Maidan

Maidan, in Ukrainian, means a large public square or open space used for gatherings and markets. In modern usage it commonly designates central urban squares, and the term has become associated with political protest in post-Soviet states. The best-known Maidan is Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or Independence Square, in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Located at the western end of Khreshchatyk Street in central Kyiv, Maidan Nezalezhnosti serves as the city's principal public square and ceremonial venue. It is bordered by government buildings and is anchored by the Independence Monument, a tall column crowned with a statue symbolizing national independence. The square is used for official celebrations, public events, and civic demonstrations.

Historically, the square has been a center of political mobilization. It was a focal point of the Orange Revolution in 2004-2005, when large crowds gathered to protest the presidential election results. In 2013-2014, mass protests known as Euromaidan occupied the square following President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to suspend closer European integration. Clashes with security forces in Kyiv and other cities led to fatalities and international attention; the movement ultimately contributed to a political transition in Ukraine.

Beyond Kyiv, "maidan" is used to describe public squares nationwide, and "Euromaidan" or "Maidan" has become a shorthand for broad-based protests and popular mobilization in Ukraine. The term appears in broader discourse about civic space and democracy in the region.

Today Maidan Nezalezhnosti remains a focal point of public life in Kyiv, hosting celebrations such as Independence Day and serving as a barometer of public sentiment. It has undergone and continues to undergo municipal improvements while preserving its role as a site of gathering and expression.