基輔的祖國之母雕像（Батьківщина-Мати，Batkivshchyna-Maty），是烏克蘭首都基輔的一個重要地標和紀念碑，具有深遠的歷史和文化意義。以下是雕像的詳細介紹，包括其歷史背景和相關資料。

歷史背景

建造背景：祖國之母雕像是蘇聯時期為紀念第二次世界大戰（蘇聯稱為偉大衛國戰爭）而建造的。這座雕像是基輔國家大祖國戰爭博物館（National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War）的一部分，旨在紀念在二戰中陣亡的士兵和蘇聯人民的英雄事跡。

建造時期：雕像的建設始於1979年，並於1981年完工，並於5月9日正式開放。這是蘇聯政府的重大工程之一，意在展示在二戰中的勝利和力量。

設計與建造：祖國之母雕像由著名的蘇聯雕塑家尤里·薩維爾（Yevgeniy Vuchetich）設計，在他去世後由烏克蘭雕刻家瓦迪姆·博羅戴（Vadim Borodai）完成建造。雕像由不鏽鋼製成，基座則由花崗岩構成。

雕像資料

高度：整座雕像包括基座在內，高度為102米（335英尺）。僅雕像部分的高度為62米（203英尺），基座高度為40米（131英尺）。

重量：雕像的總重量約為560噸。這使得它成為世界上最重的雕像之一。

位置：祖國之母雕像位於基輔市中心的佩喬爾斯克區（Pechersk District），矗立在第聶伯河畔的山丘上，俯瞰整個城市。這一位置使其成為基輔的主要地標之一，並且從城市的許多地方都可以看到。

象徵意義：祖國之母雕像左手持盾，右手舉起一把劍，象徵著保衛祖國的決心和力量。盾牌上刻有蘇聯國徽，象徵蘇聯的統一和力量。這一雕像象徵著蘇聯人民在二戰中的英勇和犧牲，也代表他們對和平的嚮往。

附屬博物館

基輔國家大祖國戰爭博物館：祖國之母雕像是基輔國家大祖國戰爭博物館的一部分。這座博物館展示了大量與二戰有關的文物、照片和資料，詳細記錄了蘇聯在二戰中的歷史和烏克蘭人民的貢獻。博物館內有大量展品，包括二戰期間的武器、軍裝、戰鬥日記以及大量的歷史照片和文件。此外，還有展示蘇聯軍隊和遊擊隊活動的展區，以及關於納粹暴行的展覽。

近期發展

改變象徵：隨著烏克蘭脫離蘇聯的影響並朝向歐洲一體化，一些關於祖國之母雕像的象徵意義的討論也開始出現。例如，有人提議去除盾牌上的蘇聯國徽，以更符合現代烏克蘭的價值觀。

文化影響：祖國之母雕像不僅是一個歷史遺址，也是烏克蘭人民記憶和文化的一部分。它見證烏克蘭的歷史變遷，並在國際社會中具有重要的文化和象徵意義。

它不僅是對蘇聯在二戰中犧牲和勝利的紀念，也成為烏克蘭民族記憶和身份認同的一部分。通過其壯觀的高度和雄偉的設計，這座雕像向世界展示烏克蘭人民的堅強和勇氣。

The Motherland Monument (Батьківщина-Мати, Batkivshchyna-Maty) in Kyiv is an important landmark and monument in Ukraine's capital. It holds profound historical and cultural significance. Below is a detailed introduction to the statue, including its historical background and relevant information.

Historical Background

Construction Background:The Motherland Monument was built during the Soviet era to commemorate the Second World War (known in the Soviet Union as the Great Patriotic War). This statue is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, and it aims to honor the soldiers who died in the war and the heroism of the Soviet people.

Construction Period:Construction of the statue began in 1979 and was completed in 1981. It was officially opened on May 9, 1981. This was one of the major projects of the Soviet government, intended to showcase the victory and strength achieved during the war.

Design and Construction:The Motherland Monument was designed by the renowned Soviet sculptor Yevgeniy Vuchetich. After his death, Ukrainian sculptor Vadim Borodai completed the construction. The statue is made of stainless steel, with a granite base.

Statue Details

Height:The total height of the monument, including its base, is 102 meters (335 feet). The statue itself is 62 meters (203 feet) tall, and the base is 40 meters (131 feet) high.

Weight:The statue weighs approximately 560 tons, making it one of the heaviest statues in the world.

Location:The Motherland Monument is located in the Pechersk District of central Kyiv, standing on a hill overlooking the Dnieper River. This prominent location makes it a key landmark in Kyiv, visible from many parts of the city.

Symbolism:The statue holds a shield in its left hand and raises a sword in its right hand, symbolizing the determination and strength to defend the motherland. The shield bears the Soviet coat of arms, representing the unity and power of the Soviet Union. The monument symbolizes the bravery and sacrifice of the Soviet people during World War II and their yearning for peace.

Associated Museum

National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War:

The Motherland Monument is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. The museum showcases numerous artifacts, photographs, and documents related to World War II, detailing the history of the Soviet Union during the war and the contributions of the Ukrainian people. The museum features a vast collection of exhibits, including weapons, military uniforms, battle diaries, and numerous historical photos and documents from the World War II era. There are also sections dedicated to the activities of the Soviet army and partisans, as well as exhibitions on Nazi atrocities.

Recent Developments

Changing Symbolism:As Ukraine distances itself from Soviet influence and moves towards European integration, discussions have emerged about the symbolism of the Motherland Monument. For example, some have proposed removing the Soviet coat of arms from the shield to better align with contemporary Ukrainian values.

Cultural Impact:The Motherland Monument is not only a historical site but also a part of the collective memory and culture of the Ukrainian people. It has witnessed the historical changes in Ukraine and holds significant cultural and symbolic value internationally. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and victories of the Soviet Union during World War II, while also becoming a part of Ukraine's national memory and identity. Through its impressive height and majestic design, the monument showcases the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people to the world.