiv Metro system. There's also a large underground shopping mall called "Hlobus" (or "Globus") beneath the square.

History of Independence Square

Early Days and Tsarist Russia (Before 1917)

Before the 10th century, the area where the square now stands was a low-lying, empty space known as Goat Swamp. It was just south of the old Kyiv city.

One of the main gates of Old Kyiv, the Lyadski Gates, stood here. These gates were destroyed in 1240 when the Mongol army, led by Batu Khan, attacked the city. Later, in the 1700s, new Pecherski Gates were built, which remained until 1833.

In the 1830s, the first wooden houses appeared, followed by stone buildings in the 1850s. The famous Ukrainian writer, Taras Shevchenko, even lived nearby in 1859.

The area grew quickly after the mid-1800s, becoming a busy commercial center. Kyiv itself was booming during the Russian Industrial Revolution, becoming one of the most important cities in the Russian Empire. Until 1871, it was called Khreshchatyk Square and was a place for markets and public events. In 1876, the Kyiv City Duma building (city council) was built here, and the square became known as Duma Square. Kyiv's first electric tram, which opened in 1892, reached the square in 1894.

In 1913, a monument to Pyotr Stolypin, a Russian prime minister, was built in front of the City Duma. It stood there until March 1917, at the start of the Russian Revolution.

Soviet Era (1919-1991)

Much of the square was destroyed during World War II.

In 1919, the square was renamed Soviet Square. From 1935, it was called Kalinin Square, after Mikhail Kalinin, a leader of the Soviet Union.

During the Soviet Union, the square was also called Kalinin Square.

After World War II, the square was completely rebuilt. It was designed to match the new Khreshchatyk Street, with a grand, classic Soviet style. The new Kyiv Central Post Office and the Trade-Union House with its tall clock tower became well-known landmarks.

In 1976-77, the square was rebuilt again as part of a metro construction project. It was renamed October Revolution Square. During this time, a large monument celebrating the 60th anniversary of the October Revolution was added, along with several fountains.

During the Soviet period, the square was used for big demonstrations and parades on holidays like May 1, Victory Day, and the October Revolution anniversary.

Independent Ukraine (1991-Present)

Maidan Nezalezhnosti after Ukraine declared independence.

After Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the square received its current name, Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Although "Liberty Square" was also suggested, the name "Independence Square" is now strongly connected with Ukraine's freedom.

The monument to the founders of Kyiv and the glass domes of the Globus shopping center.

In 2001, when the square became a center for the "Ukraine without Kuchma" protests, the mayor of Kyiv, Oleksandr Omelchenko, ordered major construction work. The square was fenced off, making it hard for protesters to gather. Some people believed this was done to stop the protests.

Maidan Nezalezhnosti in 2018.

After this construction, the square looked very different. Its many fountains were changed. At first, people had mixed feelings about the new look. However, today, the square's landmarks are easily recognized. These include the monument to Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv and Lybid (the legendary founders of Kyiv), the folk hero Cossack Mamay, the city's historic protector Archangel Michael, and the modern Berehynia goddess on top of the Independence Monument. The many glass domes of the underground mall are also a key part of the modern city center.

The "Globus" underground shopping mall was built under the square, replacing an old, less appealing underpass.

The Trade-Unions House was badly damaged by fire in February 2014 and has since been rebuilt.

A Symbol of Public Action

As Kyiv's central square, Maidan Nezalezhnosti has been a hub for public political activity since the end of the Soviet era.

Early Protests

In the autumn of 1990, student protests and hunger strikes, known as the Revolution on Granite, took place here. These protests led to the resignation of the head of the Ukrainian government at the time, Vitaliy Masol.

Major Revolutions

In the 2000s, the biggest political protests in Ukraine happened in this square. These included the "Ukraine without Kuchma" campaign and the Orange Revolution. During the Orange Revolution in late 2004, Maidan Nezalezhnosti gained worldwide attention. Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered, setting up tents for weeks, even in the cold and snow. These protests were against electoral fraud and led to a new round of presidential elections. The opposition candidate, Viktor Yushchenko, won these new elections.

After becoming President of Ukraine, Yushchenko took a public oath at Maidan Nezalezhnosti in front of his many supporters, right after his official oath in parliament.

Continued Protests

Even after the Orange Revolution, Maidan Nezalezhnosti continued to attract political protesters. Large rallies for political candidates have drawn huge crowds. For example, in 2009, nearly 200,000 people gathered for a party meeting where Yulia Tymoshenko was nominated for president.

The square was also the main site of the Euromaidan protests, which began in November 2013. These protests eventually led to violent clashes, fires, and the Revolution of Dignity in February 2014. Protesters occupied the square day and night from December 1, 2013. Sadly, during the Revolution of Dignity, more than 100 people lost their lives.

Important Landmarks

Current Landmarks

• Monument to the Founders of Kyiv
• Independence Monument: A tall column celebrating Ukraine's independence in 1991, topped by the protectoress Berehynia.
• Lach Gates: A monument marking the historic Lyadski Gates.

Former Landmarks

• Monument to Pyotr Stolypin
• Bust of Karl Marx
• Monument to the Great October (a monument to Lenin)

Key Buildings Around the Square

• "Hlobus" (or "Globus") underground shopping mall
• Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine
• Hotel Ukraine
• Building of the Trade Unions Federation of Ukraine
• Central Post Office
• Information and Exhibition Centre of the Maidan Museum [uk]

Gallery

See also

In Spanish: Plaza de la Independencia (Kiev) para niños

• Euromaidan
• Karaoke on the Maidan
• Orange Revolution
• Ukraine without Kuchma