Gagauzia Famine Survivor Recounts 1946-1947 Tragedy

The Great Famine of 1946-1947 in Gagauzia: A Survivor's Story Gagauzia, Moldova, 1946-1947. A devastating famine gripped the region, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of its people. This tragic event is brought to light through a new video featuring Mikhail Choban, a survivor from the village of Cismichioi. Choban's firsthand account paints a vivid picture of the suffering endured by the Gagauz population during this dark chapter in their history. "People were dying everywhere," Choban recalls, his voice heavy with emotion. "There was no food, no help." He describes the desperate measures families took to survive, the loss of loved ones, and the lasting impact the famine had on the community. The video uses archival photographs and footage to illustrate the widespread devastation caused by the famine. Images of emaciated people, empty fields, and abandoned homes serve as stark reminders of the tragedy's scale. Official statistics indicate that between 150,000 and 200,000 people perished in Moldova as a result of the famine. Historians estimate that in each Gagauz village, 30% to 50% of the population died. Choban's story, along with the visual evidence, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the Gagauz people and the importance of remembering this tragic event. The video concludes with a somber reflection on the human cost of the famine and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of preventing such catastrophes in the future.