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Modern History

(1945-Present)

   Moldova was once known as Bessarabia. The first time it is mentioned as a state in historical sources in 1359. At that time the Voevod (which the rulers of the country were called) was Bogdan,  and he settled our ancestors, the Vlachs, in Eastern Subcarpathia.

   In 1365, he gained recognition for Moldova as an independ-ent state with the capital called Siret.

   At the beginning of 16th century Moldova became a vassal of Moslem Turkish invaders, and was forced to pay tribute and Moldovan Gospodars (the name of Moldovan rulers at this period) were appointed by Turkish overlords.

   The 16th and 17th centuries witnessed the coming and going of nearly 50 Gospodars. In 1646, laws were formalised and written down. These held sway until the middle of the 18th century when, according to Treaty of Kucuk-Kaynarca, Russia seized patronage of Moldova. After Russian-Turkish war 1787-1791 Moldova became a part of Russia.

   Bessarabia, as it was called in this era, received special legal status, and was permitted to form its own government. A stream of migrants, mostly agricultural workers, flooded the country. Industry was very slow to develop.

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