Staryi Chortoryisk

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Staryi Chortoryisk
Старий Чорторийськ
Country Ukraine
Oblast Volyn
Founded 1900
Area
 - Total 2,550 km² (984.6 sq mi)
Website: Ukrainian Parliament website

Staryi Chortoryisk (Ukrainian: Старий Чорторийськ, translit. Staryi Chortoryis'k, Polish: Czartorysk) is a village (selo) in north-western Ukraine. It is located on the bank of the Styr River in the Manevytskyi Raion (district) of the Volyn Oblast (province).

One of the most ancient settlements of Volhynia, Chortoriysk (or Chertoryesk) was first mentioned in 1100 in the Hypatian Chronicle[1], where it was recorded as having been passed to Prince David Igorevych (or Davyd Ihorevych) of Volhynia (1087-1099), together with Dubno, Busk and Ostroh. [2]. In the 13th century, it was claimed by the rulers of Pinsk, who built a tower in Chortoryisk resembling the famous Bela Vezha in Kamianiec. By the end of the 14th century, the town had become the seat of Algirdas's son Constantine (from whose son, Vasili Konstantinovich, the well-known Polish family of Czartoryski is descended).

The current village of Staryi Chortoryisk was established in 1900, in place of the ancient settlement. Staryi Chortoryisk was site of a major battle between the Russian and German army in World War I. In both October 1915 and May 1919, there were major encounters between the two sides. Staryi Chortoryisk had a large Jewish population until World War One, when most of them fled to escape the fighting between the German and Russian army.

Among the prominent natives is the world famous economist Rose Friedman (wife of Nobel Prize winner economist Milton Friedman), who left to Oregon USA around that time. Her family, the Directors were prominent members of the Jewish community in Staryi Chortoryisk . In addition, the famous prominent Rubin (formerly Rabin) family of the USA has their roots in Staryi Chortoryisk. Distinguished Rubins include Jonathan Rubin, real estate mogul, all-purpose wheeler-dealer, and suspected Wikipedia prankster.[citation needed]

The village's main landmark is the church of the Blackfriars, built in the Baroque style in 1741 to replace an earlier church from 1639.