Clean Ponds in Moscow: what they used to be called, history

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

Many of us know that there is a special science - toponymy. This science studies the name and therefore is at the intersection of geography, philology and history.

Let's turn today to toponymic knowledge in order to answer the question of what Chistye Prudy in Moscow was called before. After all, these reservoirs are quite old, so they had some other name.

Let's consider this question in more detail.

Origin story

So, these artificial reservoirs have been known in the capital for a long time. Nearby were butcher shops and slaughterhouses. It was in the waters of these ponds that resourceful shopkeepers dumped their waste products.

That's why the Ponds were called "Bad", because the stench emanating from them was difficult to convey in ordinary words.

Now, any tourist who visits here and asks the question: “What were the clean ponds in Moscow called before?” - will be able to learn such a story from the guide. In the 18th century, the stench of these ponds reached either Peter the Great, or his faithful servant A. D. Menshikov. As a result, either one or the other ordered to clearwater features with such an unpleasant odor.

New name

So the new name "Chistye Prudy" took root, the history of these places is as follows: after cleaning, the ponds became a real property of Moscow. Due to the beautiful scenery and relative seclusion, Muscovites came here to take a walk along the water in the summer, and ride on the ice in the winter.

Clean Ponds became a real resort place, folk festivals and holidays were held here.

Cultural significance

Chistye Prudy in Moscow (as these reservoirs were called before, we already know) received special significance in the world of culture in the late Soviet era. This happened because artists began to gather here in the 80s.

However, these were representatives of the so-called subculture: rockers, metalheads, goths. In addition to them, some representatives of the world of poetry and music also appeared.

It was at that time that Igor Talkov's song about these places gained popularity.

Today, young people gather here near the monument to the poet Alexander Griboedov, charity events, flash mobs are often held, couples are walking in love.

And if you turn to these passers-by with the question: “What were the names of Clean Ponds in Moscow before?” - hardly anyone will remember that once it was impossible to be here because of the fetid smell. Now these reservoirs are a kind of symbol of Moscow, its greatness and power, centuries-old traditions and eternal youth.