On 8 December 2025, Comrat State University hosted the opening of the exhibition “The Famine of 1946–1947: History and Memory in Gagauzia,” dedicated to one of the most tragic pages in the region’s history. The exhibition includes 17 panels presenting the background, causes, and severe consequences of the 1946–1947 famine in the south of the MSSR. The stands feature eyewitness testimonies, unique photographs, and archival materials, many of which are displayed for the first time.

The exhibition was opened by Ignat Kazmaly, founder of the Museum of History of Avdarma village and one of the project initiators. In his remarks, he spoke about the extensive research work carried out during the preparation of the exhibition, involving the study of around 4,000 documents, of which 110 most significant items were selected. He emphasized that the goal of the project is not to assign blame, but to deeply study and comprehend this tragedy in Gagauz localities.

Rector of CSU, Assoc., prof. PhD Serghei Zaharia, addressed the audience with a welcome speech, highlighting the importance of preserving historical memory and providing objective information to the younger generation, who will shape the future of the country and the region. The Mayor of Comrat, Serghei Anastasov, underlined the significance of the work carried out by the exhibition’s initiators, who thoroughly covered the famine tragedy linked to Stalinist policies.

Speeches were also delivered by Ludmila Cojocaru, Doctor of History and Director of the Museum of Victims of Deportations and Political Repressions (branch of the National Museum of History of Moldova), Virgiliu Bârlădeanu, Head of the Department of Contemporary History at the Institute of History, and Olga Trandafilova, Director of the Museum of History of Avdarma.

The exhibition is organized within the project “The Famine of 1946–1947: History and Memory in Gagauzia,” implemented by the Museum of History of Avdarma in cooperation with the National Museum of History of Moldova, as part of the National Programme of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova “Access to Culture 2025”.

The opening ceremony was attended by CSU faculty and students, as well as representatives of museums, libraries, and archives of Gagauzia and invited guests. The event received extensive coverage in national and regional media.

The exhibition will be open for visits on 8–10 December in the foyer of the 4th floor of the CSU academic building on A. Galatsan Street.