Maskavas Forštate

Maskavas Forštate (German: Moskauer Vorstadt) also known as Maskavas priekšpilsēta and colloquially as Maskačka, is a suburb of Riga situated on the right bank of the Daugava. The neighborhood is located to the south of the old city of Riga along the road historically connecting Riga to Moscow, from which its name is derived.

Maskavas Forštate
Neighborhood of Riga
Maskavas Street, the main thoroughfare
Location in Riga
CountryLatvia
CityRiga
DistrictLatgale Suburb, Riga
Area
 • Total7,594 km2 (2,932 sq mi)
Population
 (2018)
 • Total31 918
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)

History
See also: Riga Ghetto

The history of Maskavas Forštate, whose name in English literally means the Moscow suburb goes back to at least the 14th century, in some parts the medieval street network has been preserved.

Architecturally, the neighborhood reflects its history as an area of Russian, Belarusian and Jewish migration, especially characteristic wooden homes.

During the Nazi occupation of Riga, the neighborhood was turned into a ghetto for Jews. Today, there are memorials on the site of the Great Choral Synagogue and the old Jewish cemetery. Most of the prewar buildings remain standing.

Demographics

In the 1980s and 1990s the area developed a reputation for drug abuse and criminal activity. New buildings, offices, shops and the migration of local families have changed the district's economic profile in the 21st century.

By 2008, Maskavas Forštate had an average level of criminality along with the Centre and Old Riga. The Ministry of the Interior divided Riga into 9 districts with the following levels of criminality:[1]

  • 2 HIGH (more than 2900 criminal offences). Located in the periphery of Riga.
  • 4 AVERAGE (between 2100 and 2700 criminal offences). Centre, Old Riga, Maskavas Forštate.
  • 3 LOW (less than 1700 criminal offences). Purvciems, Mežaparks (One of the wealthier areas of Riga).

Based on the number of criminal offences against foreigners, Maskavas Forštate was the 3rd safest district in Riga according to the statistics.[1]

Architecture
Wooden buildings

The area has a notable legacy of diverse religious buildings, reflecting its history as a destination for numerous migrants.

The Central market is located next to the railway station in a series of former Zeppelin hangars.

Protected Heritage status for older wooden houses has prevented their demolition, and a process of gentrification is underway.

Higher Education
Baltic International Academy

Lomonosova Street (lv) is the location of a cluster of higher education institutions.

The building of the Latvian Academy of Sciences is located on Akadēmijas Square. Nearby is the Riga Building College.

The Latvian Academy of Culture (lv) is on Ludzas Street (lv).

Transport
Tram on Maskavas street

The suburb is defined by the Riga–Daugavpils Railway which borders it on the north and east along with marshaling yards. If the Rail Baltica project is competed as planned in Riga, part of the railway embankment separating the suburb from the city centre will be replaced by an overpass bridge, greatly restoring access to the suburb.

Central and Vagonu Parks stations are accessible from the area. Rigas Satiksme operates a tramline down Maskavas street and bus services throughout.

Some scenes in the television adaptation of the Robert Harris novel Archangel, starring Daniel Craig, were filmed on Maskavas Iela and Katolu Iela.

The 1995 adaption of The Dogs of Riga featured scenes set at Riga Central Market. In the 2012 adaptation, featuring Kenneth Branagh, the main character visits Latgale market on Firsa Sadovņikova street.

References
  1. Ministry of the Interior Statistic year 2008
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