Hodonyms - An Expression of Collective Memory and Cultural Identity in the Urban Space of Chișinău

The article examines the phenomenon of hodonymy in the urban context of Chișinău, analyzing the linguistic, historical-political, cultural, and religious dimensions of street names. The study aligns with the recent trend in onomastics to move beyond the classical frameworks of anthroponymy and toponymy by exploring new research directions, among which urbanonymy holds a distinct place. By investigating street names, the article highlights the multiple functions of hodonyms as symbolic markers of national identity, political and religious orientations, as well as instruments for shaping collective memory.