Lazdijai is a city (miestas) in Lithuania located about 7 km east of the border with Poland.

History

It was established by Sigismund II Augustus in 1570 and granted Magdeburg Rights by Sigismund III Vasa in 1587. During World War II, Lazdijai was under German occupation from 22 June 1941 until 31 July 1944. On November 3, 1941, 1,535 Jews were murdered in Lazdijai, including 485 men, 511 women and 539 children The perpetrators were members of the Rollkommando Hamann, local policemen and Lithuanian nationalists. In 1990 Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union, and new check points between the borders Poland and Lithuania were established, and Lazdijai became the center that oversees and continues to regulate these operations.

Etymology

Lazdijai gets its name from the river Lazdija (also known as Raišupis), which runs through the city. It is, however, unclear where the name for the river comes. One possibility is that the name Raišupis is likely of Sudovian origin, having a meaning related to nuts, while the lithuanian word for hazels is lazdynai, possibly birthing the river's alternative name lazdija and the city name Lazdijai. Throughout the history the city belonged to various powers and accordingly was known under various names:, ,. Also, the Jewish population of the city called it Lazdei. See also Names of Lithuanian places in other languages.

Notable people

Birthplace

Gallery