Every city in the former Soviet Union was adorned with Lenin statues. Any spare space, square or park got a Vladimir Ilyich on a plinth. Huge great figures of him, in his winter coat pointing the way whilst managing to look incredibly stern and disapproving. More creative examples often included hats.
These were largely removed over time, as were the Stalins and other leaders. Destroying and removing them publicly became one of the lasting images of the collapse of communism. Not all of them were destroyed though, some found original uses as anyone who has ever been to the Kremlin or Northern Whig in Belfast will know.
In Semey they were relegated en-mass to a park on the fringe of the city centre. They still sit in orderly lines facing each other as if having a meeting. The overall effect is either quite disturbing or comedic depending on how you feel about statues in general. I would have found it slightly eerie to be watched my some ten number Lenins as I made my way round, had it not been for the town official power hosing them at the time.
These were largely removed over time, as were the Stalins and other leaders. Destroying and removing them publicly became one of the lasting images of the collapse of communism. Not all of them were destroyed though, some found original uses as anyone who has ever been to the Kremlin or Northern Whig in Belfast will know.
In Semey they were relegated en-mass to a park on the fringe of the city centre. They still sit in orderly lines facing each other as if having a meeting. The overall effect is either quite disturbing or comedic depending on how you feel about statues in general. I would have found it slightly eerie to be watched my some ten number Lenins as I made my way round, had it not been for the town official power hosing them at the time.