The Big Draw
selling the Soviet past
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25 years since the end of the USSR: The story of a market like no other
This is a panorama drawing of a unique market in Tbilisi, Georgia that sells old Soviet hardware.

Click on the orange characters to get the video stories of the stallholders, and drag, scroll or use arrow keys to view the drawing.
An Interactive Story By Andrew North
The Big Draw: Selling the Soviet Past 25 years since the end of the USSR: The story of a market like no other
The Tool Seller
Name: Tamazi Dudashvili
Job: sells tools and spare parts
Working here since: 1999
"The Soviet times were good. I had a job, a salary. Now where are the salaries and jobs?"
The Cigarette Seller
Name: Marina Esebua
Job: sells cigarettes, sweets and snacks
Working here since: 2008
"I didn’t know what poverty was. My children know all about it."
2008 War Volunteer
Name: Otari Mujiri
Job: repairs and sells power tools
Working here since: 2000
"I was proud I had a chance to defend my country."
The Skeptic
Name: Eduard Miroian
Job: sells tools and spare parts
Working here since: 1996
Before it was Russia. Now America controls Georgia, Eduard believes.
The Europhile
Name: Giorgi Todadze
Job: sells tools, electrical equipment and spare parts
Working here since: 1996
"Archaeologists have shown Georgia is historically closer to Europe."
The Soviet Wrestling Champion
Name: Vazha Jamagidze
Job: sells reconditioned taps and pipes
Working here since: 1998
"There was a little euphoria when the USSR collapsed, as if independence would be good."
The Nuts and Bolts Man
Name: Mirian Nozadze
Job: sells Soviet-era nuts, bolts and screws
Working here since: 2006
"We are just speculators."
The Motor Seller
Name: Jaba Nakashidze
Job: sells power motors
Working here since: 2001
"If the USSR had done something good for us, we wouldn’t have wanted independence."
The War Veteran
Name: Tariel Saralidze
Job: sells power motors and welding equipment
Working here since: 2006
"We need a friend to stand up to Russia."
The Drinks Seller
Name: Taso Tsertsvadze
Job: sells drinks and snacks
Working here since: 2001
"Nobody wanted the Russians. We wanted independence."