Gagauzia

Administrative map of Moldova
with Gagauzia highlighted.

Gagauzia (or Gagauz-Yeri) is a semi-autonomous region within Moldova, located along the border with Ukraine, inhabited by the Gagauz, a Turkic people who are ethnically and culturally distinct from other Moldovans. The population is approximately 169,000, of which about 82.5 percent are ethnic Gagauz. Comrat is the largest city, with over 40 percent of the region's total population (approx. 75,000).

Key points in Gagauz history:

• 1812 - The Gagauz settled in southern Bessarabia after Russia´s annexation of Bessarabia.
• 1856 - Territorial changes in the region put Gagauzia under Moldovan/Romanian administration.
• World War II: The territory of Gagauzia was divided between the Moldovian SSR and the Ukraine.
• 1980 - The Gagauz campaign for self-determination began.
• 1989 - A Law on Languages was enacted in Moldova, which was perceived as discriminatory by the Gagauz.
• 1990 - An independent Republic of Gagauzia was proclaimed in several southern districts of Moldova.
• 1994 - The status of Region of Gagauzia was recognised as an autonomous region within Moldova. Gaguzia became member of the UNPO.

Image of the Gagauz Flag

• 1995 The elections for the National Assembly of the Region of Gagauzia were conducted. An end to the five-year conflict between Moldova and Gagauzia was officially declared.