Bulgara 28 Twin House as a Symbol of Family Unity: A Stop on the Jewish Architecture Tour of Chișinău

 

Historical Context and Architectural Value

Twin houses with symmetrical composition and a shared courtyard are a typical element of Chișinău's architecture from the late 19th to early 20th century. These buildings impress with their harmony and symmetry, which not only emphasize the high status of their owners but also reflect the idea of unity embedded in their design. Their uniqueness lies in the creation of a harmonious space that underscores the close ties between family members living side by side.

Family Bonds and Community Values

It is quite likely that such houses were built by two brothers or other relatives who wanted to maintain close family connections. In Jewish communities, family has always played and continues to play an important role, and this arrangement of houses reflected the desire to stay close both physically and in daily life. The shared courtyard and a single entrance served not only practical purposes—facilitating the use of the territory—but also symbolized family unity and solidarity. The common courtyard became a place where families could spend time together, children could play, and adults could discuss matters and share news. Living close to relatives was a common practice, especially in the context of community life, where safety and support were vital aspects. This also strengthened the sense of shared responsibility for the house and property, reinforcing the sense of unity and mutual assistance.

Changes Over Time

Interestingly, in 1940, the owner of the house was listed as Efrosinia Meshkova. This, however, does not contradict the fact that the original owners of these houses were Jewish entrepreneurs, as before the start of World War II, Jews were selling their houses en masse and leaving Chișinău. In those challenging times, Jewish families were forced to leave their homes, fearing persecution, and sell them to local residents, leading to a change in ownership. Nevertheless, the architectural elements and symbolism embedded by the original builders continue to remind us of the Jewish history of the city and its cultural heritage.

Symbolism of Horizontal Stripes

One of the interesting features of such houses is the horizontal stripes on the facades. These stripes give the building a sense of rhythm and order, which resonates particularly well with Jewish culture, characterized by the value of structure and regularity. From a symbolic perspective, alternating stripes can be associated with the concept of light and shadow, which often appears in Jewish spiritual tradition. Light is associated with divine wisdom, while shadow represents the material world. Their presence in architecture symbolizes the harmony between the spiritual and the material, which was an important element of the worldview of the Jewish community. Such symbolism reflects the aspiration for inner balance and the search for harmony between spiritual and earthly life.

Reference to Tallit and Spiritual Symbolism

Moreover, these stripes may resemble the tallit—a ritual Jewish prayer shawl with dark stripes worn by men during prayer. The tallit symbolizes spiritual protection and the observance of commandments, and its motifs, reflected in architecture, could carry the same idea of protection and connection with tradition. In this way, architecture became not only an external manifestation of aesthetics but also an expression of spiritual values and deeply rooted traditions. Each element of the facade held deep meaning, serving as a reminder of the importance of spiritual life and adherence to commandments.

The Twin House on the Tour Route

This twin house could be an interesting stop on a tour dedicated to Jewish architecture in Chișinău. Its facade not only represents the architectural features of the era but also allows a deeper understanding of how elements of spiritual symbolism were reflected in the urban buildings of that time, adding additional meaning to them. Tour guides could explain the significance of each decorative element, the symbols connecting the material and spiritual, and how the architecture reflected the lifestyle of the Jewish community. These twin houses are a testament to deep family traditions, solidarity, and commitment to spiritual values, which have left their mark on the city's appearance and make its cultural heritage truly unique.