No, Bukovina is not currently located within the modern Republic of Moldova. While the region shares a significant historical past with a broader Moldovan entity, its contemporary geographical and political status is distinct.
Bukovina's Current Geographical Status
Today, the historical region of Bukovina is primarily divided between two sovereign states:
- Ukraine: The northern part of Bukovina, including its historical capital Chernivtsi (Cernăuți), is part of Chernivtsi Oblast in Ukraine. This area is often referred to as Northern Bukovina.
- Romania: The southern part of Bukovina, with its main city Suceava, is part of Suceava County in Romania. This area is commonly known as Southern Bukovina.
The current division can be summarized as follows:
| Geographic Division | Current Country | Predominant Language(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Bukovina | Ukraine | Ukrainian, Romanian |
| Southern Bukovina | Romania | Romanian |
The modern Republic of Moldova, on the other hand, is an independent country located to the east of Romania, with its capital in Chișinău. Its territory largely corresponds to the historical region of Bessarabia, along with Transnistria.
Historical Connection to Moldova
Despite its current separation, Bukovina has a deep historical connection to a larger Moldovan state. In the Middle Ages, the territory that would become known as Bukovina was initially part of the Halicz Kingdom. It was later, in the 14th century, that Bucovina was eventually included as a significant northern part of the independent medieval Principality of Moldova.
This principality was a powerful political entity that existed from the 14th century to the mid-19th century, encompassing a much broader territory than the present-day Republic of Moldova. Its lands stretched from the Carpathian Mountains in the west to the Dniester River in the east, and from Hotin (Khotyn) in the north (which included parts of Bukovina) to the Black Sea in the south.
Key Distinctions
It is crucial to differentiate between these two entities:
- Principality of Moldova (Historical): A large, medieval to early modern state that historically included Bukovina, Bessarabia, and other regions.
- Republic of Moldova (Modern): An independent country formed in the 20th century, whose territory does not include Bukovina.
In summary, while Bukovina has a historical legacy as part of the Principality of Moldova, it is not part of the modern Republic of Moldova today. Its territory is now primarily split between Ukraine and Romania.
