|
Transdniestria (officially
called the "Dniester Moldovan Republic)
is a separatist territory with an uncertain future
but with all the trappings of a State including
award ceremonies (see
this link a for facsinating article on
the situation there). Reputedly medals are made
in Russia but they replicate Soviet times.
They are awarded with pomp by the likes of self-proclaimed
"President" Mr. Igor Nikolaevich Smirnov,
the Minister of Defense Luitenant General S. Chazheev
or MGB (KGB if you like) General Antifeev alias
Shevtov who is wanted by Interpol. The are generally
quite poor in design and quality but still worth
collecting. Given the strong and pervasive
atmosphere of the Soviet system throughout
this stretch of land (and a population still appropriately
intimidated by the secret services who continue
to work with pride with the KGB name and methods).
I also add one local medal and some rare awards
to Black Sea Cossacks, as well as a couple of
mementos like election posters and other works
of local art!
 
Above is the Emblem of the "Republic" flanked by
the former 10.000 Kupon (Ruble) banknote.
When I lived in Moldova there were 3-6 million
to a US dollar. If you look carefully you
will not fail to notice that these notes used
to be worth 1 Rubl and then four zeros were added
as was the Russian text "ten thousand".
The "Prezident" regularly wins the elections
with over 90% of the vote. His last electoral
poster from 9 December 2001 with the caption Igor
Nokolajevich Smirnov - our Prezident.
  
Collecting awards from this part of the world is not easy
but some pieces have found their way into my collection
(see Home page
and pull down menus medals\transdniestrian or
the links below). Just two examples above: left
is the Medal Defender
of Transdniestria and on the right the
Medal 10th
Anniversary of Transdniestria.
See also my collection of Transdniestrian coins!
For more snapshots of veterans
and myself from 9 May 2002 in Chisinau (Moldova)
see News 2 page.
Below is an award document (A4
format in reality) for the defense of Transdnistria
depicting the coat of arms in colour of the former
Soviet Moldovan Socialist Republic. Click on thumbnails.
  
For photos from Tiraspol and
information about Transdniestria see News
4!
|
