Karkoff (Kharkiv / Харків)

Research Status: Comprehensive Last Updated: 2025-01-24 Diary Coverage: Up to July 1881

Karkoff (now Kharkiv, Ukrainian: Харків) is a major city in northeastern Ukraine, the second-largest city in Ukraine. In 1881, it was an important administrative, commercial, and cultural center of the Russian Empire.

Key Diary References:

• July 14, 1881: Family plans to travel to Karkoff with Alexandre and his wife
• July 15, 1881: "Nous sommes à Karkoff" - Family arrives at the train station where Micha and Lihopoy meet them

Historical Context:

• Founded in 1654
• Major city in the Sloboda Ukraine region
• Important railway junction connecting Moscow, Kiev, the Crimea, and the Caucasus
• Cultural and educational center with university (founded 1804)
• Industrial center by the 1880s
• Capital of Ukrainian SSR from 1919-1934

Geographic Details:

• Located in northeastern Ukraine
• On the railway line between Poltava and points west
• Major transportation hub in the Russian Empire
• Approximately 150 km west of Poltava

Marie's Journey:

• Transit point on journey from Gavronzi back toward western Europe
• Family uses the railway station
• Opportunity for brief urban visit and promenade
• Sperandio's family joins them here