Orhei District - History

History

Today's Orhei region is populated from the Stone Age (40-30.000 years BC). In the 8th-2nd centuries BC, near the village of Trebujeni today, there was a city Getae. The fortress is abandoned in the 2nd century BC as a result of invasion of Germanic tribes Bastarnae. Extended population activity in a unfortified settlements situated on the riverbank. Between the 12th-14th centuries AD, near the former getic city, a medieval fortress is built of earth and wood. In the 14th century, the Golden Horde occupied the region, the town was then conquered and changed its name to Shehr al Jedid. In 1363-1365, the Shehr al Jedid was resident, the Golden Horde leader, Abdullah Khan. At the end of the 14th century, Horde is driven (Empire was in decay). Begin the transformation of Eastern city in the Moldovan city. During Stephen the Great, the city of stone is repaired, equipped with artillery fire and transformed into residence of Orhei governor. In the mid-16th century, townspeople abandoned the old city and moved 15 km north-west, founding Orhei on the current site of the city. Stone fortress is destroyed, probably on the order of Alexander Lăpuşneanu, who demanded the Turks destroy several cities. Around 1600, Prince Jeremiah Movilă trying to rebuild the city, but without success. In 1665 to build a cave monastery here. In 1773 in the near the Vatici, Curchi monastery is built. In 1812 after the Treaty of Bucharest, Basarabia is occupied by Russian Empiree in this period (1812–1917), County Orhei administrative units. In 1918 after the collapse of the Russian Empire, Basarabia joins Romania, in this period (1918–1940, 1941–1944) is residence of the Orhei County. In 1940 after Molotov-Ribbentrop Treaty, Bessarabia is occupied by the USSR. In 1991 as a result of the proclamation of Independence of Moldova, part and residence of the Orhei County (1991–2003), and in 2003 became administrative unit of Moldova.