#Exhibit of the Month

The work In Memoriam. In Memory of the Heroes Who Fell at the Nistru (1992) was developed within the Center for Culture and Military History and published under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Bureau for Reintegration, and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova. Authors: Gheorghe Bălan, Vitalie Ciobanu, Gheorghe Cojocaru.

This work provides a retrospective of the events that led to the outbreak of the war on the Nistru, accompanied by photographs of the heroes who lost their lives in the battles to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

On March 2, 1992, the political conflict in the Nistru region escalated into a true fratricidal war. Under the fabricated pretext of "defending Russia's southern borders," political adventurers from the former Soviet metropolis encouraged Transnistrian separatism by arming secessionist paramilitary groups. At the same time, thousands of mercenary Cossacks and prisoners released early from jails, along with tanks and missiles, were sent against Independent Moldova, in a desperate attempt to revive the fallen empire.

Russia's undeclared war against the Republic of Moldova left behind hundreds of dead and wounded, shattered families, and villages in ruins. More than 50,000 peaceful residents from the conflict zone were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge from the horrors of war.

For the sake of freedom and the future, Moldova's defenders faced death, enduring the hardships and humiliations of war.

During the Nistru war, 198 soldiers of the National Army and 89 personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs lost their lives, while 40 combatants went missing without a trace, and nearly 300 were left disabled.

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Events Archive

Opening of the Exhibition "UNHEARD VOICES"

February 14, 2025

On February 14, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "UNHEARD VOICES", a project that brings to the forefront the realities experienced by people with disabilities and refugees in the Republic of Moldova. Organized by the ELPIS Association, the event aims to stimulate social reflection and initiate a dialogue on the inclusion and rights of vulnerable groups.

The opening was attended by activists, representatives of civil society, journalists, as well as members of the refugee and disability communities. The event provided an opportunity for discussion about the challenges these groups face and possible solutions for better integration and social inclusion.

"Photographs help us show what we feel and experience. Sometimes, words are not enough to express pain, frustration, or the hope for peace in our country," shared one of the participants, a refugee from Ukraine.

This exhibition serves as a space for reflection, challenging visitors to look beyond clichés and understand the realities of those living in vulnerable conditions.

"These images are more than just snapshots - they are testimonies of courage and the struggle for dignity. We hope this exhibition will encourage authorities and society to be more responsive to our needs," emphasized Liliana Rotari, one of the project participants.

During the event, participants in the Photovoice project were awarded certificates of participation in recognition of their contribution to the visual documentation of social realities.

"UNHEARD VOICES" is not just an artistic event but a social manifesto that reveals not only hardships but also the desire for change that defines these communities.

"It is crucial for these voices to be heard, and photography is an extraordinary medium for conveying these messages. We hope this project is just the beginning of a broader dialogue on inclusion," stated Ion Bulicanu and Ion Cibotărică, representatives of the ELPIS Association.

The exhibition will be open to the public until February 27, 2025, on the fence of the National Museum of History, Chișinău, 31 August 1989 Street, 121A.