Clean ponds in Moscow: as they were called earlier, history

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

Let us turn to toponymic knowledge today in order to answer the question whether Chistye Prudy in Moscow as it was called before. After all, these reservoirs are old enough, so they had some other name.

Let's consider this issue in more detail.

History of origin

So, these artificial reservoirs were known in the capital for a long time. Nearby there were shops of butchers and slaughterhouses for cattle. It was in the waters of these ponds that resourceful shopkeepers dumped waste from their production.

Ponds, therefore, were called "Pogany", because the stench coming from them was difficult to convey in ordinary words.

Now any tourist who will visit here and ask the question: "Clean Ponds in Moscow as they were called before?" - will be able to learn from the guide such a story. 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 clean water facilities with such an unpleasant smell.

New name

So the new name "Clean Ponds" has taken root, the history of these places is as follows: after cleaning ponds became the real property of Moscow. Thanks to the beautiful scenery and relative privacy, Muscovites came here to take a walk along the water in the summer, and on the ice in the winter.

Clean ponds have become a real resort place, there were folk festivals and celebrations.

Cultural significance

Of particular importance in the world of culture were the Pure Ponds in Moscow (as previously called these reservoirs, we already know) in the late Soviet period. This was because here in the 80 years, artists began to gather.

However, they were representatives of the so-called subculture: rockers, metalworkers, Goths. In addition, some representatives of the world of poetry and music appeared.

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

Today, near the monument to the poet Alexander Griboyedov, young people gather, often charitable actions, flash mobs, couples walk in love.

And if you turn to these passers-by with the question: "Clean ponds in Moscow as they were called before?" - hardly anyone will remember that once here it was impossible to be because of the fetid smell. Now these reservoirs are a unique symbol of Moscow, its greatness and power, age-old traditions and eternal youth.