It's hard to believe now how the legendary "Ozerka" market in Dnipro originally looked.

One of the most renowned locations in Dnipro is the "Ozerka" market. For countless visitors, it serves as a familiar shopping destination where everything from fresh produce to essential goods can be found. However, few have likely pondered how the market appeared at its inception.

"Telegraf" has decided to showcase unique photographs that transport us back in time, offering a glimpse of the market during its early days.

How the "Ozerka" Market Looked in the Past

"Ozerka" in Dnipro is not just a shopping spot; it's a living history of the city. Old black-and-white photographs shared in the Facebook group "History in Photographs. Yekaterinoslav-Dnipropetrovsk" depict the market at the beginning of its long and layered history, filled with a distinctive atmosphere.

On April 16, 1885, the City Duma of Yekaterinoslav (the name Dnipro was known by back then) authorized the construction of wooden stalls in Ozerna Square. This moment marks the beginning of the market's history.

Since then, "Ozerka" has become a symbol not only of commerce but also of folk culture. Here, everything imaginable was traded: fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, dairy products, as well as handcrafted goods from local artisans and home workshops.

The photographs reveal how people from various backgrounds and ages gathered around makeshift stalls. Although the market gradually began to take on the characteristics of an organized space with permanent trading spots and pavilions, its atmosphere long retained a sense of freedom, vibrancy, and the unique spirit of spontaneous trade. Likely, people came here not only to shop but also to exchange news and enjoy human interaction.

Today, as we examine these black-and-white images, we can almost feel the entire space—stalls, rows of goods, counters, and the people around—come to life before our eyes. These pictures serve as a reminder that "Ozerka" is not merely a location but a rich tapestry of life filled with the stories of those who once stood behind the counters, who bargained, and who nurtured the trading traditions of the city.

Previously, "Telegraf" showcased how Freedom Square in Kharkiv looked from its inception to the present day.