Not just a monument: in Kobleve, they have planned a memorial square with a rotunda and a grapevine

The concept of the space was presented by the artist Mykhailo Reva

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03 Sep 2026

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Концепція майбутньої меморіальної площі на честь Томаса Кобле у Коблевому

In Kobleve they plan to create a memorial square in honor of Thomas Koble — a historical figure associated with the village’s name. The concept for the future complex was presented by Honored Artist of Ukraine Mykhailo Reva, and the executive committee of the Kobleve Village Council supported further work on the project.

The location of the former Koble estate, according to preliminary information, has already been identified. The building itself has not survived. At the same time, the initiators are additionally studying historical records about the residence of Thomas Koble and a possible burial site on the territory of present-day Kobleve. They are also working on a book about his life.

The idea is to restore historical justice and create a large square that will primarily symbolize the memory of this person

At the meeting it was emphasized that this is not about erecting a single monument, but about combining a memorial complex, public space, landscaping and a tourist location.

According to Mykhailo Reva’s concept, the central element will be a rotunda that will unite architecture and sculpture. Inside they plan to place an artistic composition dedicated to the history of Kobleve and the figure of Thomas Koble. The main components of the concept:

a bronze structure in the form of a grapevine — a symbol associated with the emergence of viticulture in this area;
four bronze bas-reliefs depicting Thomas Koble, historical motifs and vineyards;
historical text in Ukrainian and English;
a symbolic spring — a granite bowl of water that will flow out in four directions, forming the shape of a cross;
greenery with herbs and grasses, including feather grass, as well as trees and other plants.

Next to the square they propose arranging parking places, as the location may attract tourists. Among additional ideas is a small shop with souvenir products. The memorial’s symbolism is planned to be used for souvenirs, printed materials and other elements of the community’s tourist brand.

The new space is also considered as a venue for cultural events and residents’ gatherings. The concept author believes that after the end of the war the communities of southern Ukraine will have significant potential for tourism development, so Kobleve should proactively shape interesting public and tourist locations.

The final appearance of the object has not yet been approved. After agreeing on the concept, a working project must be developed detailing landscaping, lighting, benches, planting and other elements. The executive committee proposed to continue designing the territory and to provide parking for visitors. Mykhailo Reva stated his readiness to work on the architectural part and, after approval, to move on to the next stages.

Thomas (Foma Oleksandrovych) Koble (1761–1833) — a military figure of Scottish origin, major general of the Russian army and former city governor of Odesa. In 1792 he received a land grant near the Tyligul Estuary, on the territory of the present-day village of Kobleve.

There he established an estate, developed farming, distributed land to peasants and introduced new agricultural technologies. In particular, Koble brought tomato seeds from Italy. Later the area began to be named after his surname.

Earlier the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance updated the lists of figures associated with Russian imperial policy. The revised data indicate that General Thomas Koble, after whom the village of Kobleve in the Mykolaiv region was named, is not a symbol of Russian imperialism.