Kopys

Kopys is an urban-type settlement located in the Orsha District of the Vitebsk Region in Belarus. First mentioned in historical records in 1059, the town developed significantly after becoming part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th century. It was granted town rights during the 16th century and served as a private town owned by prominent noble families, specifically the Ostrogski family and later the Radziwiłł family after 1594. The settlement once featured a castle and a Calvinist church established by Krzysztof Mikołaj Radziwiłł, reflecting its status as a regional center of administration and religious life within the Polish–Lithuanian Union.

The town's history includes periods of significant turmoil and cultural development. During the Great Northern War in 1707, Kopys was destroyed by Russian troops, marking a decline in its former prominence. Following the First Partition of Poland in 1772, it was incorporated into the Russian Empire. Despite these challenges, Kopys became a notable spiritual hub, serving as the origin of the Kapust Hasidic dynasty and hosting a Jewish typography by the end of the 18th century. Today, the physical castle no longer stands, with only the site remaining as a historical landmark in the small community, which had a population of approximately 600 residents as of 2025.

Kopys holds distinct historical significance as the birthplace of Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, as well as Israeli politician David Remez and poet Veniamin Blazhenny. While the architectural grandeur of its past, including the fortress and noble estates, has largely vanished, the town remains a recognized location within Belarusian history. Its legacy is preserved through its association with major European dynasties, its role in Jewish religious history, and its connection to modern political figures, maintaining its place in regional directories despite its current modest size.