A unique photograph of the Stalin monument in Staliniri. Photo from the archive of Zaur Margiev.
Tskhinvali was called Stalinir (Staliniri) in honour of Joseph Stalin in 1934-1961
Anatoly Bibilov, president of the self-proclaimed republic of South Ossetia, today signed a decree on the use of the name «Stalinir City» for Tskhinvali.
“To preserve historical memory and in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, being guided by Article 51 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Ossetia, I decide:
1. To establish as the symbol of the city of Tskhinval the name «City of Stalinir», used along with the name «City of Tskhinvali» when conducting republican and city events dedicated to memorable dates in the history of the Republic of South Ossetia and the city of Tskhinval related to the Great Patriotic War;
2. Determine the use of the name «City of Stalinir» along with the name «City of Tskhinvali» when conducting republican and city events dedicated to memorable dates in the history of the Republic of South Ossetia and the city of Tskhinvali associated with the Great Patriotic War on the following days: a) May 9 — Victory Day; b) June 22 — Day of the beginning of World War II (1941),” the decree says.
Bibilov instructed several departments to organize events «to popularize the historical name of the city of Stalinir.»