Historians Propose a New Founding Date for Odesa: May 19, 1415.

The History of Odesa

According to Novyny.live: New historical research is challenging the traditional narrative of Odesa's founding. Scholars now point to May 19, 1415, as the true origin date for the settlement, then known as Kachubiyiv, based on the first written record of its existence. This discovery pushes back the city's documented history by nearly four centuries, highlighting its deep roots in the region.

For a long time, the city's official "birthday" was celebrated on September 2, 1794, marking its establishment as a major southern Ukrainian trade hub. Shortly after, on February 7, 1795, the settlement of Khadjibey was officially renamed Odesa. The new name was formally recorded in an act establishing the Voznesensk Viceroyalty that same month. Notably, the decree from Catherine II to José de Ribas contains no mention of founding Odesa, raising further questions about the city's official origins.

"Even in this act it was written: Odesa, comma, called Khadjibey by the Tatars" — Oleksandr Muzyichko

He further states: "The date is unequivocally May 19, 1415," reinforcing the argument for the settlement's ancient foundation.

This research confirms that Odesa possesses a historical lineage far deeper than previously acknowledged. Recognizing May 19, 1415, as a pivotal moment reframes the city's development, underscoring its long evolution into a vital Ukrainian cultural and economic center.

A Complex History

These findings underscore that Odesa's history is more complex than traditional accounts suggest. Re-examining the city's foundation can reshape the understanding of its cultural identity and economic significance within Ukraine's historical context. Exploring these early references may also spur greater interest in studying other aspects of the region's rich past.