Olyka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Olyka (Ukrainian: Олика, Lithuanian: Olyka, Polish: Ołyka) is a town in Ukraine in the region of Volhynia. It is located east of Lutsk on the Putilovka river and has approximately 3,800 inhabitants (1992).
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[edit] History
The village of Olyka was founded in early Middle Ages as one of the villages belonging to the Kievan Rus'. It was first mentioned in 1149. In 14th century it was conquered by Grand Duchy of Lithuania and in 1569, in the effect of the Union of Lublin became part of Poland.
In the Grand Duchy of Lithuania the village grew rapidly and became a centre of local magnates, initially the family of Kiška and after 1533 - the Radvilas. In second half of the 16th century the town became one of the most important centres of Calvinism in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Its' growth was halted by the Chmielnicki Uprising of 1648, during which the town was captured by Cossacks, plundered and burnt. However, it was soon rebuilt and in 1654 it received the city rights. As the main seat of one of the branches of the influential Radvila family, Olyka became one of the most important political and trade centres of whole Volhynia.
After the Partitions of Poland in 1795 the town was annexed by Russia. In 19th century it continued to play its role as a centre of wood and grain trade. During World War I in 1915 and 1916 the area was a scene of heavy fighting between the forces of Russia and Austria-Hungary. After the Polish-Bolshevik War the town was restored to Poland and the local palace was refurbished. In the effect of the Polish Defensive War of 1939 and the Nazi-Soviet Alliance, the town was occupied by Soviet Union. After the Operation Barbarossa the German occupation started and lasted until 1944. After World War II the area was annexed by the Soviet Union and incorporated into the Ukrainian SSR. Since 1991 it is a part of Ukraine.
[edit] Notable landmarks
- Radvila's family palace - early 17th century, expanded in mid-18th century, damaged after 1945, restored after 1990
- 18th century fortifications around the palace
- Roman Catholic collegiate (1635–1645, destroyed after 1945)
- Several churches
- City gate (early 17th century)
[edit] Other Radziwill estates
[edit] Jewish presence
Olyka had a large Jewish community that was all destroyed during the Holocaust. But it is still remembered by all of its descendants.
Olyka was the cradle of the Olyker Haasidic dynasty that was founded by the famous Rabbi Hersh Leib Landa the first Olyker rebbe. He was followed by his son Rabbi Yoseph Dovid, who was followed by his son Rabbi Mordechai (he authored a book called Gedulas Mordechai), He was followed by his son Rabbi Shimon Shloima (he authored a book called Shekel Hakodesh), he was followed by his son Rabbi Alter Yoseph Dovid who perished together with his whole family during The Holocaust.
[edit] External links
- Discovering modern life of Olyka (English)
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