Holodomor in Chernihiv region. Photo by Mykola Bokan

26 September 2019

The unique photos of the Holodomor were made by Mykola Bokan. M.F. Bokan experienced genocide in the village of Baturyn of Bakhmach district in Chernihiv region. He showed the suffering of hunger and death by starvation of one of his sons –  Constantine. Arrested as a member of the sect, M.F. Bokan and his son were accused of “counter-revolutionary activities” and distributing provocative photos. In 1938, they were convicted in accordance with 8 and 5 years in prison and died in exile.

The family of amateur photographer M.F. Bokan is having lunch during the Holodomor. From right to left: Bokan M.F., his sons - Lev, Konstantyn, Alexander, wife Vassa Trofymivna, and daughter Anna. Baturin village, Bakhmach district. April 2, 1933 - TsDKFFA of Ukraine named after G.S. Pshenychnyi. 2-161053.
The son of amateur photographer M.F. Bokan on the collective farm field, where his brother Konstantin died of exhaustion. Baturyn village, Bakhmach district. - TsDKFFA of Ukraine named after GS Pshenychnyi. 2-161054.
Medical certificate dated July 1, 1933, about Konstantyn's death from exhaustion - the son of amateur photographer M.F. Bokan. - TsDKFFA of Ukraine named after GS Pshenychnyi. 2-161046.
Amateur photographer M.F. Bokan with children during the memorial service for his son Konstantyn, who died of exhaustion. - TsDKFFA of Ukraine named after GS Pshenychnyi. 2-161057.
The grave of the son of amateur photographer M.F. Bokan. - TsDKFFA of Ukraine named after GS Pshenychnyi. 2-161052.