Photostory: Prague through time
In 2018 the Czech Republic has and will commemorate three anniversaries. The Czechoslovak First Republic in 1918, the establishment of the rule of the Communist Party in 1948 and the invasion by the Soviets in 1968.
Comparing images of Prague as far back as 1918 meant there was always going to be a disparity between the photos. From soldiers and generals patrolling the streets to tourists and street performers, this set of photos shows Prague through its historical and political development.
On October 28th 1918 the state of Czechoslovakia was declared after people of Prague met on the Old Market Square to demonstrate for an independent state.
Na Příkopě Street was home of a number of Jewish merchants during the 20th century becoming Prague’s No.1 street of commerce.
In 1918 the independence of Czechoslovakia was proclaimed under the eyes of the Wenceslas I statue, leading to the creation of a new unified nation. 100 years later, Wenceslas Square remains one of Prague’s lungs, even though things have change; Czech Republic and Slovakia are now two different countries and McDonalds and Burger King remind us that the communist days are over.
Iosif Stalin and Klement Gottwald’s portraits in the Red Army Soldiers’ Square in 1948. Renamed in 1989 as Jan Palach’s Square, who self immolated in 1969 following the 1968 Soviet invasion, this square shows how important the past is nowadays.
The 1948 Czechoslovak coup d’état when the Czech communist party backed by the Soviets took over. This meant the end of democracy in the country, economic transition and oppression of the nation. For the next forty years, Czechoslovakia was part of the Soviet Bloc.
Czechoslovak coup, also known as Victorious February from communist point of view, was celebrated as a significant historical event during communist era.
A protester against the Soviet invasion stands at the foot of the Jan Hus memorial, holding the Czechoslovakian flag. Sitting at the foot of the memorial was often a way of protesting against Communist rule during this period.
In 1968 after Alexander Dubček tried to loosen restrictions on Czechoslovakian citizens Soviets sent Warsaw Pact troops to occupy the country. Here, a soldier sits next to the Clock Tower.
Wenceslas Square, one of the places where Russian tanks occupied the city: “The Square is more associated with revolution than relaxation.” Now it’s one of the biggest tourist hotpots in Prague.
