Years in Yugoslavia

In the turbulent year of 1919, amidst the chaos of the Russian Civil War, General Denikin's Armed Forces of South Russia captured Kyiv, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey. It was during this tumultuous time that Timoshenko found himself compelled to leave the city he called home. His odyssey began with a departure from Kyiv, leading him to the bustling city of Rostov-on-Don. But fate had much more in store for him than he could have ever imagined.

Timoshenko's journey was nothing short of epic, taking him from Novorossiysk to the scenic landscapes of Crimea, and then across the sea to the storied city of Constantinople. Each leg of his journey was a testament to his resilience and determination. Finally, his travels took him to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, a land of diverse cultures and languages, where the city of Zagreb welcomed him with open arms.

Identity papers Timoshenko used in Zagreb, Croatia.

Appointment letter to Timoshenko as public full-time professor under a contract for technical mechanics, dated 17 April 1921

In Zagreb, Timoshenko found more than just refuge; he found a purpose. The Zagreb Polytechnic Institute offered him a professorship, a role he embraced with enthusiasm and dedication. Despite the language barrier, Timoshenko delivered his lectures in Russian, weaving in Croatian words with a skill that bridged cultures and understanding. His students, captivated by his unique method of teaching, found themselves able to comprehend his lessons with surprising ease.

Left to right: First 3 images are appointment letters are for teaching of structural mechanics. The last one is an appointment letter as full time professor for mechanics with an annual salary of 7,500 dinars.

Letter of appointment from Croatian National Government for Lectures on Structural Mechanics

Letter of appointment from Croatian National Government as full time lecturer at Czech Technical University in Zagreb

The year 1920 brought a brief moment of hope to Kyiv, as it experienced a fleeting liberation from Bolshevik control. Seizing this opportunity, Timoshenko embarked on a heartfelt journey back to the city of his origins. It was a reunion filled with emotion, as he reconnected with his family amidst the backdrop of a city once again in turmoil. With his loved ones by his side, Timoshenko returned to Zagreb, carrying with him memories of a homeland struggling for its future. In the halls of the Zagreb Polytechnic Institute, his legacy lived on, not just in the engineering principles he taught, but in the spirit of understanding and cultural exchange he fostered among his students.

Source: National Academy of Sciences Biographical Memoirs, photographs obtained from SPT's family.