Nothing has seen as much of Ukraine's history as this 700 year old oak tree. The tree has seen wars, revolutions and Cossack coronations, all taking place under its spreading branches. Our Ukraine NTD correspondent brings us the story.
Here the Cossacks declared Bohdan Khmelnytsky as their leader. It is also the site where the national liberation movement began. And during the Second World War, entire families hid in the crown of the giant tree
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By now almost no leaves are left. And at first glance one might think that the oak has died. However, 13 years ago it grew one green branch.
[Eugene Zhavoronkov, "Chumatskyi Shlyah" Ensemble Head]:
"It's very symbolic. Why? Because now Ukraine is an independent state. It is like a revival of the glory of the Ukrainian people."
To save the tree, experts from different countries tried to revive it, but locals say this only made the tree feel worse. Now the trunk of the tree and crown are reinforced by supporting structures.
[Anna Varavva, NTD News]:
"The diameter of the oak is 6 meters 32 centimeters. It is believed that its bark brings good luck, and everyone tries to break off a piece. That's why the entire trunk of the oak is almost absolutely bare".
For centuries, this oak tree was a place of pilgrimage for many people. Today it is considered an historical wonder. Tourists from everywhere come to see - and most importantly touch - this marvelous tree.
[Ludmila Maltseva, Tourist]:
"Amazing. I was just coming up to the oak tree and I already felt cold flushes on my skin in such hot weather. This is something indescribable. You feel like centuries pass through you."
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[Olga Khokhlova, Tourist]:
"I am amazed to see that branch bloom."
To make this oak green again scientists still have a lot of work to do. So far, young oaks grown from its acorns have been planted around the tree in the hope that they will nourish their ancestor.
NTD, Zaporozhe, Ukraine.
