Life in an earth shelter: a look at the rural reality in Rogojeni, Șoldănești District

Abstract

In a few localities in Republic of Moldova, shacks have been preserved – a type of traditional semi-buried dwelling, specific to old rural communities. The village of Rogojeni, located about 111 km from Chisinau, in the Soldanesti district, still preserves several of these constructions today, which illustrate the ingenuity and adaptation of people to environmental conditions. Although living conditions are precarious due to the limited space, the lack of a bathroom, a sewage system and drinking water, some elderly people still continue to live in these shacks today, refusing to complain, accepting everyday life as it is, without letting difficulties overshadow their lives. Following discussions with locals, we learned that the shacks that have been preserved are frequently visited by people from different corners of the country, but also from abroad. Young people are also showing a particular interest in these buildings, who are fascinated by the way of life in the old days. Given that today not many such buildings can be found, there is even a well-equipped museum in the town of Rogojeni, which includes a hut built in the 18th century, once inhabited by the Țara family. Thus, their preservation is not only essential for preserving the traditions and cultural identity of the region, but also represents an important factor in the development of rural tourism and in promoting authentic historical values.