The national heritage preservation fund “Real History,” led by Akim Halimov, has received a grant from the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH) to restore the 18th-century Cossack estate known as Pokorshchyna. This funding aims to support ongoing stabilization efforts at the site, located in the village of Kozelets in Chernihiv Oblast.
ALIPH, based in Geneva, Switzerland, is a prominent global organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of cultural heritage impacted by war, climate change, and natural disasters. The organization operates in conflict zones, post-conflict regions, and areas facing crises.
With the backing of ALIPH and the European Union, significant stabilization work is set to commence at Pokorshchyna in the coming months. Halimov emphasized the estate’s historical significance, stating, “Pokorshchyna is a physical testament to Ukraine’s elite, its state traditions, and culture, despite efforts to erase this from our memory. Such landmarks restore our historical consciousness and help reaffirm Ukraine’s identity.”
He expressed gratitude to ALIPH and the European Union for their support, noting that the involvement of a leading international heritage protection organization signifies the global value of Ukrainian heritage.
The funds from ALIPH will be allocated for urgent structural repairs at the main estate, including the replacement of the crown beam, the ceiling between the basement and the first floor, and the reinforcement of the foundation. The restoration team also plans to strengthen the log structure and the ceiling above the first floor, as well as repair the roof. These efforts will be supported by ongoing fundraising and grant applications.
All restoration activities are being conducted under the supervision of qualified specialists, including chief architect-restorer Serhiy Yurchenko and architect-restorer Ivan Bykov, with architect Hanna Bondar also part of the project team.
Pokorshchyna is constructed primarily of wood and is the only preserved wooden estate from the Hetmanate period on the Left Bank, revealing the often-overlooked history of the Cossack aristocracy. Its history is linked to three noble Cossack families: the Darahans, Halahans, and Rozumovskys, underscoring its unique importance in Ukrainian history.
The initiative to save Pokorshchyna was launched by Halimov in 2024, in collaboration with the charitable foundation “Blyskavka,” aiming to raise 3 million UAH. Last year, through the contributions of concerned citizens, including viewers of the “Real History” YouTube channel, the necessary funds were secured for immediate stabilization work, which included reinforcing the main building’s foundation and conducting emergency repairs on the roof of the estate’s stone structure.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the total cost for restoring the estate complex and preventing further deterioration will be nearly 20 million UAH. Donations to support the restoration of Pokorshchyna can be made through a designated link.
Akim Halimov's "Real History" fund has secured a grant from ALIPH for the restoration of the Pokorshchyna estate, a significant Cossack heritage site. The project will involve critical stabilization and repair work, reflecting the estate's historical importance to Ukraine.