RAMIN MAZUR

INEVITABLE HERO

Moldova gained its independence in 1992. Almost 50 years during the Soviet time it had same centralised ideals and heroes as any other communist country. Independence freed this space and people needed revival of symbols that would underline their identity. Stephen the Great, king of the XV century Moldova, became a winner as main national hero and withdraw the all others candidates in this competition. Following the tradition of the busts, statues and portraits of great leaders, Moldovans placed his portraits on the walls, in school halls, on money bills etc. He was propagated during all the years of independence as the main hero of Moldova and used as a symbol of The Great Moldova on one side and as a symbol of the Great Romania on another side.